All posts by Gheg Chhuor

Career Reflections

My Future in PR

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Halfway through my time at Temple, I learned about the public relations department and that I could declare it as my major. Up until then, I assumed PR was a fancy way of saying “free gifts.” Unbeknownst to me, this assumption would only prove my own close mindedness. 

One factor I did not consider when thinking of all the possible PR industries I would want to be in, was CSR, sustainability, and advocacy. Meeting with organizations like Alice PR, Thinkhouse, and even William Fry/AIB, truly showed me how public relations is used in different industries. 

Alice PR made it clear that they care deeply about authenticity. More importantly, PR professionals have a responsibility to uphold the trust given by their consumers and stakeholders. Niamh Breathnach stressed how important it is to elevate authentic voices, especially when representing underrepresented communities. 

Before this trip, I thought agency work meant fast-paced, commercial projects. Alice PR showed me that there are agencies focused entirely on advocacy, and that is where I see myself. This realm of PR felt almost new to me, even though I knew advocacy was part of connecting audiences with a brand’s vision and message. It dawned upon me that I simply needed to be in a space to learn more about how CEOs and executives were prioritizing storytelling and their clients.

Another eye-opening organization was Thinkhouse. Visiting Thinkhouse completely changed the way I think about my future in public relations. From the second we walked in, it was obvious that this agency does things differently. Thinkhouse also left a strong impression on me with their strong commitment to sustainability and ethical communication. 

Their team spoke openly about the kind of brands they refuse to work with and the standards they hold their partners to. It made me realize I want to work somewhere that actually uses PR to connect with people, make real changes, and not make a quick profit. The moment we were introduced to “Cards for Humanity,” I immediately wanted to get hands on with the activity. The prompts on the cards were so thought-provoking, relatable, and spoke to me as a Gen Z’er. 

Both Alice PR and Thinkhouse reminded me that PR has the impact to shape work culture in thoughtful ways. There will always be room in this industry for sustainable, community-based work, when there are thoughtful leaders behind every course of action. When the internal environment is aligned with one another, the clients, stakeholders, and consumers always follow suit.

  • Kelly Chhuor
Dublin On Your Own

Matcha Flight 🍵ྀི ₊ ⊹

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Matcha is one of the few passions of mine that I take quite seriously. I researched where I could find quality matcha in Dublin to see what is different about Irish matcha. There is a global shortage of matcha, as it is only produced through one main harvest yearly. In the U.S., most cafes mix their matcha powders with sugar, diluting it from its natural benefits and taste. The ratio of sugar to matcha used in the states is usually 3:1 (not good at all). This method is used to preserve the matcha powder, as scarcity is at an all time high.

My research brought me to The Matcha Bar. I set out to find the spot, and to my surprise it was not as easy to find. I eventually found my way into Powerscourt Townhouse Centre. Located on the second floor was The Matcha Bar. Looking back, the spot was not at all far from our hostel. At the time however, I was beginning to think if this search would be worth it for a cup of matcha. Fortunately, the matcha drink exceeded my expectations…until it didn’t. I decided to be adventurous and order a ‘turmeric matcha,’ which is not an ordinary flavor combination. Halfway through the drink, I was not so impressed anymore.

Anyway, I digress. From researching where I could find quality matcha, to navigating the busy streets of Dublin, I truly appreciated that little journey I had to myself.

Now, it wouldn’t be a “matcha flight” without trying other matcha drinks. I was due for another matcha latte, and this time I stumbled upon another cafe while sightseeing. Juice Bar would then be my second choice for matcha. From smoothies, to juices, to matchas, I had high hopes for this spot. This time, I ordered myself a mango matcha. Pretty standard flavor to pair with the umami tasting matcha. It was honestly pretty great (better than the turmeric), but nothing to be in awe for. What was simply me wanting to try matcha in a different country, became a peace offering to myself during the jam-packed days in Dublin. 

Still with me on this journey? Amazing! I have just one more matcha trip. To end off on this matcha diary entry, my last drink was at Omma Matcha. This matcha was the best out of the three (all is not lost). I ordered a ‘matcha yuzu tonic,’ and was immediately happy with the taste. I was afraid I wouldn’t get to try this spot out, but the matcha gods were truly on my side. 

Even if the matcha tastings were short and brief, it provided me a little breather to fully grasp the idea of me being in Ireland with such fun, great people. If anyone else is reading this, I hope you feel inspired to try matcha, or give it another chance if your previous experiences weren’t so grand. As I am typing this, I am happily enjoying…you guessed it…MATCHA!!!

-Also wanted to include a picture of all the bottles I had in my bag, and I am such a fan of the attached caps!

  • Kelly

CSR in the Wild

Airfield Estate: Farm-to-Table at Overends Kitchen

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During our visit to Airfield Estate, we were guided through various greenhouses. Some were dedicated to growing fruits and vegetables, and the others were specifically dedicated to microgreens and herbs.

There, our guide Darragh explained how the produce grown on the estate is then used as ingredients for their on-site restaurant, Overends Kitchen. Hearing this, I was excited to see their menu and see which dishes included the fresh produce from the farm. 

The menu is always changing to reflect what is currently being harvested from their organic gardens. While the description mentions that meals are “designed around the weekly harvest and produce from our garden and farm teams,” there was not much signage or menu detail explaining which ingredients came directly from the estate. The estate had various personable features, especially in Letitia and Naomi’s home. It would have been more impactful as a consumer to see just how local my food was. 

The concept strongly supports environmental and educational CSR by showcasing true farm-to-table practices, but it could boost visitor engagement and sustainability messaging by labeling dishes with ‘on-site produce’ or highlighting the connection between greenhouse to table.

I would have loved to see a separate brochure or guide, detailing which ingredients were fresh from the farm, however I do understand it is difficult to do so with a constantly changing menu.

Professional Visits, Workshops, etc.

Changing the Game with Alice PR

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Alice PR was unlike any other PR firm we’ve visited so far on this trip. They had such a clear sense of purpose, and everything they shared felt real and intentional. Even though they’re a small team, their impact in the non-profit and advocacy world is huge.

What stood out most to me was how closely their values align with the work they do. Every campaign had a consistent tone and message, and you could tell the team genuinely cares about the causes they support. It didn’t feel like they were just doing PR, it felt like they were using communications to create real change.

One campaign that really stuck with me was the Ruhama Game Changer campaign. It combined sports with social responsibility in such a thoughtful way, using the platform of Gaelic games to raise awareness around gender-based violence. It was a great example of how PR can be both creative and impactful.

At the end of our visit, we worked in groups to come up with our own awareness campaign ideas based on a brief. It was a fun challenge that tied in so well with everything we’ve been learning, and it gave me a small taste of what it’s like to work in a real agency setting.

Overall, visiting Alice PR made me feel excited about the future. They showed me that it’s possible to build a career in PR that’s meaningful, creative, and true to your values. One thing I’d like to learn more about after visiting Alice PR is how to design and execute values-driven campaigns that create real social impact. I’d love to understand more about the process behind these kinds of campaigns, as well as how they come up with the ideas, how they collaborate with partners, and how they ensure that the message stays consistent and authentic. It’s clear that Alice PR puts a lot of thought into aligning their work with their values, and I’m curious to learn how to do that effectively in my own future work.

  • Kelly Chhuor
Professional Visits, Workshops, etc.

Can a commercial bank become the role model of sustainability efforts? Yes!

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Our visit to AIB and Goodbody Clearstream, was nothing short of exciting, informative, and insightful. I felt immediately welcomed into their workspace, and was excited to learn more about how the two organizations approached sustainability. Paul Kelly, Katie Heston, and John McGeown, all spoke on different categories of expertise. Despite a contrast in topics, each piece that was spoken all weaved together to convey their passions about working in and creating a greener future for the brand.

Paul had truly allowed me to understand just how different EU regulations and standards are compared to the U.S.’, but that should not come as a surprise. “I may walk slowly, but I never walk backwards,” a quote from Abraham Lincoln that Paul shared with us during the Q&A. This quote is significant because it supports AIB and Goodbody Clearstreams’ cause: To fully transition to green energy by 2030, and to become net zero by 2050. 

Now, these promised dates are not here to fill a quota. I believed this was the case, as I remembered just how many organizations practice greenhushing (avoiding discussion of their sustainability efforts). My perception indeed shifted, and I came to realize that AIB and Goodbody Clearstream were entirely committed to meeting those target dates. 

To put things in perspective, it was mentioned by Paul that you would get fined billions of dollars from the EU if you did not meet your promises on being carbon neutral/net zero by your set date. However, Katie mentioned how their environmental efforts were not fueled by the possibility of having to owe the EU large sums of money by not accomplishing their sustainability goals, but fueled by the true change it would bring to the quality of life for everything, and everyone. 

I found it interesting how their efforts in investigating their subcontractors are so precise and careful. It is a thorough search for any signs of ethical implications like child labor. I thought this was absolutely amazing, and I have never heard of this effort being made from any other brand/organization. AIB and Goodbody Clearstream prioritizes the wellbeing of their consumers, employees, and of course, the environment. 

I hope to learn more about how EU regulations and standards can shift overtime, especially with influences from the U.S. government. I would also like to know more about the role of banks in the context of sustainability and green initiatives. AIB and Goodbody Clearstream made it crystal clear early on that they would be involved in every step of the processes of their companies becoming net zero. This was truly inspiring, and I cannot wait for the future of their success in sustainability, becoming fully committed to green energy, and becoming net zero.

  • Kelly Chhuor
Meet Our Bloggers

NEW COUNTRY UNLOCKED: IRELAND -KELLY CHHUOR

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Sustei (Khmer for hello)! My name is Gheg Kelly Chhuor, but everyone knows me as Kelly. I am super stoked for our trip to Dublin, and I cannot wait to experience the clean, fresh, and crisp air of Ireland. 

I am a public relations major, with a minor in content creation. Klein was not my first choice, as I started my Temple journey in the Fox School. The journey that led me to major in PR is something I will always cherish. 

As I prepare for my last year at Temple, I find myself reflecting on two thoughts: How do I get out of my comfort zone, and in what ways will I accomplish this? Soon enough, I heard about the Fair Play program through Klein GO, and knew that I had to jump on this opportunity of studying abroad. 

Truth be told, I was disappointed in hearing about the DC33’s sanitation strike that occurred over the summer. It made me realize how much of an impact that waste makes to our quality of life and health, which made me understand why environmental efforts from everyone and every entity is imperative to a prosperous life. 

This will be my first time studying abroad, as well as my first time traveling to Europe. Before going to Dublin, I spent my summer in Cambodia. There, I had the opportunity to volunteer in charity work surrounding sustainable agriculture, as well as see firsthand the development of the new airport in Cambodia which will be opening next month. 

In Dublin, I hope to connect with my classmates, and navigate through this new unlocked country alongside my peers. I wish to gain new found knowledge in living more sustainably, forge new connections, and experience the rich and lavish culture of Ireland. Architecture is also something I am interested in, and I am stoked to see the plethora of historical buildings, hear its story, and keep them in my heart. 

  • Kelly Chhuor