Recognizing the next generation of PR leaders and pacesetters
The Museum of Public Relations has chosen the five recipients of this year’s NextGen Awards, in partnership with PRWeek, recognizing young PR pros who personify the industry’s Hidden History trailblazers.
(L-R) Patreon’s Adiya Taylor, Highwire’s Martin Bradshaw, Target’s Luisa Tejada, Zeno’s Jocelyn Arellano, and Citi’s Sabrina Browne.
“The PRMuseum NextGen awards are named for trailblazers in our industry’s Hidden History because of their resolute character and accomplishments, not for their skin color, gender or sexual orientation,” the PRMuseum’s co-founder Shelley Spector said. “The recipients of this year’s awards demonstrated the same resolute character, with a record of achievement in the face of personal obstacles and challenges, just like these original trailblazers.”
As well as the recognition of winning and a trophy, the honorees receive a year of one-on-one mentoring by current industry leaders including Christina Chan, CCO at Regeneron; Jon Harris, EVP and chief communications and networking officer at Conagra Brands; Damon Jones, CCO at Procter & Gamble; Rosemary Mercedes, CCO at BBC Studios; and Nicole Nichols, EVP, communications and strategy at Harpo.
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.
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.
Recognition event
The PRMuseum NextGen Awards will be presented this fall during PRWeek’s “40 Under 40” program in New York City.
