Jessica Graham joined Susan Davis International (SDI) as an intern in June 2025 through the Washington Ireland Program and quickly became involved supporting our clients through a busy summer.
The Washington Ireland Program is a leadership and peace-building program that brings university students from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to Washington D.C. for internships and training, fostering future leaders committed to peace and prosperity on the island of Ireland. In addition to her internship at SDI, Jessica engaged in an extensive curriculum consisting of VIP speaker sessions, service visits, debates and writing a policy paper on climate change and sustainability.
After completing her second year of studying law at Queens University Belfast, Jessica was thrilled to have the opportunity to engage deeper into the world of public relations and strategic communications. SDI provided her a unique opportunity to blend her passion for advocacy with practical skills in storytelling, research, and media impact – tools she plans to carry into a future career.
Jessica contributed to several high-profile SDI clients, including the Marine Corp Heritage Foundation (MCHF). One of MCHF’s key initiatives for the Marines’ 250th anniversary celebration is the Marines Across America program. Jessica drew upon her strong research and writing skills to help prepare bios for the Marine250.com website, contributing to the public’s awareness of Marines and Marine values at work in their communities.
Here’s more about Jessica:
What is your favorite place to visit, and why?
My favorite place to visit is Portmuck beach, a quiet inlet harbor tucked away on the northeastern tip of Islandmagee in Northern Ireland. It’s a place filled with nostalgia. Growing up in Belfast, my family and I would often escape the city to swim, paddleboard, and have barbecues there, rain or shine. The beach offers stunning views of rugged cliffs and the Isle of Muck, a nearby nature reserve teeming with diverse wildlife. It’s a peaceful, grounding spot that still feels like a hidden gem.
What is it about your work for SDI that you find most inspiring/motivating/rewarding?
One of the most rewarding parts of my work with SDI has been researching Marine Corps veterans for MCHF as they celebrate the Marines’ 250th anniversary. Learning about how these individuals continue to serve their communities long after their military service is truly inspiring. Whether it’s through mentorship, advocacy, or community leadership, their dedication to making a difference doesn’t end when their uniform comes off. Being part of a project that honors their stories and highlights their ongoing impact has been both humbling and motivating.
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year, and why?
Normal People by Sally Rooney is my top book pick from the past year, not only for its brilliant writing but for its significant cultural impact on Ireland. Rooney masterfully captures the complexities of young love, class, and communication through the intimate lives of Connell and Marianne. Having grown up in Belfast, I found Normal People to be a deeply relatable and authentic portrayal of contemporary Irish youth. The book and subsequent TV series have sparked vital conversations about class divides, mental health, and the depiction of intimacy, offering an authentic mirror to modern Irish identity and contributing to a more open cultural dialogue in Ireland.
How do you think public relations will change in the next 10 years?
In the next decade, AI will play a major role in transforming public relations, from how we analyze public sentiment to how we tailor and deliver messages in real time. Tools powered by machine learning will allow PR professionals to predict trends, personalize outreach, and respond to crises with unprecedented speed and precision.
At the same time, communication itself is evolving. With younger generations increasingly consuming information through short-form content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, the demand for concise, visually engaging messaging will only grow. PR will have to adapt by delivering impactful stories in shorter, more creative formats without losing authenticity or nuance. The challenge will be to cut through the noise while still building trust and connection in an age of fast-moving, bite-sized communication.
Which country would you most like to visit?
In recent years, travel has become a true passion of mine, and I take every opportunity to explore a new country. Italy is next on my bucket list as I’m eager to immerse myself in its rich culture, history, and iconic landmarks. Plus, with pasta and pizza being staples in my diet, I have no doubt I’d feel right at home there!
Who inspires you, and why?
It may sound cliché, but my biggest inspiration is my mother. Coming from a working-class background, she’s always reminded me that I’m capable of achieving anything I set my mind to. Her incredible work ethic of juggling two jobs, caring for my grandparents with dementia, and supporting our family, has shown me what strength and resilience truly look like. She’s taught me the importance of kindness, integrity, and treating people with respect. I like to think I inherited her great sense of style too – though I’m less thrilled when she “borrows” my shoes without asking!