About KD Public Relations

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Katherine De’Na Parker: Public Relations Practitioner, Mental Health Advocate, and Creative Storyteller

Katherine De’Na Parker’s path to becoming a visionary Public Relations Practitioner and Mental Health Advocate began with a passion for music. She initially pursued Music Education at Jones County Junior College, where her talent earned her a vocal performance scholarship and a leadership role in the renowned JC Voices. However, her love for storytelling and connecting with others led her to shift into Journalism, where she thrived as a columnist and leader. This pivot set the foundation for a career built on creativity, advocacy, and strategic communication.

Katherine graduated from Jones County Junior College with an Associate of Arts in Journalism and later earned her Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism with a focus on Public Relations and Mass Communication from The University of Southern Mississippi. Her dedication to professional growth continued with two semesters in the Master’s Program for Journalism, Corporate Communications, and Public Relations at Mississippi College, further deepening her expertise in strategic messaging and corporate communication.

A Career of Impact and Advocacy

Katherine’s career spans over 15 years of crafting impactful campaigns, managing corporate events, and promoting mental health awareness. As the Founder and Executive Director of KD Public Relations, established in 2016, she has transformed her vision of storytelling into a vehicle for change. Her work has connected businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies with the communities they serve, using innovative campaigns and authentic messaging to build trust and drive results.

Her accomplishments include directing campaigns like Crew No. 8434, a WWII memoir publication that brought history to life, and Fishing for a Cure, a cancer awareness campaign that united communities for a meaningful cause. Katherine also played a pivotal role in the digital transformation of Southeastern Baptist College, earning national recognition for her efforts.

At KD Public Relations, Katherine leads with purpose, spearheading initiatives that address unmet community needs, secure funding, and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her work has earned her a reputation as a trusted leader, creative thinker, and relentless advocate for her clients and causes.

Mental Health Advocacy and Leadership

Katherine’s personal journey fuels her passion for mental health advocacy. As a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) with training in WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) facilitation and supportive supervision, she has provided crucial support to individuals and families in crisis. Her lived experience and recovery story serve as a source of inspiration, breaking down stigma and empowering others to seek hope and healing.

In her role at Southwest MS Mental Health Complex, Katherine increased mental health referrals by 50%, created a comprehensive community resource guide, and co-chaired the Natchez Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force. Her work addressed critical issues like homelessness, transportation barriers, and access to care, demonstrating her ability to lead with empathy and effectiveness.

A Skilled Storyteller and Strategic Communicator

Katherine’s ability to blend creativity with strategy is evident in her diverse skill set. She is highly skilled in:

• Public and Media Relations: Building strong relationships with journalists, stakeholders, and community leaders.
• Digital Marketing and Graphic Design: Creating impactful visuals, managing social media platforms, and optimizing web presence.
• Event Planning and Crisis Communication: Orchestrating corporate events and navigating challenging situations with grace and strategy.

Her technical expertise includes Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, Google Analytics, and social media management tools, enabling her to deliver results across multiple platforms.

A Life of Passion and Purpose

Beyond her professional endeavors, Katherine finds joy in running along the Mississippi River, participating in 5K and 10K races, and capturing life through photography. A dedicated writer, she is currently working on her memoir, The Outlier: My Personal Memoir, which chronicles her journey of resilience, hope, and transformation. Katherine also enjoys creating digital art, performing with the band Miss-Lou Mixtape, and mentoring others in her community.

A Vision for the Future

Katherine’s work reflects her belief in the power of connection and storytelling to create positive change. Whether leading a PR campaign, advocating for mental health, or sharing her recovery story, she approaches each endeavor with authenticity, strategy, and a commitment to making a difference.

To learn more about Katherine De’Na Parker and her work, visit www.KatThePRPrac.com or connect with her on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/kdpprspecialist.

Betsi McGraw Smith brings a wealth of expertise in organizational strategy, communications, and project management to her role at KD Public Relations. With a proven track record in instructional design, change management, and storytelling, Betsi excels in crafting innovative strategies that amplify brand voices and drive meaningful engagement.

Betsi holds multiple advanced degrees that reflect her commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth. She earned a Master of Science in Statistics from Florida State University, a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Memphis, and a Master of Science in Education from Alcorn State University. Her academic foundation also includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, cum laude, from Rhodes College. These degrees, coupled with her diverse professional experience, have equipped her with the analytical rigor, creativity, and emotional intelligence needed to thrive in the fast-paced world of public relations.

As a campaign coordinator, Betsi successfully managed multiple campaigns for legislative candidates, overseeing every aspect of their communications strategy. She designed all campaign graphics, wrote compelling press releases, developed websites, and implemented award-winning campaign platforms that integrated social media, branding, and outreach strategies. These platforms not only increased voter engagement but also earned national recognition for their innovation and effectiveness.

Her tenure at the Mississippi Department of Transportation further highlighted her expertise in change management, where she led a statewide initiative to enhance IT usage, redesign LMS systems, and save the organization over $350,000 annually. Her certifications in branding, emotional intelligence, Google Analytics, and instructional design enable her to create impactful solutions tailored to client needs.

At KD Public Relations, Betsi combines her extensive education and professional experience with her passion for storytelling to help clients craft powerful narratives that resonate. Whether designing campaigns, managing client accounts, or facilitating stakeholder engagement, she brings creativity, precision, and a results-oriented approach to every project. Betsi’s dedication to excellence and innovation aligns seamlessly with KD Public Relations’ mission to foster growth and resilience through strategic communications.

In her spare time, Betsi enjoys teaching yoga, spending time with her two boys, and coaching their sports teams. She is also deeply committed to helping others through mental health and wellness coaching, using her expertise to support individuals in achieving balance and well-being.

Contact Betsi at Betsi.KDPublicRelations2@gmail.com, or via cell at 601.431.6418.