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In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes jewel bush, award-winning journalist, communications strategist, and subject matter expert with GirlTrek, the largest public health non-profit for African American women and girls in the United States. Through GirlTrek, jewel is inspiring black women to walk in their neighborhoods for radical self-care and healing.
Pursuing her interests in writing, journalism, and storytelling, jewel has become the “Clarence Avant” of public relations and strategic communications. Listen in as she shares her candid thoughts on the value of storytelling, especially for communities of color, along with her experience covering stories in Haiti and Palestine.
“A good story isn’t just going to fall in your lap, you have to root it out.”- jewel bush
You’ll learn jewel’s philosophy on mission-based journalism and public relations, the steps GirlTrek has taken to reach their goal of getting 1 million women to take their pledge, and what a day in the life of a Chief of External Affairs looks like. Plus, she speaks on how they’ve pivoted their business strategy during the pandemic by creating a podcast and how you can pivot, too!
“I have prided myself on staying current, learning the new technology, being connected with younger communicators, and really just encouraging continued learning… My personal mantra is ‘be in the know.’” - jewel bush
Connect with jewel:
Visit her website: www.jewelmariebush.com
Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/jewelmariebush
Follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/jewelmariebush
Connect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jewelbush
Resources Mentioned:
Take the pledge with GirlTrek: www.girltrek.org
Transition Magazine: https://hutchinscenter.fas.harvard.edu/transition
Listen to the Black History Bootcamp Podcast: www.blackhistorybootcamp.com
Well-Read Black Girl: www.wellreadblackgirl.com
About the Host:
Dreena Whitfield has a proven ability to create tangible outcomes that helps clients exceed expectations. Her diverse career has led her to spearhead the communications and marketing efforts for leaders in the nonprofit, corporate and political sectors, as well as small businesses internationally.
With more than a decade of experience, Dreena and the WhitPR team have a proven ability to spot opportunities for our clients to grow their brand recognition in saturated markets that are in alignment with their overall objectives.
The Huffington Post listed Dreena as one of their “Top 25 African American Millennials in PR to Watch.”
Follow Dreena & WhitPR on all the socials:
@Dreenawhitpr & @whitpr
Join The WhitPR Collective: www.whitprcollective.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howigotherewdreenaw.substack.com
Creators and Guests
Host
Dreena Whitfield
Dreena Whitfield-Brown is the Founder and CEO of WhitPR, an integrated strategic communications agency with 15+ years serving clients in the nonprofit, corporate, and political sectors. Recognized as one of PRWeek's 40 Under 40, a PR News Top Woman in PR, and named to Inc.'s 2025 Female Founders 500 List. She created How I Got Here to have the raw, honest conversations about entrepreneurship that nobody has on the record.
What is How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield?
How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield goes beyond the highlight reel with Black women founders, executives, and leaders. Real conversations about the pivots, the setbacks, and the purpose behind the work. From bootstrapping a beauty brand with $500 to leading a professional sports franchise, each episode explores the moments that shaped who they became and the cost of building something meaningful.
For women navigating leadership, business ownership, career reinvention, and the cost of ambition.
New episodes biweekly on Wednesdays.
Host: Dreena Whitfield
Executive Producer, Writer & Creative Director: Keena Williams / Struxa
howigotherewdreenaw.substack.com