How PR is Elevating Young Leaders Council: A Conversation with Executive Director Kim James

Great leaders aren’t born; they’re developed. For more than 38 years, Young Leaders Council (YLC) has been doing just that by equipping young professionals with the skills, confidence and connections they need to become dynamic nonprofit board members. Their mark is being made throughout Middle Tennessee and beyond, strengthening organizations and increasing their impact.

We’re proud to be YLC’s PR and marketing partner, helping amplify the organization’s work and the positive difference it makes on our community. Our connection with YLC is deeply personal. Many Pierce PR team members have graduated from the program, including firm President Julia Bonner, who recently completed her term as YLC’s board president after six years serving on the board. 

Through our work together, we’ve helped raise YLC’s visibility in meaningful ways—securing media coverage for program graduates, highlighting key organizational milestones like the launch of Board Connect, generating awareness of YLC’s events, and securing award recognitions for the organization’s leadership. These efforts have expanded YLC’s reach, ensuring that more professionals, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders know about its work and mission.

We sat down with Kim James, YLC’s Executive Director, to discuss how PR support has helped expand YLC’s reach, engage new audiences, and create more opportunities for young professionals and nonprofit organizations alike.

Since partnering with Pierce PR, how has YLC’s visibility grown within the nonprofit and business communities?

Pierce PR has significantly expanded YLC’s reach by strategically positioning our events and initiatives for maximum impact. Their targeted efforts have not only increased event attendance but also elevated our presence within both the nonprofit and business communities. Through well-timed and thoughtfully crafted press releases, Pierce has helped amplify YLC’s mission, ensuring that more professionals, organizations and community leaders recognize the value and impact of our work.

How has PR helped YLC tell its story and showcase the impact of its programs in a more compelling way?

Pierce PR has played a pivotal role in refining YLC’s messaging, making our story more compelling and cohesive. By streamlining our communications and ensuring consistency across all platforms, they have strengthened our brand identity and reinforced our mission. Their strategic guidance has also helped us align our PR efforts with key milestones and initiatives, ensuring that we maximize engagement and visibility at the right moments.

Can you share a specific example of how PR has helped YLC achieve a key goal, whether that be increased program interest, stronger nonprofit engagement, or expanded community partnerships?

Our nonprofit partnerships have grown significantly thanks to Pierce PR’s support. In 2024, attendance at YLC’s continuing education and nonprofit-focused events saw a substantial increase, demonstrating the power of effective PR in driving engagement. Additionally, Pierce worked closely with us to develop compelling messaging for targeted marketing campaigns, ensuring that our outreach resonates with the right audiences. Their expertise has also empowered our program participants to better leverage their YLC experience, expanding their professional networks and strengthening their leadership impact.

How have media placements, storytelling efforts, or social media strategies contributed to raising awareness of YLC’s mission?

Effective storytelling is at the heart of YLC’s communications strategy, and Pierce PR has been instrumental in helping us tell our story to the right audiences. They have secured placements in key media outlets, amplifying our mission and achievements. Additionally, their strategic approach to organic social media promotion, including impactful graphics for graduations, board announcements and events, has enhanced engagement and visibility. These efforts have not only built awareness but also strengthened connections with our community.

Since launching PR efforts, have you seen an increase in applications, program engagement, or donor support?

Absolutely. In 2024, YLC experienced a significant increase in corporate sponsorships and individual donations, which we attribute in large part to our enhanced visibility and messaging. The more people heard about YLC’s impact, the more they wanted to support and engage with our mission. Pierce PR’s expertise in amplifying our efforts has been invaluable, and we are incredibly grateful for their partnership in helping us grow and thrive.