ADPR Professor of Practice, Roselyn Tantraphol, Fuels Students with Service-inspired Teaching
The Moonsail North marcom agency CEO brings her passion for nonprofits to the classroom
By: Grace Danison
As a ADPR professor of practice and public relations professional, Roselyn Tantraphol, is leaving her mark on her students and community. Through her teaching of strategic communication and campaigns classes, Tantraphol leans on her experience as co-founder and CEO of Moonsail North, an integrated marketing communications agency, as well as a board member for Greater Lansing Food Bank and Michigan Saves.
Tantraphol is an advisory committee member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of Choose Lansing. She says this position has allowed her to guide her students on integrating inclusive perspectives into their public relations work.
“It’s very fulfilling to be part of organizations focused on alleviating community challenges,” said Tantraphol. “Since time is finite, I do have to prioritize, and I focus on organizations that fight social challenges I am passionate about.”
Tantraphol models the work students do in her classroom after her experiences in professional organizations. She hopes to inspire students to be active members of the PR community outside of the classroom. Her experience within the community has allowed her skillset to grow in and out of the classroom.
“Working in the community gives you a richer and more nuanced sense of what different stakeholder groups want and need,” said Tantraphol. “I believe that engagement and learning processes can help PR professionals sharpen their relationship management skills.”
Tantraphol uses her strategic communication and content marketing skills, honed through her professional and community work in the classroom. She uses these to expand on her teachings to students about how to work in PR while being involved in the community.
“Let your passions guide you when it comes to community service,” said Tantraphol. “Identify the issues that mean the most to you and find nonprofits and other community groups working on those issues. Volunteer your time and start that journey. You’ll never look back and regret taking that first step.”