LONGTIME MEMBER STEPS INTO HER NEW LEADERSHIP ROLE:

TSPRA’S NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PATTI PAWLIK-PERALES

What three words would you use to describe TSPRA?

Dynamic. Trusted. Professional.

How has school PR changed since your career began?

It moves much, much faster.

Who is someone that influenced you significantly in your career in school PR? There are so many who have guided me, supported me, listened, lifted, counseled, consoled, inspired, challenged and cheered. I am grateful for every moment with each and every one.

Where is one place in the world you want to visit and why?

My parent’s house. It’s where we share, laugh, cry, dream, celebrate, and love our family and friends.

What are some of the initial goals you have as a new executive director?

What is your favorite TSPRA Conference memory?

TSPRA conferences just get better and better every year. Probably some of my favorite memories are sitting at the banquet table with my TSPRA colleagues and friends, laughing along with Riney Jordan and Tim Carroll and their creative stories, antics and activities!

What’s the best book you read that shaped you as a leader?

Dare to Lead by Brene Brown. Brene shares that to truly be effective leaders we must be vulnerable, live our values and brave trust. She walks us through our modern workplace culture, helping us dispel the myths that might define us, and strengthens us to find our collective values as a team, so that we may support each other in work and in life.

I want to meet the members in their home regions, visit with them, learn about their needs, and what inspires them.

What inspires you about TSPRA’s future?

Our members. We have the most talented, creative, strategic, smart, dedicated, kind professionals in the business of school communications.

If you could change one thing about public education in Texas, what would it be?

I would want our teachers to be recognized as the professionals they are.

What music stays in rotation at all times?

I am a button-pusher, constantly changing stations. My channel lineup includes 80’s tunes. And, when I’m rolling down a country road, a bit of country music sets the scene.

What advice would you give a new school PR professional just getting started in their career?

Join TSPRA. You will make lifelong friends and hold the resources you need in the palm of your hands.

Bio

A 1984 graduate of A.C. Jones High School, Patti attended Texas Tech University, earning a Bachelor of Arts. She went from college classroom to public education at KBSD, the educational access television in Brownsville ISD, where she served as a Scriptwriter and Station Manager, writing, hosting, and producing numerous television programs; including, talk shows, live, homework assistance, call-in shows for students, live parades, athletic events, special events and graduation coverage. From Brownsville, she moved to San Benito CISD and had the opportunity to build a new educational access station for the district, working collaboratively with her talented team to launch KSBG TV. Partnering with San Benito High School and the Career and Technology Program, the team developed and launched the media technology program for students, earning numerous accolades for the student-centered program and television station.

She relocated to the San Antonio area, where she worked for New Braunfels ISD’s instructional television station and served as a Communications Specialist, supporting the Communications Department. Soon after, she was hired at Alamo Heights ISD where she served as Communications Specialist and then as Communications Coordinator for 14 years.

Dr. Dana Bashara, Superintendent for Alamo Heights ISD, shared of Pawlik-Perales, “I had the privilege of hiring Patti 14 years ago and have been so grateful for the incredible positive impact she’s made on our district from her very first day. She has been a passionate Mules fan and a supporter of all things Alamo Heights. She ushered AHISD into the age of social media and video production, which both became venues for her superhuman efforts to spread great news about all aspects of our district. Beeville ISD is certainly fortunate to be gaining Patti’s passion and talent!”

If you could only have one snack food for a year, what are you picking and why?

Easy…and cheesy! Queso! Goes great with chips, tortillas and TSPRA colleagues and friends. Truly a Texas thing.

Patti joined the Beeville ISD team, sharing her excitement to be a part of their dedicated team of educators and leaders. “It is truly an honor to be able to return home to share the inspiring work of our students, teachers and staff, celebrating the schools and community that raised me. In my short year here, I have met so many amazing and talented people. I am excited to have served this district and supported the philanthropic work of the Beeville Education Foundation.”

A short, busy year later, Patti has been named the Executive Director for our Texas School Public Relations Association. A career-long member of TSPRA, she is humbled and honored by the opportunity and the work of serving the membership. She looks forward to continuing the work of the strong leaders who came before her, providing professional development, strategic learning, networking and connectivity for the organization’s members, calling upon their unique talents and skills to grow and strengthen TSPRA.