For senior journalism major Kolby King, leadership isn’t about waiting for opportunity. It’s about stepping forward — sometimes into spaces that weren’t designed with her in mind.

Kolby is driven by her experience as a profoundly deaf individual. From working with students at her childhood school to mentoring current University students who are hard of hearing, her passion is rooted in showing others with disabilities that their potential is not limited.

Driven by advocacy

That same commitment to advocacy and connection has shaped how she approaches leadership on campus. When the chance arose to serve as president of the University of Nevada chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), the answer was an obvious yes.

“One thing I want people to know about me is, I do not let my hearing disability of being profoundly deaf with bilateral cochlear implants stop me from achieving the things I set my mind to,” Kolby said. “And I think being part of PRSSA and being this year’s president is great proof of that.”

Drawn to the opportunity to make both personal and professional connections, Kolby took the role and made it her own — collaborating with PRSSA board members on campus and networking with public relations, communications and marketing professionals at the ICON conference in Washington, D.C.

Faculty adviser Alison Gaulden, APR, fellow of the Public Relations Society of America, said PRSSA gives journalism students like Kolby the opportunity to practice their public relations craft in real time while building professional networks through an award-winning partnership with the Sierra Nevada Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

Building a future with purpose

After graduation this spring, Kolby hopes to work in the nonprofit field. Her internship with For the Song Charitable Fund, a non-profit organization that brings touring musical artists to northern Nevada, has given her relevant experience and helped clarify her career goals.

“My internship has helped me realize I potentially want to work with or at a non-profit because I understand their importance in the community and their ability to make an impact and create change,” Kolby said. “Music and the music industry can be so transformative, so it’s been really fun to experience that firsthand.”

Kolby credits taking initiative, seeking out mentorship and using campus resources as essential to her success. For anyone considering a leadership role, her advice is simple.

“As cliché as it sounds,” she said, “just do it — even if you’re scared. Either way, you’re going to learn something.”