DALLAS, March 1, 2017 — The Dallas chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) recently recognized Leah Ekmark Williams, APR, and vice president of C. Pharr & Company, with the Norm Teich Award for her significant contributions to the local community. Along with her active involvement in PRSA and The Real Estate Council (TREC), Williams currently volunteers as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star (BBBS) and Woodrow Wilson High School (Woodrow).
PRSA established the Norm Teich Award in 1989, one year after Teich's death, to commemorate his meaningful impact on others and his commitment to the betterment of the city of Dallas. Every year, the award is granted to a PRSA member who matches Teich's drive and dedication to volunteerism and community service.
“Leah joins a special group of Norm Teich recipients who epitomize excellence in both public relations practice and community service,” said 2016 PRSA Dallas President Sandra Duhé, APR, Fellow PRSA. “Her dedication to mentoring and caring for others is evident not only in her work, but also in her life. Leah is a true leader exceedingly worthy of this honor.”
Williams has been active in BBBS since 2005, mentoring young leaders of the future as a Big Sister and serving in various volunteer and leadership roles. In 2009, she was elected to the inaugural junior board and served as chairman in 2013, where she recruited additional mentors and raised more than $50,000 for the organization. In 2013, Williams also joined the organization's e-mentoring program, Mentor 2.0, which matched her with a North Dallas High School freshman , whom she continues to mentor today.
In addition, Williams serves as the communications committee lead for the Academy of Finance Advisory Board at her alma mater, Woodrow. The Academy helps East Dallas students learn fundamentals about the business and start-up world. Williams advises students on her committee on how to create and implement communication plans for the academy, plan large-scale events for peers and parents, and, overall, how communications and marketing can lead to a solid career in business.
As a member of TREC, Williams also led the strategy and development of TREC’s social media outreach. She implemented TREC’s first young real estate professionals’ volunteer day, Together We Give, in December 2009 – the inaugural event was attended by more than 80 young executives from eight nonprofit real estate organizations. Williams served as the public relations/marketing chair for TREC’s young professionals group, Young Guns. She was also the publicity chair for Fight Night, the premier fundraising event within the commercial real estate organization.
Williams has extended her spirit of giving at C. Pharr & Co., where employees volunteer quarterly at different organizations and nonprofits in the community. In the summer of 2014, Williams and her colleagues hosted a four-week career camp for Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas, an organization that helps at-risk young women reach their full potential through education and encouragement. Together, they worked with about 20 students, ages 12 to 15, to help prepare them for their future careers.
Williams joined PRSA Dallas 12 years ago and currently serves as the chapter's assembly delegate. She has also served on the marketing and membership committees and was chapter president in 2014.
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