PRSA-NY 15 Under 35 Awards Open as Rising Communications Leaders Take the Spotlight

As the communications industry navigates rapid change across AI, media and global business dynamics, the 2026 PRSA-NY 15 Under 35 Awards return at a moment when emerging leaders are not just adapting to change, but helping define what comes next.

Now in its 11th year, the 15 Under 35 program has evolved into a meaningful marker of rising talent across public relations and communications. It recognizes professionals who are delivering impact today while demonstrating the leadership, perspective and adaptability that will shape the future of the industry.

This year’s theme, Shaping What’s Next, reflects both the pace of transformation and the growing influence of early and mid-career professionals in driving strategy, innovation and culture inside organizations.

CommPRO spoke with co-chairs Conor Douglass and Christina Kim about what they are looking for in this year’s nominees and why this recognition continues to matter.

What makes the 15 Under 35 Awards special?

This program has become a meaningful benchmark for rising talent in communications.

Conor: As we are entering our 11th year of 15 Under 35, what comes to mind to me is how the award is like a chronicle for how much our industry has evolved and innovated in the last decade. Every year, we see through the winners of 15 Under 35, how PR as a discipline has expanded in solving critical business and organizational challenges. 15 Under 35 is always a reminder that PR pros are at the forefront of everything shaping industries - culture, tech, social impact, and more.

Christina: What makes this award special to me is that it is not the end goal. A lot of times, winning an award can feel like a finish line, but this one feels more like a starting point. It opens the door to new opportunities, new conversations, and the chance to build real connections across the industry.

It also recognizes people at a stage where they are still growing into their careers. That makes it more forward-looking. It is not just about what someone has done, but about where they are going and the kind of impact they are building over time.

What are you hoping to see in this year’s nominees?

As the role of communicators continues to expand, expectations are evolving as well, and this year’s theme, Shaping What’s Next, feels especially relevant.

Conor: I’m hoping to see nominees who aren’t just executing well, but actively redefining what great PR looks like. The industry is evolving quickly—across media fragmentation, AI, and shifting audience expectations—so I’m especially interested in candidates who are thinking beyond traditional playbooks. People who are driving impact for their organizations or clients while also pushing the industry forward in terms of creativity, strategy, and purpose.

Christina: I would really love to see more diversity in the pool of nominees. Since this is nomination-based, it starts with people taking the time to recognize others in their network. It should not matter where someone comes from, what kind of background they have, or what level they are at. If they are under 35 and doing meaningful work, they should be considered.

There is no such thing as being too junior or too senior, and the size of the company should not define whether someone is put forward. A big part of this is encouraging more people to look around and acknowledge the strong work happening around them, even if it is not always the most visible.

What makes someone stand out?

Beyond strong work, this recognition is about impact and influence.

Conor: The awards really considers the outside-in factors of being an impressive individual in this industry. The outside is your clients and work: the creativity of your campaigns, the success you drive for your clients, and how that ladders back to trumpeting the role of PR as an imperative function for any business or organization operating in today’s world.

The “in” has to do with the kind of presence you have in within your own walls. What kind of a teammate are you, how do you mentor those around you, etc. We want to see nominees that are creating impact for their clients and their places of work.

Christina: Strong work is a given, but standing out is not just about big campaigns, top-tier coverage, or working on a well-known brand. Some of the most meaningful impact comes from the day-to-day work or from creating a culture where people can do their best work and grow.

To me, it is about being well-rounded and being able to think from different perspectives. The best communicators are not limited to one lane. They understand how their work connects across teams, audiences, and situations, and that broader mindset is what really sets someone apart.

Why does this recognition matter right now?

The industry is changing quickly, and new voices are helping shape what comes next.

Conor: I’m not saying anything new here, but I truly think we are at an inflection point in the PR industry. There are so many forces - AI, rapid media transformation, major geopolitical conflict - that are leading to so many “hot takes” and doom-and-gloom predictions about the industry. This recognition is a reminder that PR is not only thriving, but it is shaping the very forces that many say are threatening the industry. PR professionals rarely are recognized as innovators and thinkers in the broader business landscape, and that’s a gross misconception. 15 Under 35 directly counteracts that narrative.

Christina: This recognition matters right now because of how quickly everything is changing. From AI to larger global shifts, there is always something that challenges how we work and forces the industry to adapt. We have seen it before with moments like the dot-com bubble, the financial crisis, and COVID, and each time we have adjusted and moved forward.

As we go through another period of change, it is important to recognize emerging leaders who are navigating that uncertainty and continuing to push the work forward. It is a way to acknowledge resilience, adaptability, and the people who are helping shape what comes next.

What would you say to someone thinking about submitting a nomination?

Sometimes the biggest barrier is simply taking the time to put someone forward.

Conor: I think a lot of people hesitate to nominate a peer because they think that a specific title or experience is necessary. A lot of times, what makes someone stick out is the stuff you can’t put on paper. Did that colleague push the broader team forward in meaningful ways? Did they introduce a new strategy to a client? Did they create impact in a system or process that the PR function previously hadn’t? If you believe in one of your peers or colleagues, then go for it!

Christina: If someone comes to mind, that is usually a sign you should take the next step and nominate them. It does not have to be perfect or overly complicated. What matters is taking the time to recognize someone’s work and the impact they are making.

I also think this can be a really positive and energizing experience, both for the person being nominated and for the person nominating. It is a chance to reflect on the people around you, appreciate what they are doing, and contribute to a culture where recognition and support are more intentional and visible across the industry.

The PRSA-NY 15 Under 35 Awards, Shaping What’s Next,continue to spotlight the next generation of communications leaders. If someone on your team or in your network is doing standout work, this is the moment to recognize it and help elevate their impact across the industry.