Workplaces today bring together Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, each with unique values, communication styles, and expectations. Misunderstandings can arise, but so can opportunities for meaningful connection. 

In this panel discussion, seasoned experts and fresh voices will share real-world strategies to break down barriers, spark collaboration, and create an environment where every generation thrives.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or a new professional, you’ll leave with practical tools to:

✅Adapt communication styles across generations.
✅Embrace technology while respecting tradition.
✅Strengthen team collaboration and cohesion.

This is your chance to gain actionable insights into what it takes to unite today’s diverse workforce.

🗓️ Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
🕒 Time: 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
🏢 Venue host: Fifth Ring (5151 San Felipe St #1399, Houston, TX 77056)

Seasoned pros: 

Lee Vela, Vice President of Clear Channel Media

Lee is vice president of Public Affairs for the Houston region of Clear Channel Outdoor and is President of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Texas. He is also the chairman of the Fire Fighters Foundation of Houston and past president of the Houston chapter of the Public Relations Association of America (PRSA). Except for a two-year absence, Lee has worked for Clear Channel and its predecessors for 33 years. He handles all public, community relations as well as digital conversion initiatives for the company locally. Previously he has served as Chief Communications Officer for the Houston Independent School District; Public Relations Manager for the Port of Houston Authority and owned and operated his own marketing and communications agency in Houston.

He is a graduate of Texas A&M University at Commerce (formerly East Texas State University) and is the recipient of more than 50 awards of excellence from local and national organizations including PRSA’s Hall of Fame Award. He resides in Sugar Land with his wife of 42 years, Corinne and son Brent.

Todd Gregory, Regional Director, Americas, Fifth Ring

Like a great craft beer, I have the right ingredients, the right timing, and the local influences needed to be exceptional. With more than 30 years of fermentation in Texas and along the California coast. My intrinsic understanding of client’s needs and ability to translate them into superior marketing, advertising, and communications strategies is the cornerstone of my success. I've assisted Fortune 500 companies in many industries to achieve their sales and marketing goals. I currently serve as Fifth Rings Regional Director, Americas. I will guide the continued growth and success of the team. Develop nationwide opportunities across multiple segments; Energy, Maritime, Renewables, Manufacturing, Engineering and disruptive technology.

I am passionate about bringing change to organizations by providing insights and big ideas that propel them.

Susan Ann Schmaeling, APR, Susan Ann Schmaeling Public Relations 

Susan Schmaeling, APR, is the principal of Susan Schmaeling Public Relations, a public relations consultancy that serves a diverse client portfolio. Her areas of expertise include strategic communications, marketing communications, content creation, media relations, social media management, brand consistency, reputation management, crisis communications, and project management. Select clients include Core Dance, Rice University Art Gallery, Houston Chamber Choir, Rothko Chapel, and Parra Design Group, among others.

Prior to starting her consultancy in 1997, she served as the Public Relations and Marketing Director of the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston for more than eight years. A native of New Jersey, Schmaeling graduated with a B.A. in Communications from Douglass College, Rutgers University.  The Public Relations Society of America accredited her in 1993. She has received numerous professional awards including the highest honors from the American Association of Museums and the Texas Association of Museums, and a Silver Award from the Baton Rouge Advertising Association. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, Houston chapter and was a member of RClub (formerly River Oaks Women’s
Business Exchange Club) for seven years.

As a volunteer, she served on the board of directors for Eye Care for Kids from 2014-2016. She served as a member of the St. Agnes Academy Advancement Committee from 2011-2014. She has served as Secretary; VP, Programs; President Elect, and as President for the newly rebranded R Club, formerly known as the River Oaks Business Women’s Exchange Club, the oldest women’s networking organization in Houston.

New pros:

Tala Kseibi, PR Manager, Love Advertising
A driven PR Manager fueled by an unwavering passion for effective communication and strategic brand management, I specialize in crafting award-winning, client-focused strategies
that deliver measurable results and elevate brand presence across industries, including B2B, home services, healthcare, and more. With a proven track record in media relations, innovative
campaign execution, and compelling storytelling, I bring fresh perspectives and dynamic energy to every project I lead.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations from The University of Texas at San Antonio, where I honed my expertise in crafting impactful
communication strategies. In my current role at Love Advertising, I have successfully developed award-winning, client-centered communication strategies that exceed KPIs and elevate brand
presence across diverse industries, including B2B, home services, healthcare, and others. Securing high-impact coverage in top publications such as the Houston Chronicle, Houston
Business Journal, and DC Velocity, as well as on prominent broadcast platforms like ABC13 , FOX26 and CW39. I also provide media training for C-level executives to ensure consistent and
compelling brand messaging in public engagements.My leadership experience includes serving as President of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) at UTSA, where I revitalized the Steven R. Levitt chapter. By implementing strategic planning and event execution, I increased membership to over 25 active participants and raised $3,000 within weeks. I am also a founding member of Delta Theta Mu, UTSA’s first Middle Eastern/South Asian sorority, where I led culturally significant initiatives that fostered inclusivity and community engagement.

Currently, I serve as a Board Director and Chair of the New Young Professionals Committee at PRSA Houston, where I actively work to advance the public relations profession through mentorship, collaboration, and innovative strategic initiatives. These roles, combined with my unwavering commitment to community engagement and excellence in public relations, empower me to lead and support initiatives that drive growth, foster collaboration, and inspire innovation across our industry.

Lauren Ercolani, Marketing Operations Specialist, Univar Solutions 

Lauren Ercolani is a 2023 graduate of Texas A&M University with a bachelor's degree in communication and a minor in business. During her time at Texas A&M, Lauren was Digital Media Chief at A-Line Magazine, a student-run fashion and lifestyle publication. She began her career at a local marketing agency before transitioning to the corporate sector of chemical and ingredient distribution at Univar Solutions. As a social media strategist, Lauren specializes in organic and paid social media campaigns, excelling at leveraging comprehensive data analysis to inform and drive successful strategies.

More recently, Lauren has made a shift to project management, where she plays a central role in streamlining marketing processes and enhancing campaign efficiency. Her commitment to executing marketing strategies with precision and adherence to best practices has established her as a key asset.

Joy Xhindole, Graduate Student

Joy Xhindole is a marketing and communications strategist with a passion for blending creative storytelling with a deep understanding of human behavior. She is currently pursuing a Master of
Science in Psychology at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, specializing in Consumer Behavior and Decision Making. For Joy, this degree is more than an academic pursuit; it is a
way to deepen her ability to connect with people, uncover what drives their choices, and craft strategies that truly move the needle.

Professionally, Joy has had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients, from global conglomerates to emerging market entrants. Her experience spans shaping corporate social
responsibility initiatives that align with business goals, executing impactful product launches, crafting strategies for companies preparing to go public, and transforming internal
communications to enhance organizational effectiveness. She has also guided change management efforts and developed innovative digital strategies, always with a focus on
delivering measurable results and solving real business challenges.

At the heart of everything Joy pursues lies a deep curiosity about how communication shapes the decisions people make. Her goal is to bring these insights to life in real-world
applications—creating communication strategies that not only inform and influence but also inspire action and create long-term consumer loyalty.

Moderator:

Veronica Sopher, Veronica Sopher Consulting 

Veronica V. Sopher is a dynamic school communications leader with more than 20 years’ experience in K-12 leadership. She has served as the Chief Communications Officer for several large and mid-sized school districts. Sopher provides leadership, vision, direction and execution of major district communication programs, strategies, events, and activities.

Sopher believes in the power of self care and its dynamic impact on customer service, leadership development and team building, especially in the K-12 space. After years of burning the candle at both ends and pushing herself to achieve, she realized that her physical and mental health were preventing her from creating balance in her home and her two teenage daughters and husband were not getting her best self.

Sopher changed course, started investing in herself and reignited her mindset. This shift created a healthier home-life for her family, stronger and more effective productivity for her school district and leadership team and created a passion for sharing her learning with other K-12 leaders.

Throughout her career, she has earned numerous communication professional awards and has led national award-winning teams. Sopher serves as a mentor to several school communications professionals and has held leadership positions for the Texas Schools Public Relations Association, including serving as President in 2022. She has been a PRSA member for 25+ years, and before was an active PRSSA member while studying public relations/journalism at the University of North Texas, where she earned her bachelor’s degree.

Questions? Contact [email protected] or [email protected]. 

Tickets

$50.00 Guests
$55.00 after 05:00 pm January 13
$45.00 Earlybird rate before January 3

$40.00 Members
$45.00 after 05:00 pm January 13
$35.00 Earlybird rate before January 3

$25.00 Student Ticket