Meet the 15 Rising Communications Leaders in PRSA-NY’s 2026 Class

One of the best parts of this industry is watching the next generation of communications leaders emerge. This is a group worth watching.

PRSA-NY has announced its 15 Under 35 Class for 2026, recognizing 15 rising communications professionals who are already making their mark across our industry.

Now in its 11th year, 15 Under 35 is about much more than age or title. It recognizes people doing terrific work, stepping up as leaders, bringing fresh thinking to the table and making a difference for their organizations, clients, colleagues and communities.

This year's theme, "Shaping What's Next," couldn't be more appropriate.

Our industry is changing quickly. The way we communicate, the tools we use and what organizations expect from communications leaders are all evolving. These 15 professionals aren't waiting for the future to arrive. They're already helping shape it.

Meet the Class

• Vishakha Mathur, SKDK

• Chris Swenson, HUNTER

• Fatou B. Barry, PR Girl Manifesto

• Kelly Delgado, Burson

• Emma Soto, Burson

• Caroline Yodice, DBC

• James Sussman, International Rescue Committee

• Courtney Curtin, Edelman

• Andrew Cook, Andrew Cook Public Relations

• Nick DeChicchis, Linqia

• Madeleine Hillyer, World Economic Forum

• Kaitlin Nicholson, EGAMI Group

• Aanchal Khurana, WPP Media

• Maya Bronstein, M Booth

• Vanessa Grimm, Reckitt

It was an especially competitive year, with nominations increasing 20 percent. The honorees were selected by a panel of senior communications professionals through an anonymous judging process based on professional achievement, leadership, strategic and business contributions, service to the industry and their communities, and future promise.

“This was truly an exciting year for 15 Under 35,” said Conor Douglass, co-chair of the 2026 PRSA-NY 15 Under 35 Awards. “We saw a 20% uptick in nominations, making the class more competitive than ever. The 2026 class represents global nonprofits, leading agencies, and agency founders. It’s clear from the results that our industry is at the forefront of progress in business, culture, and society.”

Christina Kim, co-chair of the 2026 PRSA-NY 15 Under 35 Awards, spoke to something that makes this recognition particularly meaningful.

“What I’ve learned throughout my own career is that meaningful impact can take so many different forms, and it isn’t always the work that gets the most attention. That’s what makes me especially proud of this year’s class, and I hope this recognition gives each honoree new connections, opportunities and confidence to keep growing and shaping what’s next in their own way.”

That's really what 15 Under 35 is all about.

At a time when so much attention is focused on how communications is changing, it's equally important to pay attention to who is changing it. These young professionals bring new ideas, new perspectives and tremendous energy to our industry.

On September 17, we'll get to celebrate them when the 15 Under 35 Class for 2026 is honored at the PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards Gala at Sony Hall in New York City, alongside this year's outstanding campaigns and industry leaders.

Congratulations to all 15 honorees. Enjoy this moment. You've earned it.

We can't wait to celebrate you at Sony Hall and see what you do next.