Celebrating Tomorrow’s Communications Leaders as PRSA-NY Extends 15 Under 35 Deadline
As the communications industry confronts ongoing disruption, one initiative remains focused on what’s next: PRSA-NY’s 15 Under 35 Awards. Now in its ninth year, the program continues to spotlight young professionals who are redefining leadership in public relations. With high anticipation for this year’s class, organizers have extended the application deadline to Friday, July 11.
“We’re fortunate to be surrounded by so much next-gen talent, and now’s the time to celebrate them,” said Jade Faugno-Maria, Senior Director of 15 Under 35 on the PRSA-NY Board. “We hope this extra week offers an opportunity to add to an already high-caliber applicant pool.”
The 15 Under 35 Awards, sponsored by PRophet, recognize emerging leaders in New York-area communications who are pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and inspiring others. From agency stars and corporate changemakers to independent disruptors, the honorees represent the future of the industry.
“This may sound crazy, but I honestly don’t remember the first raise I got,” said Ken Kerrigan, president of PRSA-NY and SVP at The Bliss Group. “I do remember the first time my boss said thank you and made me feel like I was making a difference. Thank yous are free. And so is PRSA-NY’s 15 Under 35 Award. It’s a way to recognize your top talent in ways they will likely never forget, but the clock to nominate your best people is running out — don’t waste this opportunity.”
The 2025 class will be celebrated on September 18 at the Big Apple Awards, PRSA-NY’s premier event held at Sony Hall. The awards honor both seasoned professionals and rising stars across the communications landscape.
Aaron Kwittken, CEO of PRophet, emphasized the urgency of nurturing tomorrow’s talent in an era of rapid transformation. “It’s never been more important to support the next generation of leaders and their journey toward becoming communications engineers. This is the first pi workforce, equal-parts digital and AI native, charged with navigating us through a post-literate world of communications.”
Last year’s honorees offered a glimpse into the depth and diversity of emerging talent in the field. The 2024 class included professionals from firms such as Edelman, Finn Partners, Allison Worldwide, SourceCode Communications, and the Logos Institute, with expertise spanning corporate communications, crisis strategy, public affairs, and brand storytelling. Their recognition underscored the essential role of mentorship and innovation in public relations.
Now in its ninth year, the 15 Under 35 program has become a cornerstone of PRSA-NY’s mission to elevate the profession and highlight leadership at every level. As the deadline approaches, the organization encourages leaders to nominate standout young professionals — and for rising stars to step forward and claim their space.
Whether you are early in your own career or work alongside someone who deserves the spotlight, this is the moment to amplify the voices that are already shaping the future of communications.
