PR’s Rising Stars Meet Legends Who Paved the Way in NextGen Awards
In an industry where narrative is everything, the PRMuseum’s NextGen Awards, in partnership with PRWeek, are rewriting the story of how excellence is recognized. Now in its second year, the program stands alone as the only national initiative devoted to professionals with fewer than 15 years of experience. But this is more than a celebration of talent—it’s a transformative experience that fuses legacy with leadership, past with possibility.
Winners are selected for embodying the values the PR industry needs most: character, courage, and resilience. In recognition of those qualities, each honoree receives a year-long mentorship from one of the most respected leaders in communications today. These mentors aren’t just successful—they’re change agents across sectors as varied as biotech, consumer goods, media, and advocacy.
The awards are named after PR’s lesser-known but deeply influential pioneers—figures such as Inez Kaiser, the first African American woman to own a PR agency; Wilma Mankiller, the first woman elected Chief of the Cherokee Nation; Esther Renteria, a Latina journalist and activist for social justice; Bayard Rustin, a civil rights leader and LGBTQ+ icon; and Lynne Choy Uyeda, the founder of the first PR firm owned by an Asian American woman in the U.S. These individuals may not have filled textbooks, but their contributions laid the groundwork for a more inclusive, equitable field.
Shelley Spector, founder of the Museum of Public Relations, said it best: “We created the NextGen Awards to honor not just the future of PR, but also the hidden history that built its foundation. Our mentors and judges are guiding the next wave of leaders who will carry that legacy forward—with purpose.”
This year’s mentors include Christina Chan, Chief Communications Officer at Regeneron, who leads global reputation efforts at one of the most innovative biotech companies in the world. Jon Harris, Executive Vice President and Chief Communications & Networking Officer at Conagra Brands, brings deep experience from his leadership roles at Hillshire Brands, Sara Lee, PepsiCo, and Bally Total Fitness. Damon Jones of Procter & Gamble lends a global perspective, having championed equity and inclusion while steering communications for nearly 100 household brands. Rosemary Mercedes, now leading communications at BBC Studios, made her mark amplifying diverse voices during her tenure at Univision. Nicole Nichols of Harpo Productions—communications lead for Oprah Winfrey herself—adds unparalleled storytelling prowess and industry insight.
The judging panel is just as distinguished. Steve Barrett, the editorial director of PRWeek and Campaign US, continues to shape the industry’s editorial voice through major franchises like the PRWeek Awards and 40 Under 40. Ray Day, currently vice chair of Stagwell and 2025 Chair of PRSA, draws from his tenure at IBM and Ford Motor Company. Dr. Rochelle Ford, now president of the Arthur W. Page Society, brings a legacy of leadership from top academic institutions and a deep commitment to diversity. Carmella Glover, president of the Diversity Action Alliance and executive director of the PRSA Foundation, works tirelessly to ensure DEI goals are not just aspirational but actionable. Teneshia Jackson Warner, founder and CEO of EGAMI Group, has turned purpose-driven multicultural marketing into a gold standard.
Kim Sample, president of the PR Council, has helped over 140 member firms evolve in talent, strategy, and profitability. Barby K. Siegel, global CEO of Zeno Group, is a stalwart advocate for inclusive agency culture and was instrumental in establishing a groundbreaking partnership with EGAMI Group. Oscar Suris brings decades of experience from Duke Energy, Edelman, Wells Fargo, and even the Wall Street Journal. Dr. Chuck Wallington, EVP and CMO at Cone Health, has applied communications leadership to community health in ways that directly impact lives. And Shelley Spector herself—founder of the PR Museum and Spector & Associates—rounds out this exceptional group, preserving the history of PR while mentoring its future.
Together, these judges and mentors form a constellation of influence, illuminating a path for emerging professionals who now have a platform—and a community—that will propel them forward. As this year’s honorees prepare to be recognized during PRWeek’s 40 Under 40 celebration, their future is made brighter by those whose shoulders they stand on.
The NextGen Awards are anchoring tomorrow’s leaders in a history that was nearly forgotten—and empowering them to write the future of the industry in their own bold, authentic voices.
