Member Spotlight: Sandra Varner
What is your industry or area of expertise?
Public Relations is the umbrella that my company operates under. Our core services tend to be centered on media relations, which has offshoots into community engagement and media training.
Why do you believe in the mission of BlackFemaleProject?
I think the mission is reflective of who we are as Black women in the work space and every other space that we occupy. It’s central to our identity, our work, and our collective mission of being supportive of each other while fostering positive, uplifting, beneficial environments where we all thrive.
What brought you to BlackFemaleProject?
A very dear friend and colleague was familiar with BlackFemaleProject and referred me to the project. I attended an event and just immediately was immersed in what BlackFemaleProject does, and knew I had to be involved. Because—as we say in contemporary language—it felt like my village. It felt like my place. It felt like my affinity group. I wanted to be involved just by that experience alone.
How has BlackFemaleProject impacted you personally?
It’s sort of complicated, and I'll share it in this way: One of the things that compels me to the organization—and at the same time is something that I'm not happiest about—is that we’re still dealing with issues that were dealt with many decades ago. I’m compelled to it for that very reason but at the same time, I’m disheartened because we’re still having to fight some of the same age-old fights.
What motivated you to join the board of BlackFemaleProject?
It was a meeting of the minds, almost. BlackFemaleProject recognized the lived experiences I had and saw value in those lived experiences at the advisory level, and I was open to it. It was the convergence of us recognizing the value and the shared opportunity to participate at the advisory level.
What BlackFemaleProject content or offering have you found most resonant?
There is a throughline in the work, and there is connection to many aspects. What I find to be resonant is BlackFemaleProject’s consistency. I think that’s one of their strongest assets. The planning is resolute and intentional. I think BlackFemaleProject does a tremendous job in outreach and in making sure that they widen their footprint. Those are things I just marvel at: how this organization propels itself and is always addressing how it can improve and make changes.
Bio:
Since 1991, Sandra Varner has led Varner PR & Community Engagement Agency, an award-winning communications entity, specializing in media relations and community engagement for a range of clients. Acclaimed as skilled and professional communicators, designing effective strategy from concept to completion—the Varner PR imprint is widely known. From broadcast, digital and print media outlets to solid relationships with decision influencers, trailblazers, academics, executives and civic leaders; the Varner PR portfolio spans private sector to public agencies, cultural arts to entertainment, professional sports, faith-based, healthcare, and government affairs. Varner has coordinated substantial media campaigns on four continents. Nationally, she has coordinated major press events for both NBA and NFL top picks; coordinated and facilitated professional development workshops at National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). Locally, she secured and managed media coverage for the $1million COVID-19 Resiliency Relief Business Grants Program, an award-winning initiative of the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC).
Varner is a graduate of Southern University Baton Rouge (LA) campus; a member Center of Hope Community Church (Oakland); Delta Sigma Theta Sorority INC, Bay Area Business Roundtable, Girl Scouts NorCal Board Advisory Committee, BlackFemaleProject Advisory Committee, Café Mocha Radio Editorial Board, Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce, Women Film Critics Circle; Certificate of Completion from African American Board Leadership Institute (AABLI); received 2021 Powerful Women of The Bay, Dr. C. Diane Howell Entrepreneur Award.
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