Children's Advocate In Baltimore Updates PR Skills With Certificate
Bethany Fraser graduated from the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, Alabama with a B.A. in Public Relations/Communications and recently updated her skills at American University, Washington, D.C. with a Graduate Certificate in Digital Media. She is now a mortgage loan officer with First Savings Mortgage, D.C.. Fraser is also a developer of the Beyond the Barb advocacy for children website and program, and owner of 21 Media Group, a website management company.
What inspired you to enter your current field and to start your current enterprises?
"I started my loan officer position when I was pregnant and had to quit my flight attendant job."
"I started doing advocacy work in 2013 to provide support and awareness for children with incarcerated parents. This arose out of personal tragedy when my husband was sentenced to prison for vehicular homicide. I focused my graduate project on creating a website to start the conversation about children impacted by incarceration."
"As of January 2015, I started 21 Media Group LLC, where digital and traditional marketing coexist to create media presence, cohesive branding and comprehensive website management."
How does your educational background relate to your current roles?
"I always knew I wanted to do public relations; but the world has changed a lot. I enrolled at American University; because it was time to get serious and to update and sharpen my skill set."
How has your education helped to further your career and contributed to your success?
"The Digital Media graduate certificate inspired me through the actual course work; and the professor's encouragement helped me to create a vision for success. These classes were very technically challenging; but the Professor encouraged me to use them to share my personal story so Beyond the Barb was born out of these classes. 21 Media Group is more recent as clients came before I was even ready to start the business."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into your fields of endeavor?
"I believe consistency and follow up are critical as are grace and gratitude whether looking for funding and sponsorship or pitching media for coverage."
"Media: Networking and strong relationships are most important."
"Advocacy: If there is a cause that has personally impacted you; and you wish to do something about it, search for organizations dedicated to that cause. If there is none, create it. When you are working on a cause that your heart bleeds for, your passion will shine through and people will be drawn to help and to listen."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which
she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.