Meet the Keynote: Rachel Bookman

Keynote Title: Personal, Positive, and Plain-Spoken: Strength in a Common Language 

As recycled materials industry professionals, we know that we do important work. But do we always communicate that importance in a way that resonates with the public? 

Recognizing the need to speak in one voice to be heard, ISRI began looking at how the public responds to the way we describe our industry. We found that people are more likely to be engaged and supportive of our work when we use plainspoken, positive, and personal language. 

In this keynote, I will share insight into some of the successes ISRI and our members have had in using this new language to communicate the value of the recycled materials industry. We will also highlight just how much the average individual depends on the essential work of our industry. 

Join us for this informative and inspiring keynote to learn from experiences, on how you can use plainspoken, positive, and personal language to communicate the value of recycled materials to the public. 

Rachel Bookman is the Director of Communications at the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), where she has worked for more than 10 years. She leads the association’s overall internal and external messaging and storytelling efforts, including social media and member communications and public outreach strategies. She also serves as the staff liaison for ISRI’s Women in Recycling Council.

In addition to her communications role at ISRI, Rachel is the Chair of the Association/Nonprofit section of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). She is a proud child of New Orleans and a graduate of Louisiana State University (LSU). She currently resides in Arlington, Virginia with her husband Lorenzo and son, August.

Rachel is passionate about the recycled materials industry and is committed to using her skills to promote the industry and its positive impact on the environment. She is a strong advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and is committed to helping women achieve their full potential.