PRSA-NY 15 Under 35 Honorees Reflect on Career Growth, Mentorship and Leadership - Part Two

Recognition early in a career can do more than celebrate achievement. It can build confidence, expand professional networks, open doors to new opportunities, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

As PRSA-NY continues the 2026 15 Under 35 Awards program, CommPRO is speaking with past honorees about what the recognition meant to them, how it influenced their careers, and the lessons they hope today's emerging communications professionals will carry forward.

In these reflections, a common theme continues to emerge: while awards recognize accomplishments, their greatest impact often comes from the relationships, mentorship, and sense of community they help create.

For Sarah Jackson, Senior Director of Communications at the Institute for Public Relations, the recognition validated not only her work, but also the career path she chose.

"Being named a PRSA-NY 15 Under 35 honoree affirmed that I was on the right path. I've spent much of my career in the nonprofit sector, and I've been with the Institute for Public Relations for 12 years. It's been incredibly rewarding to watch our organization grow into a leading research resource for the communications profession.

What made the recognition even more meaningful was that my boss, Tina McCorkindale, nominated me. She has always believed in my ideas and encouraged me to keep growing. When I wanted to take web development classes, she said yes. When I wanted to improve my public speaking, she supported me in attending executive presence training. Her encouragement reinforced something I now strongly believe: having a great mentor can make all the difference in your career."

Jackson says the award also strengthened her commitment to helping others succeed.

"Because I work for a nonprofit that serves the communications industry, many of the Institute's trustees were in the audience the night I received the award. That was especially meaningful because they had watched me grow professionally over the previous decade.

More than anything, the recognition gave me the confidence to invest even more in mentoring others. We have an incredibly talented communications team at the Institute, and Brittany and Avery mean the world to me. The award reinforced that leadership isn't just about your own accomplishments—it's about helping others grow, take on bigger challenges, and succeed alongside you."

When asked who has had the greatest influence on her career, Jackson points immediately to Institute for Public Relations President and CEO Tina McCorkindale.

"Without question, Tina McCorkindale has been the biggest influence on my professional journey. I've worked with her for 12 years, and every time I came to her with a new idea, her response was, 'LET'S DO IT' (with either a Taylor Swift or Beyonce GIF via text).

She taught me what it means to lead with both empathy and strength. I think women leaders are sometimes encouraged to separate emotion from leadership, but Tina—and the Institute's Board of Trustees—showed me that you can lead with your heart while still delivering exceptional work. That's a lesson I've carried into my own leadership style, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have grown professionally with Tina as my mentor."

Looking ahead, Jackson hopes award programs continue to recognize professionals whose journeys may not follow a traditional path.

"I love this question! I think one thing people sometimes overlook is the value of nontraditional career paths. Not everyone enters communications or public relations the same way, and that's something we should celebrate.

Our different experiences give us unique perspectives that strengthen the profession. There's no single blueprint for success, and some of the most impactful leaders are those who have taken an unconventional path. I hope awards like 15 Under 35 continue to recognize excellence in all its forms."

For Fatima Sall, Vice President, Earned Media at Zeno Group, the honor provided an opportunity to reflect on both her accomplishments and the experiences that have shaped her perspective as a communicator.

"Being named a PRSA-NY 15 Under 35 honoree was both humbling and incredibly meaningful. In such a fast-paced industry, it gave me a chance to pause and reflect on the hard work, resilience and relationships that helped me get there. As someone with a global upbringing and a perspective shaped by multiple cultures, it reinforced that our unique experiences help us connect with audiences and tell richer stories. Having my agency + clients recognize my work and support my nomination made the experience even more meaningful."

Since receiving the award, Sall says the recognition has helped propel both her career and her commitment to developing future communications leaders.

"The recognition gave me a renewed sense of confidence and momentum. Since then, I've been promoted to Vice President, Earned Media at Zeno Group and have helped lead our Emerging Media workstream, with a focus on social editorial. It also expanded my professional network and reinforced the importance of giving back and supporting the next generation of communications professionals."

Rather than pointing to a single mentor within the profession, Sall credits the example set by her mother, along with the many people who have championed her career along the way.

"I've been fortunate to have a strong example since I was young. Watching my mother pursue her career with resilience, determination and purpose taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. Along the way, I've also been lucky to have a village of mentors, managers, colleagues and even editors who believed in me early on and continue to champion my work.

That support shaped how I lead today. Whether through mentoring junior colleagues or working with mentees, I encourage people to trust their instincts and know they don't have to have all the answers to contribute. In our profession, the best ideas come from listening, embracing different perspectives and staying curious. That's what helps us create work that resonates and helps brands connect more authentically with the audiences they're trying to reach."

When considering future nominees, Sall believes it's important to recognize the innovators who are helping redefine the communications profession.

"People often focus on the most visible wins, when some of the biggest impact happens behind the scenes. I also think it's important to recognize those pushing our industry forward—through emerging media, new storytelling approaches and campaigns that challenge the traditional PR playbook. Awards like 15 Under 35 do a wonderful job of celebrating both accomplishments and the future of our profession."

Together, Jackson and Sall reinforce a powerful message: the PRSA-NY 15 Under 35 program recognizes much more than professional achievement. It celebrates curiosity, resilience, mentorship, innovation, and leadership in all its forms. Their stories are a reminder that the next generation of communications leaders isn't defined by a single career path or title, but by the impact they have on their colleagues, clients, organizations, and the profession itself.

Applications for the PRSA-NY 15 Under 35 Class of 2026 are open through July 24. The program recognizes rising communications professionals who are helping shape the future of public relations and communications through leadership, innovation, professional excellence, and service to the industry.