Next Gen PR Powerhouses Are Rewriting the Rules of Influence in New York
Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this article:
How New York’s top rising PR professionals are blending purpose, mentorship and innovation to shape the future of the industry
Why this year’s PRSA-NY 15 Under 35 honorees represent a shift toward data-driven, tech-forward and community-centered leadership
What the recognition at the Big Apple Awards signals about the evolving expectations for communicators in today’s dynamic media landscape
The next generation of public relations leaders is not waiting in the wings. They are already driving transformation. The PRSA-NY 15 Under 35 Class of 2025, set to be honored at the Big Apple Awards gala on Sept. 18 at Sony Hall, exemplifies the evolving face of the communications industry: passionate, strategic, tech-savvy and deeply human. This year’s 15 Under 35 program is presented with the exclusive support of PRophet, whose commitment to innovation reflects the forward-looking vision of the honorees.
Now in its 10th year, the 15 Under 35 Awards recognize emerging leaders in the New York metro area who are making bold moves in their careers and meaningful contributions to their communities. This year’s theme, “Elevate & Evolve,” is a clear reflection of how these honorees blend traditional PR fundamentals with forward-thinking strategies, from embracing AI to championing mentorship and community impact.
Mentorship and Gratitude a Common Thread
For many of this year’s winners, success is inseparable from those who supported their journey. “Being named to the PRSA-NY 15 Under 35 Class of 2025 is both a personal milestone and a professional honor,” said Nicole Sullivan, senior vice president at Gregory FCA. “It acknowledges the hard work and passion I’ve poured into this industry over the past decade, listening, learning, adapting and striving to pave the way for a bright future in PR.”
Danielle Montana, senior vice president at Peppercomm, echoed that sentiment. “It’s a celebration of the incredible mentors, teammates and clients who have shaped my journey and challenged me to grow year over year.” Berk Communications’ Abbey Scalia also reflected on those relationships. “It’s a reminder of the incredible mentors, colleagues and clients who have shaped my journey and continue to inspire me every day.”
A Deep Connection to Place and Purpose
Several winners described how New York’s global energy continues to fuel their ambition and creativity. “Being born in New York makes this especially meaningful,” said Erin Cooper, associate director at APCO. “The city’s diverse, global perspectives fuel my creativity and provide me with opportunities I never imagined.”
Autumn Blackmon-Burk, group senior vice president at GCI Health, also highlighted New York’s unique role in her career. “I’ve found the relentless drive and energy of the PR community to be a constant source of inspiration.”
Purpose, Innovation and the Work Ahead
This year’s class is focused on what comes next, from pushing boundaries to integrating technology and mentoring future leaders. “This fuels my drive to keep serving as the strongest partner to my clients and team, with my sights set on even greater impact,” said Sullivan.
Scalia reinforced that ambition. “It also reinforces my commitment to pushing boundaries in our field, from integrating new technologies to telling stories that create real impact.” For Emily Herman of Zeno Group, the award offers a rare opportunity to pause and reflect in a fast-paced industry. “It’s a privilege to have this moment to reflect on the hard, often fun, work and the invaluable support of my teams that has enabled me to grow in this field.”
Full List of 2025 Honorees
The 15 Under 35 Class of 2025 includes Erin Cooper (APCO), Conor Douglass (Attention Comms), Abbey Scalia (Berk Communications), Autumn Blackmon-Burk (GCI Health), Nicole Sullivan (Gregory FCA), Joyce Kim (IW Group), Thomas Palladino (Heineken USA), Yuliya Kim (Mission North), Danielle Montana (Peppercomm), Jackson Budinger (The Trevor Project), Gabby DiCarlo (Vested), Olivia Zibaitis (Yahoo), Christina Kim (Yanolja), Alli Cloutier Kelly (Zeno Group) and Emily Herman (Zeno Group).
In a milestone addition, Yahoo’s Olivia Zibaitis has been named the first-ever recipient of the PRophet Emerging Communications Engineer Award, which honors the use of data, AI and predictive tools to deliver measurable results.
“These honorees represent everything we aspire to as an industry,” said Jade Faugno-Maria, senior vice president at Dukas Linden Public Relations and senior director of the 15 Under 35 Awards. “They embody the next generation of PR leadership, and we can’t wait to celebrate them at the Big Apple Awards.”
For communicators, this class is a reminder that leadership today is about more than results. It is about empathy, resilience and innovation in a rapidly changing landscape.
