Rising Stars: Meet Mikaya Thurmond of Raleigh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikaya Thurmond

Mikaya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m honored to share my story and am grateful for this opportunity. I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, where I grew up in the public eye as the daughter of a politician and TV/radio host. As you can imagine, their careers sparked my fascination with the media. So, it was no surprise to my parents when I pursued TV journalism at the University of Georgia. After graduation, I reported across the southeast, eventually landing at WRAL in Raleigh. Over seven years, I advanced from a morning reporter to weekend anchor and, finally, weekday anchor, delivering the news to hundreds of thousands of viewers daily and earning two Associated Press awards and four Emmy nominations.

In 2018, I graduated from Harvard University with my Master’s Degree in journalism, knowing that I eventually wanted to transition from LIVE TV to the boardroom. In 2022, I was fortunate enough to make that move, creating Milan Public Relations to leverage my storytelling expertise to help brands navigate complex communication challenges. At Milan PR, we offer services in media training, public relations, corporate communications support, stakeholder and government relations, and risk management.

My work in PR is deeply rooted in my belief that effective communication can transform businesses and communities. As Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This philosophy guides my approach to PR, where the goal is always to create genuine, impactful connections.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like everyone, I’ve faced my share of difficulties. Still, my faith, family, and the Raleigh community anchored me through tough times. For instance, when I faced challenges as a young Black woman living in the spotlight, former North Carolina Chief Justice Cheri Beasley mentored me. It was my joy to chat with her over breakfast at Flying Biscuit. Her wisdom and support were invaluable.

Then, there were the incredible people who believed in my calling as a communicator. When I doubted myself during the transition from TV to PR, Loretta Harper-Arnold was a spiritual warrior who had been in my corner since my time at WRAL. Her prayers have been instrumental in my journey.

Finally, I remember how NC State Department of Communication Head Dr. Jessica Jameson took me under her wing when I expressed an interest in lecturing at the collegiate level. She encouraged me to develop a visual storytelling course, which I’ve been fortunate to teach annually.

Supporters like these have helped me become the person I am today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Milan Public Relations, we focus on delivering measurable results through strategic PR. Our process begins with a thorough understanding of our clients’ business and industry landscape, allowing us to tailor our PR tactics for maximum impact. What sets us apart is our team’s extensive experience, which brings a unique, insider perspective to our work. Unlike many agencies, we combine media expertise with innovative strategies to help our clients break through the noise and enhance their brand visibility and reputation. This personalized approach and commitment to results are what we are most proud of.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking has been integral to my journey. One significant risk I took was transitioning from a successful television journalism career to founding my PR agency. This move required stepping out of my comfort zone and venturing into the business world, where the challenges vastly differ from those in journalism.

At Milan Public Relations, we understand the importance of calculated risks in achieving growth and success. Our approach to PR involves:

-Staying ahead of industry trends.

-Leveraging cutting-edge technology.

-Continuously evolving our strategies to meet our clients’ needs.

This mindset has enabled us to provide exceptional services in media training, public relations, corporate communications, stakeholder and government relations, and risk management.

Taking risks also means embracing the possibility of failure. Mark Zuckerberg once said, “The biggest risk is not taking any risk… In a world that is changing quickly, the only strategy guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.” This quote resonates deeply with me, as every risk I’ve taken has led to growth, learning, and success.

For those considering taking risks, having a robust support system and a clear vision of your goals is essential. Embrace the unknown and remember that every risk is an opportunity for growth and learning. Raleigh’s dynamic environment has been the perfect backdrop for taking risks and fostering innovation and resilience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.milanpublicrelations.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themikaya/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MikayaThurmond
• Twitter: https://x.com/TheMikaya

Image Credits
Art by Court Winter