The Legacy of Women in PR | Shaping Communications Through Time
You know, while the "Mad Men" era often gets all the attention for its male-dominated advertising, the real story is that women were right there from the very beginning, helping to build the entire field of public relations. They weren't just taking notes - they were the strategists, the wordsmiths, the social architects.
So, let's shine a much-deserved light on just a few of these extraordinary women whose contributions truly deserve to be celebrated:
1. Doris Fleischman Bernays (1891-1980): The Unsung Co-Founder
Often overshadowed by her husband, Edward Bernays (dubbed the "Father of Public Relations"), Doris Fleischman Bernays, niece by marriage of Sigmund Freud, was a formidable PR professional in her own right. A talented writer and a fierce advocate for women's rights, she was instrumental in many of Bernays' most famous campaigns.
Breaking Barriers: In 1922, Fleischman Bernays was the first married woman to be issued a U.S. passport in her maiden name, a small but significant act of defiance against societal norms.
"Torches of Freedom" Campaign: While Edward Bernays received much of the credit, Doris played a key role in the infamous "Torches of Freedom" march in 1929, which encouraged women to smoke in public as a symbol of liberation. Her insights into social psychology were crucial in framing this audacious campaign.
Intellectual Partner: She was a true intellectual partner to Bernays, contributing to his theories and strategies. Her memoir, "A Wife Is Many Women," offers valuable insights into her contributions and the challenges she faced as a professional woman in her era.
2. Leone Baxter (1906-2003): The Political Powerhouse
Leone Baxter, alongside her partner Clem Whitaker, founded Whitaker and Baxter in 1933, pioneering the field of political campaign management. They revolutionized how political races were run, focusing on strategic messaging and public persuasion.
Modern Political Campaigns: Baxter understood the power of emotional appeals and direct communication with voters. She was a master at crafting memorable slogans and using media to shape public opinion in political contests.
Groundbreaking Strategies: Their firm was responsible for over 75 major political campaigns, often using innovative polling techniques and targeted advertising long before they became commonplace. Baxter's strategic acumen was a driving force behind their success.
3. Inez Kaiser (1918-2016): A Champion for Diversity and Inclusion
Inez Kaiser broke through significant racial barriers to become a leading figure in public relations. In 1957, she founded Inez Kaiser & Associates in Kansas City, becoming the first Black woman to own a PR firm with national clients.
Pioneering Entrepreneur: Her firm worked with major corporations like Sears Roebuck and J.C. Penney, proving her exceptional skill and challenging existing prejudices within the industry.
Advocate for Civil Rights: Kaiser was also a passionate advocate for civil rights and used her platform to promote understanding and equality. She was the first Black woman to join the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and later founded the National Association of Black Women Entrepreneurs. Her work opened doors for countless others.
4. Betsy Ann Plank (1919-2005): The Corporate Communications Innovator
Betsy Ann Plank made her mark in corporate public relations, most notably as the first woman to be a vice president at the then-dominant AT&T in 1974.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Her rise to such a high-ranking position in a major corporation was a significant achievement for women in business.
Founding PRSA's College of Fellows: Plank was a driving force behind the professionalization of PR. She was a key figure in establishing the PRSA College of Fellows, recognizing and celebrating excellence in the field. Her dedication helped elevate the status and ethical standards of public relations.
Their Legacy Lives On
These incredible women, along with so many others, truly laid the groundwork for the dynamic and influential PR industry we see today. They faced societal limits, gender bias, and racial discrimination, yet they pushed forward, using their sharp intellect, creativity, and sheer determination to communicate effectively and drive real change.
Here at Publicity Bureau, we find so much inspiration in their legacies. Their stories are a powerful reminder that public relations is so much more than just "spin"; it's a mighty tool for shaping narratives, building understanding, and ultimately, making history. We're committed to carrying on their work by empowering the next generation of women to lead, innovate, and leave their own indelible mark on the world through PR.
Who are some other women in PR history who inspire you?