Amelia Taurel Folkes, APR

Amelia Taurel Folkes, APR joined Raise Your Hand Texas in April of 2022 and brings more than 18 years of experience in public relations and corporate communications. As a member of the communications team, she oversees communication campaigns that support Raise Your Hand Texas’ statewide regional advocacy director team and the mission to advance the reputation of strategic priorities across policy, advocacy, and legislative engagement.

Prior to joining Raise Your Hand, she worked in technology PR supporting large multinational firms in their thought leadership communications. She also worked at State Farm for 11 years in community relations and brand strategy where she managed Texas-based grant programs positively impacting students, schools, and education-based nonprofits across the state of Texas. Her work includes winning several awards including a Silver Anvil for a financial literacy program geared to underserved Hispanic families hit hard by the housing crisis. She also spent time at the internationally recognized PR firm, Fleishman-Hillard, working with clients such as the Department of Homeland Security, Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Office of National Drug Control Policy, AT&T, and others.

Folkes is fluent in Spanish and has extensive experience researching issues dealing with access to education for underserved communities and working with multicultural audiences. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Latin American Studies from Texas A&M University and a Master’s of Professional Studies in Strategy Public Relations from George Washington University. She received her professional Accreditation in Public Relations in 2016 and is active on the Austin PRSA Chapter and Hispanic Public Relations Association.