How do you tap into a network of mentors who will inspire you to reach for the stars? How do you build a legacy and become a “go-getter” and a “go-giver?” Tune into the latest episode of MentorTalks with Jalina Porter, former U.S. Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson (PDSPOX) and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer ExchangeAlumni, to find out.
Ms. Porter, a leading strategic communications entrepreneur, also talks about her experience in the Peace Corps and how it led her to the State Department, the challenge of juggling multiple passions, and how she stays close to her Southern roots, no matter how far she travels.
Ms. Porter also believes in going for your dreams - and finding mentors who inspire you.
“I think you should always go for your dreams. Never settle. Never let anyone tell you that you’re not a good fit. Never let anyone try to deter you,” she said, adding, “I think if you are looking for mentors, a good rule of thumb is that someone should be inspiring you to do something. Someone shouldn’t be telling you that something is out of your league or that anything is out of reach.”
From traveling to Cambodia for the Peace Corps to becoming a staffer on Capitol Hill and cheering professionally for the Washington Wizards to later stepping into her most recent role breaking barriers as the first African-American woman in State Department history to serve as Principal Deputy Spokesperson, Ms. Porter’s career and life experiences will inform anyone looking to make their career in government service and communications.
Speaker Bio
Jalina Porter was sworn in as Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the U.S. Department of State on January 20, 2021. A seasoned communications professional, Ms. Porter also served in the U.S. House of Representatives as Communications Director for former Congressman Cedric Richmond of Louisiana and currently runs her own communications consultancy.
Ms. Porter began her career as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Kingdom of Cambodia where she taught English in Ministry schools and worked with local and international nongovernmental organizations. She has also worked as a strategic communications advisor and media trainer for elected officials, national security and foreign policy professionals, non-profit organizations, and global media and entertainment corporations.
Ms. Porter is engaged in leading civic and service-based organizations including membership in the Links, Inc., Council on Foreign Relations, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, National Peace Corps Association, and lifetime membership with the Girl Scouts. In 2020, Ms. Porter became a recipient of the prestigious Franklin H. Williams Award from Peace Corps headquarters for her lifetime commitment to public service and humanitarian work. In 2021, Jalina was honored on The Root 100 list as one of the top 100 most influential African-Americans. Born in Louisiana and raised in California, Ms. Porter has also spent several years as a professional dancer.
Ms. Porter holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Howard University and a Master’s Degree in Global Strategic Communications from Georgetown University.