Recognizing the next generation of PR leaders and pacesetters

The Museum of Public Relations, in partnership with PRWeek, is announcing the second PRMuseum NextGen Awards program to recognize young public relations professionals who personify the character of trailblazers in the field’s “Hidden History,” and show high potential of being among the industry’s next generation of leaders and pacesetters.

Watch the video to see what last year’s awardees had to say about their NextGen experience and what you can expect this year.

Each recipient of the PRMuseum NextGen Award will have the opportunity to receive a year of one-on-one mentoring by a current day PR trailblazer.

Meet the Mentors

**Christina Chan** is the Chief Communications Officer at Regeneron, a leading biotechnology company known for its scientific innovation. With a deep background in strategic communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement, Christina leads initiatives that elevate Regeneron's mission and reputation globally. She brings decades of experience in healthcare communications, having held leadership roles across the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Christina is recognized for her ability to align communications strategy with business goals, driving impact through transparency, innovation, and purpose-driven storytelling.

Christina Chan, Chief Communications Officer, Regeneron

**Jon Harris** is Executive Vice President and Chief Communications & Networking Officer at Conagra Brands, where he leads corporate communications, stakeholder engagement, and oversees the Conagra Brands Foundation. Since joining in 2015, he has modernized the company’s communications strategy, enhancing the digital presence of iconic brands like Duncan Hines and Healthy Choice. Previously, Harris held senior communications roles at Hillshire Brands, Sara Lee, PepsiCo, and Bally Total Fitness. He holds a BA in Communications from Rutgers University and teaches at the University of Chicago’s Graham School.

Jon Harris, Executive Vice President and Chief Communications & Networking Officer, Conagra Brands

**Damon Jones** is the Chief Communications Officer at Procter & Gamble, where he leads a global team responsible for the company's reputation and that of its nearly 100 brands. Since joining P&G in 1997, he has held various leadership roles across regions including Asia, Europe, and North America. Jones is a driving force behind P&G's advocacy efforts, promoting equality and inclusion. He earned his B.A. in Communication Arts from Xavier University.

Damon Jones, Chief Communications Officer, P&G

**Rosemary Mercedes** is Chief Communications Officer at BBC Studios, where she leads global corporate communications, brand reputation, and internal engagement strategies. With over two decades of experience, she previously served as CCO at Univision, where she played a key role in positioning the network as a leading voice for Hispanic America. Known for her expertise in multicultural communications and media relations, Rosemary is a champion of inclusive storytelling and has been recognized among PRWeek’s Most Powerful Women in PR.

Rosemary Mercedes, Chief Communications Officer, BBC Studios

**Nicole Nichols** serves as Executive Vice President of Communications and Strategy at Harpo Productions, where she leads all internal and external communications and acts as chief spokesperson for Oprah Winfrey. With a career spanning major media companies, Nichols previously held senior communications roles at Disney/ABC Television Group, Fox Family Worldwide, and Saban Entertainment. She earned her B.A. in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and has been recognized by CableFAX as PR Executive of the Year.

Nicole Nichols, Executive Vice President, Communications and Strategy, Harpo Inc.

Submissions & Entry Requirements

All nominations for the PRMuseum NextGen Award should be made online by selecting the button below. Receipt of your nomination will be acknowledged by email within five business days. We will be in touch if we need more information. Finalists will be announced in September.

The awards are open to public relations people with less than 15 years’ experience at an agency, company, non-profit, government agency, or other institution. Candidates must be sponsored by their immediate supervisor or another senior person in their organization.

Deadlines and entry fees

Nominations open April 28, 2025. Early-bird deadline is midnight Eastern time on Saturday June 14, 2025. There is an entry fee of $275. Between June 15 and the final deadline of midnight Eastern time on June 30, 2025, the entry fee will be $350.

About the PRMuseum NextGen Awards

The PRMuseum discovered the industry’s “Hidden History” when its research into the modern practice’s earliest years revealed practitioners who had pioneered in the field but were overlooked because of their gender, the color of their skin, their sexual orientation, or other factors that caused them to be marginalized.

The awards are named after trailblazers in PR’s "Hidden History” who had those characteristics. Pioneers such as Inez Kaiser (1919–2016), who was the first African American woman to own and operate a PR agency; Wilma Mankiller (1945–2010), who was the first woman elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation and became a relentless advocate for improved education, healthcare, and housing services. Esther Renteria (1939–2007), a groundbreaking Latina journalist and civil rights advocate for social justice; and Bayard Rustin (1912–1987), a close advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., best known as the chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, left a lasting legacy in both civil rights and LGBTQ+ history; and Lynne Choy Uyeda (b. 1938), the first PR firm in the U.S. owned by an Asian American woman and co-founder of the Asian Business Association.

**Inez Kaiser** was a pioneering African American public relations executive and entrepreneur. In 1957, she became the first Black woman to open a PR firm—Inez Kaiser & Associates—with national clients, and the first African American woman to join the Public Relations Society of America. A former teacher and syndicated columnist, Kaiser used her platform to advocate for civil rights, women in business, and diversity in communications. Her trailblazing efforts opened doors for generations of Black professionals in PR.

**Wilma Mankiller** was the first woman elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, serving from 1985 to 1995. A powerful advocate for Native American self-determination and women’s rights, she focused on improving healthcare, education, and housing within her community. Under her leadership, the Cherokee Nation saw significant growth and revitalization. A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Mankiller remains a symbol of resilience, leadership, and advocacy for indigenous and marginalized communities across the U.S.

**Esther Renteria** was a groundbreaking Latina journalist, public relations professional, and civil rights advocate. She broke barriers as one of the first Latinas in the field of PR and media, using her voice to advocate for Mexican-American representation and social justice. Renteria co-founded Avance, a bilingual newspaper, and served on numerous civic boards to uplift marginalized communities. Her legacy lives on as a trailblazer who paved the way for Latinas in media, communications, and public service.

**Bayard Rustin** was a pioneering civil rights activist, best known as the chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington. A close advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rustin was a key advocate for nonviolent protest and played a vital role in the broader civil rights movement. Despite facing discrimination for being openly gay, he remained committed to justice, equality, and human rights throughout his life, leaving a lasting legacy in both civil rights and LGBTQ+ history.

**Lynne Choy Uyeda** was a pioneering Asian American public relations executive who founded Lynne Choy Uyeda & Associates in 1984—the first PR firm in the U.S. owned by an Asian American woman. Based in Los Angeles, her firm specialized in reaching multilingual Asian American audiences. She also co-founded the Asian Business Association in 1976, advocating for economic opportunities for Asian Americans. Her legacy includes trailblazing work in multicultural marketing and championing Asian American representation in business.

Recipients of the PRMuseum NextGen Awards will not necessarily be of the same backgrounds as those for whom their award is named but they will demonstrate the same character, with a record of achievement in the face of personal obstacles and adversity.

Judging Criteria

Entries are assessed by a panel of seasoned public relations leaders of diverse backgrounds and experience. The judges will look for evidence that entrants have the same character as trailblazers in PR’s Hidden History and show high potential of being among the industry’s next generation of leaders and pacesetters. The judges will be particularly attentive to evidence that entrants overcame obstacles in their personal or professional lives to achieve their current position.

Entrants will be assessed on the following characteristics:

Self-starter. Shows unusual initiative and readily accepts responsibility.
Change Agent. Record of pushing the boundaries of culture and making brave changes within their workplace or industry.
Deeply Curious. Unusually broad interests and perspectives. Fast learner.
Enemy of the Routine. Highly creative. Sees opportunities others miss. Innovative.
Strong Leader. Unusual ability to motivate others in achieving ambitious goals. Celebrates success. Learns from mistakes.
Resolute. Determined and has overcome personal obstacles and adversity.

Please send an email to nextgen@prmuseum.org if you have any questions or have trouble with your online submission. That’s also the email to use if you’re interested in sponsoring the PRMuseum NextGen Awards or any other PRMuseum initiative.