Despite a busy March and spring season overall, VPM didn’t slow down its community engagement efforts in April as we continue to serve residents across Central Virginia! This month was highlighted by several events, speaking engagements, on-air appearances and more.
Read more below about some of VPM’s monthly community engagement activities in April 2025.
Events
VPM recently hosted an event with the Public Relations Society of America’s Richmond Chapter called ‘Speed Dating with a Journalist’ that gave PR professionals from the Richmond area a chance to meet with and learn from members of the Richmond media. On Apr. 9 at VPM’s Sesame St. studios, attendees had the opportunity to pitch their stories in short, timed intervals to journalists or just ask questions, receiving feedback to refine their approach to media relations.
Over at the site of VPM’s future headquarters, Clark Construction Group hosted ‘Take Your Child to Work Day.’ The Apr. 24 event gave children the opportunity to spend the day with their parents that are helping to build VPM’s new building. The kids learned about concrete, took a tour of the jobsite and got to record messages that will be played on VPM’s radio airwaves.
Speaking Engagements
On Apr. 5, Emmy award-winning VPM News journalist Keyris Manzanares emceed ¡FridaFest! at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts celebrating artist Frida Kahlo and her Mexican heritage. The event marked the opening day of the museum’s highly anticipated exhibition Frida: Beyond the Myth. The free, community event featured live music, food and beverages, artist demonstrations, a photo booth and more.
On Apr. 8, RVA’s Got Issues host Rich Meagher joined Michael Phillips of Sports Radio 910 The Fan (and The Richmonder) to talk sports tourism in Richmond and the future of the region in the sports world. Listen to the episode here.
Later in the month, VPM President & CEO Jayme Swain spoke to the Harrisonburg and Rockingham Rotary clubs about VPM’s impact in the Shenandoah Valley, including VPM’s expansion of local news and information, arts and culture programming and resources to support early childhood education.
A few days later, Jayme spoke with students at James Madison University, as well as faculty with The Breeze, JMU’s award-winning student news outlet. The group discussed the changing news ecosystem, how consumers get news and what skills students need to be successful in journalism today.
Jayme continued her busy month when she attended this year’s Tom Tom Festival in Charlottesville to take part in a panel discussion titled "Charlottesville's Narrative: Who Shape’s our Story?” The conversation examined how media, technology and community voices can shape an identity that reflects both Charlottesville’s history and its vision for the future.
On Apr. 16, VPM was recognized as one of the 2024 Outstanding Economic Development Partners at the City of Richmond and the Richmond Economic Development Authority’s third annual ‘Celebration of Business.’ The honor celebrates VPM’s impact and dedication to Richmond's ongoing growth and success.
Looking to learn more about VPM’s impact in our communities? Visit the VPM Impact Page.