This new series will feature career advice from IPR ELEVATE Members. IPR ELEVATE is a diverse and select membership community of high-performing innovators and catalysts for growth, change, and advancement who support the mission and insights-focused work of IPR.
Briana Bryant, MPA, is Director of External Affairs for Sikora Law. Bryant is an experienced strategic communications and public relations professional with more than 15 years of strategic storytelling, marketing, change management and award-winning public relations experience.
Prior to joining Sikora Law, she led the Alabama market expansion for NP Strategy, a southeast boutique PR firm. She previously led internal and external communications for Southern Research, an $85 million high-growth life sciences research organization based in Birmingham, Al. With a reputation as a “builder” and storyteller, Bryant thrives in high stakes scenarios where she can create new programs and processes that drive widespread impacts.
As an advocate for social and industry impact, Bryant is dedicated to mentoring students, developing the next generation of leaders, promoting her profession and giving back to the community. Along with volunteering time to numerous committees and projects focused on promoting diversity, equity and belonging, she has served in local and national leadership roles in the Public Relations Council of Alabama and Public Relations Student Society of America chapters. She now serves as chair on the board of directors for the Alabama Chapter of PRSA and chair-elect for PRSA’s Southeast District board of directors. She also serves on the Institute for Public Relations Elevate research cohort, is a member of the Shades Valley Rotary Club PR committee and is a Policy Fellow with the Alabama Women’s Foundation.
Bryant has been recognized across the industry for her leadership, academic and career achievements. She was named Women’s Empowerment Champion by PR News, and has received multiple Medallion Awards from the Public Relations Council of Alabama for her work leading client campaigns and developing PR strategies. She was honored as a Rising Star Alumni by the UAB National Alumni Society and was named Outstanding Student by her alma mater three times.
A native of the Los Angeles area, Bryant recently relocated to the Cleveland, Ohio area. She received a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s in communications from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She credits her love of her new home to Cleveland’s endless cultural and outdoor pursuits.