Sharon Kunkel, APR, CPRC, has dedicated more than three decades to advancing nonprofit causes and community initiatives through public relations and marketing. A graduate of Tufts University with a Bachelor of Arts in American studies, Ms. Kunkel has leveraged her education to build a successful career focused on elevating community voices and strengthening organizational impact. As president of Wordslinger Marketing & PR, she works primarily with nonprofit organizations in Sarasota and Manatee counties in Florida, providing public and media relations, strategic communications consulting, writing and editing, event promotions, branding, and crisis communications. Her expertise also extends to content marketing, fundraising, and awareness campaigns.
Building on her extensive industry involvement, Ms. Kunkel serves on the board of the Central West Coast chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA). She earned her accreditation in public relations through the Public Relations Society of America and was awarded the certified public relations counselor designation by FPRA. Ms. Kunkel’s contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Grand Golden Image Award from FPRA, multiple statewide Golden Image Awards, and several local Image Awards. She was also named Member of the Year by her FPRA chapter, showcasing her commitment to professional excellence and community service.
Before founding Wordslinger Marketing & PR, Ms. Kunkel was director of marketing and communications at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Prior to that, she was the director of development and marketing at Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida and communications director at the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. In each of these roles, Ms. Kunkel demonstrated her ability to lead complex initiatives and enhance organizational visibility through strategic storytelling and community engagement.
Ms. Kunkel began her professional journey in journalism, honing her narrative skills as managing editor of the Weekly Planet. This early experience shaped her talent for crafting compelling messages that resonate with diverse audiences, a strength she continues to apply in her work with nonprofit clients. Her commitment to social causes, including hunger relief, child welfare, LGBTQ+ rights, the arts, and workforce development, has established Ms. Kunkel as a trusted advocate within the community. She credits her success to her strong work ethic, insatiable curiosity, and a network of professionals that have continually inspired her to push boundaries and innovate within her field.
In addition to her professional achievements, Ms. Kunkel is devoted to civic engagement. She provides pro bono services to organizations, including Temple Emanu-El of New York, and takes great pride in mentoring others and helping them build strong foundations in their careers. Her passion for mentorship and community support has made her a respected leader and role model in the public relations field.
Ms. Kunkel enjoys spending time with her family, playing drums, singing in a Sarasota-based rock band, and paddle boarding among manatees. Looking ahead, she plans to continue focusing on causes that align with her values while furthering her impact on the community through her work and advocacy.
