How to bring virtual reality to life in your association

Anthony Shop is Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Social Driver, a digital services firm that helps companies and nonprofits establish winning strategies with social media, websites, content, and advertising. Anthony is also Chairman of the National Digital Roundtable, the premier convener of digital innovators, leaders and policy shapers. Anthony has been recognized as an “OUTstanding LGBT Role Model” by The Financial Times and “40 Under 40” by The Washington Business Journal. A former newspaper reporter, Anthony was the first new media professional elected to the prestigious National Press Club’s Board of Governors. Prior to founding Social Driver, he served as press secretary for a top U.S. congressional race and as a journalist. He earned his MBA from The George Washington University School of Business, where he is an adjunct lecturer.

Candace P. Parrish, Ph.D. is the Director & Assistant Professor of the Strategic Communication & Public Relations Online Master’s Program in the School of Communication, Media and the Arts at Sacred Heart University. Candace received an interdisciplinary Ph.D. related to the areas of Public Relations, Health Communication, and Visual Communication from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has been recognized nationally & internationally for her research centered around visuals (infographics) used in public relations and health communication--although her interests span over a few areas (including sexual assault, diversity, sustainability and body positivity.) Additionally, Candace has over 9 years of industry/consulting experience, has been featured in Forbes, and is a freelance writer who has contributed to PR Daily.

Jimmy Vainstein leads the Interactive Media Program at the World Bank Group in Washington, DC. His efforts brought the deployment of immersive tools across the development organization in order to virtually transport audiences to areas of focus and connect them with issues affecting people living in poverty and engage. His initiative of implementing Augmented and Virtual Reality throughout the organization has found a place in enhancing communications efforts, support field operations and decision making for true impact. Jimmy has a Bachelor in Economics and a Master’s of Science from the School of Media Sciences from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He also serves as Co-chair for the VR for Good committee at the VR/AR Association (VRARA).

Kevin Coroneos is the Digital Director of the Aerospace Industries Association, where he delivers audience-centric content that tells the historic impact of the industry and the innovative future that lies ahead.

As a part of his role, Kevin also serves as the Communications Director for The American Rocketry Challenge – the world’s largest student rocket contest and aerospace industry’s flagship program designed to encourage students to study science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Kevin’s work inspires more students across the country to compete in the Rocketry Challenge through compelling team stories in local and national media, as well as developing community-driven social media channels.

Prior to his work at AIA, Kevin worked as a Senior Account Executive on the Public Affairs team at Edelman. A three-year Edelman veteran, Kevin created innovative campaign strategies and engaging content for clients looking to bring their issues to the forefront. Kevin led advocacy and social media campaigns for several clients in the healthcare, transportation, food and energy industries, looking to influence and change federal, state and local policy. He has also worked to interweave corporate reputation and public affairs by developing stronger, more comprehensive narratives and communications strategies for Fortune 500 companies.

In addition to his digital experience, Kevin helped manage Edelman’s Field Network of political and media experts in all fifty states, who provide on-the-ground expertise and relationships to drive local advocacy. Kevin helped pass legislation for a healthcare client in 45 states by placing earned media in key legislative districts, and driving constituent contacts to target legislators.

Kevin holds a B.A. in Political Science from Seton Hall University, and an M.P.S. in Political Management from The George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management.

Rachel Henderson  Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Good

Rachel Henderson is a Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Good at Fenton. Rachel is an award-winning senior communications professional with 15 years of media relations, social impact storytelling and cause marketing experience. Her issues expertise ranges widely, from global development, public health, sport philanthropy, refugees and migration, to consumer brands, public affairs, sustainability, and healthcare.

She offers communications strategies for leading brands and global organizations to build a better world. She is a sought–after thought leader and speaker on virtual reality storytelling, social impact communications, CSR, and cause marketing strategies and brings this expertise to her clients.

Throughout her career, Rachel has served in a variety of other senior leadership roles at global agencies and nonprofit organizations, including The RHA Group as President and Managing Director, Warschawski as Vice President and Head of XR Storytelling, the United Nations Foundation heading communications for the Nothing But Nets campaign, and Vice President of Corporate and Public Affairs for Ogilvy Public Relations in Washington, D.C.

Rachel serves on the Boards of RefuSHE, Prevent Human Trafficking, and the Mahendra Singh Foundation, offering probono communications counsel. She graduated cum laude with honors from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY. She resides in Springfield, VA with her fiance and their two dogs, Gus and Rigby.