Welcome Diane Hawkins
A conversation with Diane hawkins.
Diane Hawkins, Communications Coordinator, Louisville Department of Metro Public Health and Wellness is IABC Greater Cincinnati's newest member.
What is your background?
I’m a proud South Side of Chicagoan who lives in Louisville, Ky. I graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. I also have a master’s degree in digital media from Indiana University.
What does your job entail?
As communications coordinator for Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, I update and edit our website for the various agencies. I also edit and collaborate with team members on employee newsletters, e-mail marketing and assist with public relations strategic planning.
What was your best career move?
My best career move was beginning a newspaper career as a copy editor. I have worked in newsrooms such as Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Nashville, Tennessee; and St. Paul, Minnesota. If you have ever worked for a newspaper or TV station, you learn invaluable skills including networking, efficiency and accuracy.
I enjoy my current job because the employees are passionate about public health along with disseminating data and significant information about public health. I’m part of a dedicated rock-star communications team that embraces collaborating with all our team members in the department.
Tell us something that people don’t know about you.
Whenever I’m depressed, I either go out for a walk or volunteer. Volunteering is truly my happy place. It helps me forget about my troubles and focus on doing something good in a community. I have been a longtime and devoted member of (global) community service organization Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and National Association of Black Journalists. I also serve as a board member of River City Housing, an organization that helps provide opportunities for low-income families to be able to afford sustainable homes.
Why did you join IABC Greater Cincinnati?
I joined the IABC Greater Cincinnati chapter, because frankly, Louisville doesn’t have a chapter. However, it’s important to me that I learn from a network of nearby communicators who share similar interests, so that we can exchange ideas. The one benefit of this pandemic is that we all can work, connect and communicate effectively from remote locations. Plus, if there are face-to-face events, the Cincy chapter is about two hours away.
How did you first learn about IABC?
My team leader initially told me about this chapter and encouraged me to get involved. She truly wants our communications team to enhance our skills and learn new ideas from other professional organizations like IABC.