Celebrating the PRMuseum’s 2026 NextGen Honorees

Industry NewsPublic Relations
Written By Fay Shapiro

One of the things I love most about our profession is seeing the next generation of communications leaders step forward.

The PRMuseum has announced the five recipients of its 2026 NextGen Awards, recognizing emerging professionals who are already making their mark through their character, creativity, resilience and leadership.

And this is a wonderful group to celebrate (left to right).

Sena Pottackal, Strategic Partnerships Fellow, Disability Belongs™
Wilma Mankiller Resolute Character Award

Tram Nguyen, Account Supervisor, Burson
Esther Renteria Leadership Award

Paula Chirinos, Account Director, GCI Health
Bayard Rustin Change Agent Award

Amanda Chin, Vice President, Zeno Group
Inez Kaiser Creativity Award

Marco Ramirez, Account Executive, Burson
Lynne Choy Uyeda Trailblazer Award

What makes the NextGen Awards so special is that they are about more than accomplishments or titles. They recognize the qualities that make someone a leader, including the determination to keep moving forward, help others and make a difference.

“The NextGen Awards ask a different question than most professional awards,” said Barry Spector, Founder & Curator of the PRMuseum. “They ask not simply who has accomplished the most, but who best embodies the qualities upon which the future of our profession depends. This year's honorees remind us that leadership begins with character.”

I also love that these awards connect the future of our profession with its history. Each award honors a trailblazer whose courage, leadership and contributions helped pave the way for those who followed.

Congratulations to Amanda, Paula, Tram, Sena and Marco. It is exciting to see this next generation of leaders recognized, and I can't wait to see what they do next.

Thank you, too, to the sponsors, judges, mentors and everyone at the PRMuseum who continues to invest in the people who will shape the future of our profession.

The honorees will be celebrated at the 2026 PRMuseum NextGen Awards on October 21 at the Edison Ballroom in New York City.

I look forward to celebrating them.

Fay Shapiro

My background is rooted in business development and education. I am a "connector," driven to deliver results for my colleagues through the sharing of content on topics ranging from blockchain and cryptocurrency to crisis communications, digital marketing and financial communications.

I launched CommPRO.biz, a B2B digital media platform with the mission to become an educational resource for anyone seeking the tools they need to build and promote their message. A successful business needs to be able to tell their story. The content and events offered via CommPRO provide the foundation for their success.

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