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Okay, I promised to do my profile and put some pictures out here so here goes!! :)
Let's see... After graduation, I went to Tallahassee, Florida to attend college. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Florida A&M University. My major was Public Relations and Corporate Communications. I continued playing the flute and piano through college and obtained a minor in Flute. Graduated in 1992. While I was in college, my parents moved from Savannah to Jacksonville, Florida to head up a ministry here. As some of you remember my dad is a minister and a master electrician.
After graduating from FAMU, I stayed in Tallahassee and worked for the State Treasurer in his press office for a year. Left Tallahassee in 1993 and worked in Indianapolis for a year doing PR work. Indy got WAY too cold and I moved back south, this time to Jacksonville where my parents were living. I've been a Florida girl ever since. I got a PR/corporate communications job at the bank which was then Barnett Bank in 1994. Met my wonderful husband, David, at the bank. We became good friends and soon fell in love. We got married in 1996. Although we both work for the bank, HE is the true banker! I am a PR and Communications Manager so I know enough to be dangerous! :)
My career path... I have logged more than 17 years in various aspects of corporate communications, public relations, marketing communications, and journalism. I specialize in strategic planning, effective internal and external communications, and development of behavioral and change communications strategy. I am a Vice President in our Global Marketing & Corporate Affairs for Bank of America. I've been with the bank for 13 years. I currently manage the communications efforts (planning, strategies, media relations, etc.) for the Global Marketing & Communications Operational Risk and Recognition & Rewards programs, a major division for Bank of America, with national and international responsibility. Keeps me busy!
I'm very active with the Florida Public Relations Association (http://www.fpra.org/) and have sat on the state executive committee for several years (http://www.fpra.org/au_executive_committee.asp). I earned my Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credentials in 2001 (it's kinda like a CPA for an accountant). My proudest career achievement, I believe, is that I was able to make a little history in my career. In 2002, I became the first African-American to serve as President of the FPRA Jacksonville Chapter. Then, made history again in 2003 as the first African-American to serve on FPRA's Executive Committee. I was named the inaugural recipient of the 2003 Trailblazer Award, presented by the National Black Public Relations Association, the Florida Public Relations Association and the Public Relations Society of America. I'm getting ready to be FPRA State President come this August, which will be another first. Please remember me in your prayers as I look to take on the leadership of our Association.
As for my sweet family... Dave and I had our first dear son, Andrew "Drew" Hart, in 1997. Our second dear son, Ethan Hart, was born in 2000. Dave and I enjoy raising our 2 boys! They certainly keep us busy! And, this working mom thing is CRAZY!!! :) But, Dave is a very supportive and loving husband. I'm so grateful to have him as my partner. Dave and I are very active in our church and community outreach.
For my extended family... They are all doing well and we are all still VERY close. I am grateful for that. We are all married and have wonderful kids. We have given our parents 25 grandchildren to love! :)
Dave, the boys and I have had a year with lots of changes. We recently built a home (what were we thinking??) and moved last year into the new home. The boys started a new school due to the move. I just sat for my exam for my Certified Public Relations Counselor (CPRC) credentials with FPRA -- which took a lot of study time that I didn't have -- what was I thinking?!! (I just found out I earned my CPRC a few weeks ago! Yeah!) And, the biggest news... I'm pregnant!! :) Yes, last month I found out I'm having a baby. It was a BIG surprise as we were not planning it but we are very happy for the surprise and God's blessing! Dave and the boys are very excited! We always thought (in the back of our minds at least) that it'll be nice to have a 3rd child (to try for that girl!!) and about 4 years ago we tried but nothing came of it. Now my youngest son, Ethan, is seven!! Obviously, God had his own timing!! :) I'm due in December.
When we told the boys, my oldest, Drew, gave me a big hug and said, "Mommy, God is blessing our family." Ethan said, "I have to read to the baby" and ran to get his books to start practicing his teaching skills. They are going to be great big brothers! Dave is also so excited! He's been taking great care of me. :)
With all that being said, I've been very busy and much preoccupied with my current responsibilities this past year and wasn't able to work on the reunion committee as I would've liked. However, I would like to take this time to send a big THANK YOU to Natalie, Lori, Ramona, Candace and all of the great folks on the reunion committee. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to making this reunion happen! We are ALL so busy but you ladies committed to making it happen! And thanks for so many others like Heather (she comes to mind because she's been so vigilant and creative in finding people) and so many others who helped to get the word out. This is all SO exciting and I look forward to seeing all of you in July! And, yes, I will be "showing" by then!! :)
I've enjoyed reading all the profiles and seeing all of your beautiful faces -- and all your sweet children! How great to see you all doing well and enjoying life. And, thanks to all of you who have sent emails or reached out to me. This has been wonderful reconnecting with you. I treasure the friendships made in school so much. As for me, I'm still the same gal, just 20 years older and wiser (I hope -- smile).
God bless you all and safe travels!!
Hugs,
L
P.S. I just realized I wrote such a LONG letter. Once you get started... I guess it's the writer in me!! :)
