Recent News

Special Recognition: Shelley Murphy

At our Annual General Meeting on May 21, 2025, we celebrated Shelley Murphy with a special recognition award for her incredible impact in the public relations field.

Shelley recently retired from her role as faculty and program lead for the public relations program at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). Over the last 19 years, she has dedicated much of her professional and personal life to building the program.

Shelley has a long and distinguished career in public relations, including roles at the IWK Health Centre, Mayo Clinic, Maritime Life, and as an independent consultant. Throughout her career at NSCC, Shelley mentored hundreds of public relations students, staying in touch with many long after graduating. She encouraged students to join the IABC and CPRS boards as student board representatives and always emphasized the importance of supporting the industry.

Through hard work and dedication, Shelley built the reputation of the public relations program brick by brick. The program is well-respected among employers, and the graduates are thriving in all facets of public relations locally, nationally, and internationally. In retirement, Shelley still accepts “coffee dates” with students, peers, and employers alike, offering general communications advice, career guidance and often life advice.

Shelley, thank you for your lasting impact on our field. We hope you have a fantastic retirement – and some more coffee dates in the future!

Pictured L to R are: Sarah Manley Robertson, President; Shelley Murphy; Alison MacDonald, Member; Allison Currie, Former Board Member.

Master’s student Dina Sallam receives 2025 CPRS Nova Scotia Student Award

HALIFAX, May. 22, 2025— The Canadian Public Relations Society Nova Scotia (CPRS-NS) proudly recognized Dina Sallam as the recipient of the 2025 CPRS Nova Scotia Student Award. Sponsored by Prospect Strategies Ltd., the award was presented May 21, at the CPRS-NS Annual General Meeting in Dartmouth.

Dina Sallam is a Master of Public Relations student at Mount Saint Vincent University, in Halifax. Originally from Egypt, she brings a unique blend of global experience and strategic insight to the field of public relations (PR). Before pivoting to public relations, Dina built a career of more than 10 years in logistics, international trade and customer success, holding roles at global organizations across continents and sectors.

“I chose PR and communications as my future career and area of study because I enjoy learning new things, especially about human experiences,” explained Dina in her application for the award. “What excites me the most about PR are the dynamism, the opportunity to tell stories and the idea of being a bridge between an organization and its audiences.”

Dina’s transition to public relations reflects her passion for strategic communications, storytelling and relationship building. She is dedicated to applying her diverse background to the communications field and is committed to making a meaningful contribution through both academic and professional excellence.

“By offering this award, we aim to encourage emerging practitioners and remind them that our profession thrives on fresh ideas and perspectives,” said Dawn Delaney, CPRS-NS Awards Chair. “Dina’s application stood out for her thoughtful articulation of what public relations means to her, showing a commitment to continuous learning fueled by deep self-awareness and purpose. We are proud to support Dina’s journey.”

The 2025 CPRS Nova Scotia Student Award included a cash prize and mentorship from Prospect Strategies Ltd.

“I sponsored this award because I believe that mentorship creates momentum,” stated Sarah L Manley Robertson, President and Founder of Prospect Strategies Ltd. “Mentors were a critical part of my career path and remain vital even now, as a solo entrepreneur in public relations and communication. I look forward to mentoring Dina and supporting her as she blazes her path in this fascinating and critical field.”

Students enrolled in a post-secondary public relations or corporate communications or related program in Nova Scotia were invited to apply for the 2025 Student Awards earlier this spring.

About Prospect Strategies Ltd.

Prospect Strategies is a corporate, executive, and business communications advisory, founded by Sarah L. Manley Robertson, SCMP®, Prosci®, ABC to collaborate with you in a hands-on approach to helping you tackle your toughest challenges, build sustainable positive workplaces, and elevate leadership effectiveness. Together, we will challenge convention and uncover possibility. As a former corporate executive, Sarah knows what it takes to lead through complexity: whether it’s mergers & acquisitions, culture shifts, crises, or transformation at scale. She’s advised 20+ C-suite leaders across sectors like pharma, healthcare, QSR, and global standards. Behind the scenes, she helps bold leaders cut through the noise, elevate their impact, and communicate with purpose. Learn more at our website: Prospect Strategies.

About CPRS Nova Scotia

CPRS Nova Scotia is a member society of the Canadian Public Relations Society, a non-profit professional society for the public relations profession in Canada. CPRS NS has served public relations practitioners in the province since 1957 and is one of 13 member societies across Canada. For more information about CPRS Nova Scotia, including our activities and events, visit: www.cprsns.com

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For more information, please contact:

Dawn Delaney, CPRS-NS Awards Chair

cprsnovascotia@gmail.com