PRSA Voices: Insights from the New Professionals Section – Mariola Lach
Name
Mariola Lach
Position
Account Executive, Crisis & Issues at Zeno Group
Role Within the PRSA New Professionals Section
Section Chair
What inspired you to get involved with PRSA, and how has your journey with the organization evolved over time?
When I first started my career in PR, I found that there was still a lot I didn’t know. I figured a lot of other new professionals probably also had similar questions, and I was inspired to help them by creating useful programming. I created programs and assisted with social content for two years before I became Chair this year.
What does your role within the PRSA New Professionals Section involve?
As Section Chair for the PRSA New Professionals Section, my role involves leading the national committee dedicated to supporting new professionals with less than five years of PR experience. I work closely with our executive board, providing support and guidance to help them succeed in their roles so that we’re consistently delivering meaningful value to our members.
What was your transition into the PR industry like? As someone who didn’t follow a traditional path, what were some of the biggest lessons you learned early on?
There was definitely a learning curve at first, but I learned to lean into the skills I already had and made use of all the resources I could find to bridge the gap. I was fortunate to have people who supported and advised me along the way—they played a big role in my growth. The biggest lesson learned was to remain consistent but flexible with my goals.
If you could go back to when you first started exploring PR, what do you wish you had known about the profession or PRSA?
I wish I knew just how many resources are available and how vast the industry is. Even now, I am still learning new things about the industry.
How has being part of PRSA and the New Professionals Section helped you grow professionally and navigate the early stages of your career?
I’m really grateful for PRSA because of how much it’s helped me, but as with anything, it’s always what you make of it. The resources PRSA offers—like webinars that helped me build my skills and Mentor Connect, which allowed me to connect with experienced professionals—were instrumental before I made the switch and even now.
What advice would you offer to PRSSA members who are getting ready to launch their careers?
There are so many resources out there dedicated to helping you launch your career; take advantage of them! Get involved and connect with people; the relationships you make can last a lifetime and be beneficial for both you and others. Tap into the skills you already have and leverage those as a starting point for your new career.
Lastly, how can PRSSA members connect with you or follow your work?PRSSA members can connect with me on LinkedIn. Happy to chat or answer any questions.
Mariola Lach is an Account Executive on Zeno’s Crisis and Issues team, where she leverages her experience in public relations and crisis communications to help clients navigate product recalls, media outreach, natural disasters, partnerships, and geopolitical issues.
Following a nearly six-year career in Geotech, Mariola began her public relations career at Reputation Architects, supporting the crisis planning and response team. Her experience spans the retail, environmental, technology, nonprofit, healthcare, and consumer sectors.
Mariola holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from William Paterson University. She serves as Section Chair for PRSA’s New Professionals Section and as a board member of PRSA’s Tri-State District.
