Recognizing the next generation of PR leaders and pacesetters
The Museum of Public Relations, in partnership with PRWeek, is announcing the second PRMuseum NextGen Awards program to recognize young public relations professionals who personify the character of trailblazers in the field’s “Hidden History,” and show high potential of being among the industry’s next generation of leaders and pacesetters.
Watch the video to see what last year’s awardees had to say about their NextGen experience and what you can expect this year.
Each recipient of the PRMuseum NextGen Award will have the opportunity to receive a year of one-on-one mentoring by a current day PR trailblazer.
Meet the Mentors
Christina Chan is the Chief Communications Officer at Regeneron, a leading biotechnology company known for its scientific innovation. With a deep background in strategic communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement, Christina leads initiatives that elevate Regeneron's mission and reputation globally. She brings decades of experience in healthcare communications, having held leadership roles across the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Christina is recognized for her ability to align communications strategy with business goals, driving impact through transparency, innovation, and purpose-driven storytelling.
Christina Chan, Chief Communications Officer, Regeneron
Jon Harris is Executive Vice President and Chief Communications & Networking Officer at Conagra Brands, where he leads corporate communications, stakeholder engagement, and oversees the Conagra Brands Foundation. Since joining in 2015, he has modernized the company’s communications strategy, enhancing the digital presence of iconic brands like Duncan Hines and Healthy Choice. Previously, Harris held senior communications roles at Hillshire Brands, Sara Lee, PepsiCo, and Bally Total Fitness. He holds a BA in Communications from Rutgers University and teaches at the University of Chicago’s Graham School.
Jon Harris, Executive Vice President and Chief Communications & Networking Officer, Conagra Brands
Damon Jones is the Chief Communications Officer at Procter & Gamble, where he leads a global team responsible for the company's reputation and that of its nearly 100 brands. Since joining P&G in 1997, he has held various leadership roles across regions including Asia, Europe, and North America. Jones is a driving force behind P&G's advocacy efforts, promoting equality and inclusion. He earned his B.A. in Communication Arts from Xavier University.
Damon Jones, Chief Communications Officer, P&G
Rosemary Mercedes is Chief Communications Officer at BBC Studios, where she leads global corporate communications, brand reputation, and internal engagement strategies. With over two decades of experience, she previously served as CCO at Univision, where she played a key role in positioning the network as a leading voice for Hispanic America. Known for her expertise in multicultural communications and media relations, Rosemary is a champion of inclusive storytelling and has been recognized among PRWeek’s Most Powerful Women in PR.
Rosemary Mercedes, Chief Communications Officer, BBC Studios
Nicole Nichols serves as Executive Vice President of Communications and Strategy at Harpo Productions, where she leads all internal and external communications and acts as chief spokesperson for Oprah Winfrey. With a career spanning major media companies, Nichols previously held senior communications roles at Disney/ABC Television Group, Fox Family Worldwide, and Saban Entertainment. She earned her B.A. in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and has been recognized by CableFAX as PR Executive of the Year.
Nicole Nichols, Executive Vice President, Communications and Strategy, Harpo Inc.
The nomination period for this year’s PRMuseum NextGen Awards is now closed.
All nominations for this year’s PRMuseum NextGen Award have been received. Finalists will be announced in September. The awards are open to public relations people with less than 15 years’ experience at an agency, company, non-profit, government agency, or other institution. Candidates must be sponsored by their immediate supervisor, another senior person in their organization, or a senior practitioner who knows them well through previous employment or a mentoring relationship. Self-nominations will not be considered.
About the PRMuseum NextGen Awards
The PRMuseum discovered the industry’s “Hidden History” when its research into the modern practice’s earliest years revealed practitioners who had pioneered in the field but were overlooked because of their gender, the color of their skin, their sexual orientation, or other factors that caused them to be marginalized.
The awards are named after trailblazers in PR’s "Hidden History” who had those characteristics. Pioneers such as Inez Kaiser (1919–2016), who was the first African American woman to own and operate a PR agency; Wilma Mankiller (1945–2010), who was the first woman elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation and became a relentless advocate for improved education, healthcare, and housing services. Esther Renteria (1939–2007), a groundbreaking Latina journalist and civil rights advocate for social justice; and Bayard Rustin (1912–1987), a close advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., best known as the chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, left a lasting legacy in both civil rights and LGBTQ+ history; and Lynne Choy Uyeda (b. 1938), the first PR firm in the U.S. owned by an Asian American woman and co-founder of the Asian Business Association.
Inez Kaiser was a pioneering African American public relations executive and entrepreneur. In 1957, she became the first Black woman to open a PR firm—Inez Kaiser & Associates—with national clients, and the first African American woman to join the Public Relations Society of America. A former teacher and syndicated columnist, Kaiser used her platform to advocate for civil rights, women in business, and diversity in communications. Her trailblazing efforts opened doors for generations of Black professionals in PR.
Wilma Mankiller was the first woman elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, serving from 1985 to 1995. A powerful advocate for Native American self-determination and women’s rights, she focused on improving healthcare, education, and housing within her community. Under her leadership, the Cherokee Nation saw significant growth and revitalization. A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Mankiller remains a symbol of resilience, leadership, and advocacy for indigenous and marginalized communities across the U.S.
Esther Renteria was a groundbreaking Latina journalist, public relations professional, and civil rights advocate. She broke barriers as one of the first Latinas in the field of PR and media, using her voice to advocate for Mexican-American representation and social justice. Renteria co-founded Avance, a bilingual newspaper, and served on numerous civic boards to uplift marginalized communities. Her legacy lives on as a trailblazer who paved the way for Latinas in media, communications, and public service.
Bayard Rustin was a pioneering civil rights activist, best known as the chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington. A close advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rustin was a key advocate for nonviolent protest and played a vital role in the broader civil rights movement. Despite facing discrimination for being openly gay, he remained committed to justice, equality, and human rights throughout his life, leaving a lasting legacy in both civil rights and LGBTQ+ history.
Lynne Choy Uyeda was a pioneering Asian American public relations executive who founded Lynne Choy Uyeda & Associates in 1984—the first PR firm in the U.S. owned by an Asian American woman. Based in Los Angeles, her firm specialized in reaching multilingual Asian American audiences. She also co-founded the Asian Business Association in 1976, advocating for economic opportunities for Asian Americans. Her legacy includes trailblazing work in multicultural marketing and championing Asian American representation in business.
Recipients of the PRMuseum NextGen Awards will not necessarily be of the same backgrounds as those for whom their award is named but they will demonstrate the same character, with a record of achievement in the face of personal obstacles and adversity.
Judging Criteria
Entries are assessed by a panel of seasoned public relations leaders of diverse backgrounds and experience. The judges will look for evidence that entrants have the same character as trailblazers in PR’s Hidden History and show high potential of being among the industry’s next generation of leaders and pacesetters. The judges will be particularly attentive to evidence that entrants overcame obstacles in their personal or professional lives to achieve their current position.
Entrants will be assessed on the following characteristics:
Self-starter. Shows unusual initiative and readily accepts responsibility.
Change Agent. Record of pushing the boundaries of culture and making brave changes within their workplace or industry.
Deeply Curious. Unusually broad interests and perspectives. Fast learner.
Enemy of the Routine. Highly creative. Sees opportunities others miss. Innovative.
Strong Leader. Unusual ability to motivate others in achieving ambitious goals. Celebrates success. Learns from mistakes.
Resolute. Determined and has overcome personal obstacles and adversity.
Meet the Judges
Steve Barrett is Vice President and Editorial Director of PRWeek and Campaign US, overseeing content strategy and editorial operations across both brands. Since joining PRWeek in 2010, he has led the expansion of its digital presence and signature franchises, including the PRWeek Awards and 40 Under 40. Previously, Barrett served as editor of Media Week UK and held senior editorial roles at Haymarket Media Group. He holds degrees from the University of Bradford and the University of Sheffield.
Steve Barrett, VP, editorial director, PRWeek
Ray Day is Vice Chair of Stagwell, overseeing the integration and growth of its more than 70 global agencies, with a focus on communications, public relations, and corporate affairs. With over 30 years of experience, he has served as Chief Communications Officer at IBM and spent 28 years at Ford Motor Company, where he transformed its communications model under CEO Alan Mulally. In 2025, Day serves as Chair of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
Ray Day, Vice Chair, Stagwell
Jorge Espinosa is Director of Brand Public Relations at E. & J. Gallo Winery, where he leads initiatives that enhance brand visibility and cultural relevance. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and communications, he has held leadership roles at companies like Apple and Diageo, connecting brands with sports and entertainment sectors. Espinosa has collaborated with global artists such as Maroon 5 and Madonna, and holds degrees from Tecnológico de Monterrey and Universidad Europea.
Jorge Espinosa, Director, Marketing Communications & Agency Management, E. & J. Gallo Winery
Dr. Rochelle Ford, APR, is the President of the Arthur W. Page Society, bringing a distinguished career in communications leadership, education, and advocacy. Formerly President of Dillard University, she has also served as Dean of Elon University's School of Communications and chaired the Public Relations Department at Syracuse University's Newhouse School. A champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dr. Ford has been honored with the PRSA Outstanding Educator Award, the Page Distinguished Service Award, and induction into the PRWeek Hall of Fame.
Dr. Rochelle Ford, APR, President, Page
Carmella Glover is President of the Diversity Action Alliance (DAA), a coalition committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the communications industry. In her role, she leads initiatives that promote accountability and measurable progress toward DEI goals across agencies and corporations. Glover also serves as Executive Director of the PRSA Foundation, supporting underrepresented groups in public relations. She is recognized for her leadership in fostering inclusive practices and driving systemic change within the profession.
Carmella Glover, President, Diversity Action Alliance
Teneshia Jackson Warner is the Founder and CEO of EGAMI Group, an award-winning multicultural marketing and communications agency. Established in 2007, EGAMI has become a leading force in connecting brands with diverse audiences through purpose-driven campaigns. Prior to founding EGAMI, Teneshia worked at IBM Global Services and apprenticed with Russell Simmons at Rush Communications. She is also the author of Profit With Purpose and The Big Stretch, and founded The Dream Project Symposium to empower aspiring entrepreneurs.
Teneshia Jackson-Warner, Founder and CEO, EGAMI Group
Kim Sample is the President of the PR Council (PRC), the leading association for public relations agencies in the U.S. and Canada. Since joining in 2018, she has been instrumental in helping over 140 member firms grow talent, revenue, and profitability while elevating the PR profession. Prior to her role at PRC, Kim founded and served as CEO of Emanate, a $35 million international marketing communications agency recognized as PR WEEK Agency of the Year. Earlier in her career, she held senior roles at Ketchum, Marina Maher Communications, and Golin, serving Fortune 500 clients across various industries.
Kim Sample, President, PR Council
Barby K. Siegel is the Global Chief Executive Officer of Zeno Group, an award-winning integrated communications agency. Under her leadership, Zeno has achieved significant growth, with annual revenue exceeding $144 million, and has garnered top industry accolades, including being named a six-time winner of PRWeek's Outstanding Large Agency of the Year. Siegel is a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, leading initiatives like a strategic partnership with EGAMI Group to advance diverse talent. She serves on multiple industry boards, including the Diversity Action Alliance and the PR Museum, and was inducted into the PRWeek Hall of Fame in 2021.
Barby K. Siegel, Global CEO, Zeno Group
Shelley Spector is the founder and director of the Museum of Public Relations, the world's first and only museum dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the history of the public relations field. Established in 1997, the museum is a 501(c)(3) educational institution chartered by the New York State Department of Education. Spector is also the founder of Spector & Associates, a corporate communications firm recognized with over 50 national awards. She has authored "Public Relations for the Public Good" and co-edited "Diverse Voices: Profiles in Leadership." A graduate of the University of Rhode Island and Syracuse University's Newhouse School, Spector serves as an adjunct professor at NYU and Baruch College.
Shelley Spector , Founder, Museum of public Relations
Oscar Suris was most recently senior vice president and chief communications officer of Duke Energy and earlier in his 25-plus-year career he was the president of Edelman New York, executive managing director of Zeno Group, led corporate communications for Wells Fargo, and held senior communications roles at Ford Motor Company and AutoNation. He also served as a staff reporter for The Wall Street Journal. A native of Cuba, Oscar lives in Charlotte, NC, with his wife, Shana.
Oscar Suris, Former Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, Duke Energy
Dr. Chuck Wallington is the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Cone Health, a comprehensive healthcare network in Greensboro, North Carolina. Since joining in 2011, he has led impactful marketing initiatives that enhance community engagement. He holds a Ph.D. in leadership studies, an M.S. in communications management, and a B.A. in journalism. Dr. Wallington is a trustee of the National Institute for Public Relations and serves as president of the local chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
Dr. Chuck Wallington, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Cone Health
Recognition event
The PRMuseum NextGen Awards will be presented this fall during PRWeek’s “40 Under 40” program in New York City.
