Hyacinth Rucker is a PRSA leader out of Indiana. New in 2024, Hyacinth serves as an ECD Board member. Get to know a little about her.

Home Chapter: Hoosier Chapter

City/state of residence: Fishers, Indiana

University/degree: University of Missouri–Columbia with a Broadcast Journalism major and Black Studies minor

What year did you join PRSA (national)?  2015

Where do you work? Manager of media and public relations at the world’s largest children’s museum, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

What was your first job out of college? KEYE-TV in Austin, Texas, as a morning show producer. I worked in the TV industry for 12 years before switching careers and pursuing an opportunity in the PR industry – and I have not looked back. In the first week of my first PR job, I knew I found my passion.

What was your biggest career lesson? You have be a lifelong learner. My jobs have constantly evolved, which requires me to continue to learn new things, new technologies, new techniques. And PRSA has been a catalyst to me staying relevant.

What was the most memorable moment in your career? When our small PR team of two won the Best of Show Award at the PRSA Hoosier Chapter Pinnacle Awards! We won in the Media Relations project category for the AMAZING exhibition, “Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See,” with a score of 96 points out of 100. Wow! To be honored in this manner by my peers in another state was the most rewarding experience. Hard work pays off!!!

What lesson do you want to share with graduates entering the workforce in PR?  Be fearless. You may not know how to do something, but have the confidence that you can learn. There is nothing you cannot do when you put your mind to it.

What is your favorite aspect of the PR profession? Every day is different. There are no two days that are the same. And I am a people person, I love meeting new people all the time.

What is your opinion about AI and how it relates to the PR profession? AI can be used as a tool to make me a better PR professional. I use it as a way to brainstorm ideas and help me with a first draft. I still want my work to reflect me and my writing style, so there are multiple drafts after that first one before I have a final version.

What do you most value about being a member of PRSA? The opportunity to meet and work with other PR professionals. It is a great feeling to be in a room with like-minded people.

When not working, where would we find you? At home in my happy place with my family doing something fun.

What’s your favorite pastime? Hanging out with my family. Family is the most important thing to me.