Maria Meireles completes her degree in Public Relations and Business Communication with thesis defense on Communication in the Organizational Context: The Case of the Brava City Council

Maria Meireles, a native of the city of Brava, chose to study the institutional communication practices of the City Council, an entity that plays a fundamental role in local public administration. Throughout her thesis, the student analyzed how communication flows between the different departments of the Council and between the Council and citizens affect transparency, efficiency and community engagement. To do so, she used qualitative research methods, including interviews with public servants and citizens of Brava, as well as a survey on the use of communication technologies within the institution.

In his defense, Meireles emphasized that, in a public organizational context, communication is not limited to the transmission of information, but also involves building a relationship of trust and strengthening the bond between the public administration and the population. The research revealed that, although the Brava City Council has adopted some digital communication tools, such as social networks and online platforms, there are still challenges related to accessibility and reaching the entire population, especially for the elderly and those living in the most remote areas of the island.

The research also addressed the importance of internal communication in the City Council, highlighting that, for effective public administration, it is essential that all sectors within the institution share information in a clear and timely manner. Meireles argued that the lack of a structured communication plan can lead to failures in project execution and public service.

When presenting the results, Maria Meireles suggested a series of improvements to enhance the organizational communication of the Brava City Council, including the implementation of an integrated communication plan and the provision of periodic training for the institution's employees, with the aim of strengthening their communication skills. She also recommended the creation of more accessible communication channels and the promotion of greater interaction with the community through public events and popular consultations.

The jury, composed of experts in the field of communication, congratulated the young researcher for the quality and relevance of the work presented. Organizational communication is a vital field for the development of public and private institutions. Maria Meireles' research, which addresses a reality as specific and relevant as that of the Brava City Council, brings important contributions to the improvement of communication practices in Cape Verde, and should be read and applied.

On her social media, Maria Meireles expressed her gratitude for the support she received during her academic journey. "This moment is the culmination of years of study, dedication and effort. I thank my family, my teachers and all the colleagues who accompanied me on this journey. I believe that communication can be a vector for transformation, and I hope that my work contributes to the evolution of communication practices in our society."

Having completed her degree, Maria Meireles is ready to take on new professional challenges in the area of communication, with the intention of applying the knowledge acquired in her training and research. She is already planning future projects to continue her academic career, with the aim of deepening her studies in the area of organizational communication and its applications in the public sector.