President's Report

Yá’át’ééh. Shi eí April Hale yiníshyé. She eí Tábąąhá nishlį dóó Áshįįhí bashishchiin. Kinyáa’aanii da shichei dóó Tódich’iinii da shinalí. Iyanbitódęę’ naashá. Naʼnízhoozhídi shichʼįʼ yáłtiʼ. Bééahdiildasinildi kehashtį. (Hello. My name is April Hale. I am of the Water’s Edge clan born for the Salt people. My maternal grandfather is of the Towering House clan and my paternal grandfather is of the Bitter Water clan. I am from Iyanbito, NM; grew up in Gallup; and reside in Albuquerque.)

I introduced myself in my Navajo/Diné language to show respect for myself, my family, and my ancestors. It also extends an offer of kinship to those who may have the same clan and are relatives. This sense of family and community is intuitive and innate for indigenous people like the Navajo. As a Diné woman and small business owner, supporting, building, and providing for community is my nature and my heart work. 

NMPRSA has been my supportive and encouraging community since my years working in Washington, DC (2006-2017) when I was a member of the National Chapter. When I moved to Albuquerque in 2017, and started my own firm– A.Hale PR, Inc, I was happy to join and collaborate with the New Mexico Chapter. A.Hale PR specializes in strategic communications and community engagement with Native American tribes and tribal organizations as well as public and media relations and a host of other services. You can view my bio here. It is my honor to serve as your NMPRSA 2026 President.

2026 Vision

As I step into this role as NMPRSA President, I do so with deep gratitude and humility. My vision for 2026 is simple – focus on members, engage students and partners, build and support community. This vision is only successful with YOU too!  

Membership: Retention & Recruitment

Let’s focus on increasing our membership! New Mexico PR professionals bring unique perspectives, cultural connections, and lived experience that enrich our work. From students to Emerging Pros to seasoned leaders, we invite you to call NMPRSA your home. Share NMPRSA info with your comms and PR peers across the state too! We’d love for our membership to grow in areas like Farmington, Gallup, Taos, and Las Cruces! lease reach out to our Membership Committee Chair Jennifer West to learn more about member benefits and resources – [email protected]. 

Engagement: Mentorship & Partnership

Engagement is what keeps an organization alive. A chapter cannot thrive if its members are disconnected. We must be intentional about creating opportunities for participation, conversation, and leadership. This is especially important for PR students who are seeking mentors and real-world guidance. Reach out to me if your passionate about sharing our years of experience with the next generation of the profession. This year, we are committed to offering monthly programs that include panel discussions, speaker presentations, webinars, and member mixers in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Farmington, and Las Cruces. If you have an idea about a program or speaker, please share it with us! Send an email to [email protected].

Community: Diversity & Support

At the heart of this vision is community. Building community is not optional—it is integral to our growth. This chapter has an opportunity to shine and lead by example in June when the PRSA Travel & Tourism Section Conference comes to Albuquerque. Let’s support our colleagues working on the conference and show visitors our New Mexico style and pride! We can also support NM pride through partnerships with tribes, cultural organizations, disability advocacy groups, and others while remaining committed and responsive to the NMPRSA community. 

I’m looking forward to an amazing year ahead for NMPRSA! Thank you y gracias dóó ahéhee’.  

April Hale, President, NMPRSA
Owner, A.Hale PR

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Calendar of Events

We're excited to host our first networking event of 2026!

Santa Fe Networking Mixer
Tuesday, January 27 | 5-7 p.m.
The Chop Food Hall | Santa Fe | Details >

Join us in Santa Fe ... around the corner from the Round House. Connect with fellow PR, communications, marketing, and media professionals from across the state in a fun, social setting. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the industry, this mixer is a great opportunity to build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, and expand your professional circle. 

Enjoy drinks and great food on us ... plus good conversation, and the chance to strengthen New Mexico’s PR community — we’d love to see you there!

While the event is free, please register to let us know you'll be there (and bring a friend). 

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Membership News

If you are looking to join NMPRSA in 2026, check out this sweetheart of a deal:

When you join PRSA at the full membership level, your New Mexico chapter dues will be waived for this year. Don’t wait — this deal is open to the first 100 to join. Use the promo code NETWORK26. Your application is available now at prsa.org/membership. 

Already a member? Share the love by telling a public relations or communications professional about this great opportunity.

Questions? Please email NMPRSA Membership Chair at [email protected].

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Welcome New Members

A shout out to members who recently joined or renewed. 

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PRSA News and Events

PRSA connects you to a network of communications professionals through local communities, premium events and industry-specific groups. Below are a few recent highlights of the tools that foster professional development and enhance career growth. 

Additional resources:

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