Working Toward a More Diverse Profession
While the practice of public relations in the United States has undergone dramatic changes, a lack of diversity in the communications profession persists. Many studies indicate that the industry still struggles to attract young Black, Asian and Hispanic
professionals to pursue public relations as their career of choice.
About
About
The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee is devoted to building consciousness by increasing visibility of DEI standards, resources and best practices for racial, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation and gender differences, as well as diverse skill sets, mindsets and cultures at all levels of the organization.
The DEI Committee commends PR firms and organizations that have established more diverse workplace environments, and those that have established management programs to help minority groups and LGBTQ+ practitioners move up the corporate ladder
Also, the DEI Committee works closely with the PRSA Foundation, which helps drive diversity within public relations by funding numerous research initiatives for underserved populations, PR firms and employees.
FAQs
1. Why is PRSA keeping the name "DEI Committee"?
PRSA remains committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive public relations profession. Changing our name in response to external pressures would diminish our leadership in this space and signal a retreat from our values.
We believe DEI is not a trend and that it’s essential to the future of PR. Our name reflects our purpose, our mission, and the work we continue to do to support PR professionals and the industry at large.
2. How does the PRSA DEI Committee support members nationwide?
We provide PR professionals with resources, tools, and programs to help integrate DEI principles into their work. This includes:
- Educational webinars and workshops hosted by PRSA at the Chapter, Region, Section and National levels.
- DEI toolkits and best practices guides.
- Networking opportunities and thought leadership events.
- Chapter spotlights to highlight local DEI efforts.
- A platform to amplify diverse voices and perspectives.
Whether you are just beginning your DEI journey or are deeply engaged in this work, we are here to support you.
3. What should PRSA members in states with DEI restrictions (e.g., Texas, Florida) do?
We recognize the challenges faced by members in states where DEI efforts have been restricted or banned. To support these members, we are:
- Launching a new 2025 PRSA DEI Committee Toolkit with best practices, insights and key information to navigate the months ahead.
- Hosting virtual DEI programming by PRSA at the Chapter, Region, Section and National levels.
- Amplifying peer support networks to exchange strategies and insights via PRSA chapters, communities, and platforms.
- Offering continuous guidance on how to uphold inclusive values while navigating challenges.
If you are in a state facing these challenges and need specific support, please reach out to the PRSA Executive Committee directly and we will help you identify solutions.
4. How can PR professionals incorporate DEI in their work, even in challenging environments?
Even in environments where DEI efforts are under scrutiny, PR professionals can:
- Focus on universal values such as fairness, representation, and opportunity.
- Use inclusive storytelling to reflect diverse voices in campaigns, media relations and BAU (business as usual announcements), as possible.
- Engage in strategic partnerships with organizations that align with inclusive principles.
- Educate internally by sharing DEI best practices and industry research.
Remember DEI is not just about compliance. It’s about creating meaningful, authentic connections with the audiences we serve.
5. How does PRSA measure success in DEI efforts?
Our success is measured both qualitatively and quantitatively, including:
- Increased participation in PRSA DEI programs and events.
- Increased representation of diverse voices in chapter, region, and section leadership and programming.
- Member feedback and testimonials on the impact of our initiatives.
- Strategic partnerships with organizations advancing DEI in PR.
- Adapting current volunteer and staff practices.
We conduct ongoing checkpoints to ensure our initiatives align with member needs and industry trends.
6. How can PRSA members get involved with DEI?
There are multiple ways to engage:
- Become involved in your PRSA Chapter or Section’s DEI Committee.
- Attend DEI events and workshops hosted by PRSA at the Chapter, Region, Section and National levels.
- Share your expertise by submitting articles or speaking at PRSA events.
- Nominate your PRSA Chapter for our upcoming DEI Awards.
- Connect with PRSA’s DEI Committee via email or social media, and share DEI-related content.
If you’re interested in contributing more directly, reach out to PRSA’s DEI Committee to explore volunteer opportunities.
7. How can PR professionals respond to DEI backlash in their organizations?
DEI backlash can be difficult to navigate, but PR professionals can:
- Communicate the business case for DEI, citing research on how inclusive teams drive innovation and profitability.
- Focus on employee engagement, emphasizing the role of DEI in creating workplace cultures where all employees feel valued.
- Frame DEI as a strategic advantage, not just a social initiative.
- Encourage data-driven decision-making, leveraging analytics to show the impact DEI has on business outcomes.
We encourage members facing internal challenges to leverage PRSA DEI resources to craft strong, informed responses.
8. Where can I find PRSA’s DEI resources?
PRSA has a growing library of DEI resources available on the PRSA website. You are encouraged to visit the PRSA Professional Development section to learn more.
9. How does PRSA ensure diverse representation in leadership and programming?
PRSA is committed to:
- Diverse speaker lineups for events, conferences, and webinars.
- Equitable leadership opportunities across PRSA’s national and local chapters.
- Mentorship programs to support underrepresented PR professionals.
- Intentional outreach to ensure that all PR professionals feel seen, heard, and valued.
We continuously assess and improve our efforts to ensure equitable representation in everything we do.
10. Who can I contact for more information or support?
For any questions, concerns, or ideas, please reach out to this year’s PRSA DEI Committee Co-Chairs:
- Sabrina Browne, Co-Chair – sbrownepr@gmail.com
- Kristelle Siarza Moon, Co-Chair – kristelle@siarza.net
We are here to listen, support, and advocate for our members.
Diversity Leadership
Co-Chairs
Kristelle Siarza Moon, APR
Owner/CEO
Siarza
Albuquerque, NM
Sabrina Browne
SVP, Personal Banking
Citi
Hoboken, NJ
Staff Liaison
Jeneen Garcia
SVP, Programs
Public Relations Society of America
New York, N.Y.
Foundation Programs
Supporting the Next Generation of Multicultural PR Practitioners
Learn More
The PRSA Foundation stands at the center of an industry poised for change. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit with the singular mission of increasing diversity and inclusion in the Public Relations industry. We help educate and empower rising diverse talent with the potential to become the next generation of leaders in a rapidly changing business landscape. Your donation will help us to fund scholarships for promising students and provide internships that put talented young people on the road to success.
Donations will also assist in sponsoring important research that sheds light on the experiences and perspectives of people of color in Public Relations and the barriers that prevent them from rising as far and as fast as they otherwise could. Donate NOW to insure that the future the Public Relations profession reflects the rapidly changing demographics we serve.
DEI Chapter Toolkit
DEI Chapter Toolkit
The DEI Toolkit provides members with diversity-related research, materials, applicable tools and professional development opportunities.
Its creation rests on two objectives:
- To educate members by providing them with the resources they need to help them manage the diversity and inclusion initiatives of their own Chapters, Districts and Sections
- To influence the composition of their professional development and membership so that the diversity of its membership reflects and embraces the diversity of the profession
2025 version coming soon!
Awards
Awards
2025 Diversity Awards
The PRSA DEI Committee will award up to three PRSA Chapters with a Chapter Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award. The awards are given to Chapters that embody and demonstrate key values in diversity, equity and inclusion, and that contribute to advancing diversity as shown by submissions of their best practices and/or case studies. These awards recognize their local efforts, as well as provide further support for continued achievements at the Chapter level.
D. Parke Gibson Award
The D. Parke Gibson Award is PRSA’s highest individual award presented to a public relations professional that has contributed to the increased awareness of public relations within multicultural communities and participated in the promotion of issues
that meet the special informational and educational needs of these diverse communities.
2024 Diversity Award Winners






Video from PRSA Minnesota Chapter
Affinity Groups
Affinity Groups
PRSA’s Affinity Groups are intended to serve as a convening method for like-minded members to meet (virtually), share ideas, and build networks and relationships.
With this program, PRSA is working to attract, develop and retain diverse members of the organization. The Affinity Groups program also will build awareness and strengthen the organization’s overall approach to diversity, equity and inclusion. PRSA and its partner in program execution believe that the affinity group strategy will facilitate personal member growth, advancement and the overall well-being of PRSA as an organization. Finally, Affinity Groups help reaffirm PRSA’s commitment to DEI to under-represented and BIPOC PR professionals.
The four Affinity Groups are:
- Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander – AANHPI
- Black Voices
- Hispanic-Latino
- Seasoned Professionals
Additional groups, yet to be determined, will be added.
About the AANHPI Affinity Group
ADDED IN 2025
For the period 2025-2027, the PRSA AANHPI (Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander) Affinity Group will be co-chaired by Binna Kim, the co-founder and CEO of Group Vested, Cheryl Ocampo Forsatz, the Chief Client Officer for Ketchum and Darrel Ng the Vice President, Communications and Marketing at Health Net. The AANHPI Affinity Group aims to enhance inclusivity and representation within PRSA by supporting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander professionals in public relations and related fields.
This group will foster a sense of community without geographical boundaries and address challenges such as underrepresentation in the industry. The group will promote cultural awareness and advocacy by embracing the term AANHPI and recognizing the unique identities within these communities. Establishing this group reflects PRSA's commitment to diversity and prepares the organization for the evolving demographics of the industry.
About the Hispanic-Latino Affinity Group
For the period 2025-2027, the PRSA Hispanic-Latino Affinity Group will be co-chaired by Justine Mrsich, M.S., APR, associate director of corporate communications at Kyndryl and Lilly Cortés Wyatt, founder and principal at SociosPR.
The goal of the Hispanic-Latino Affinity Group is to create an opportunity for Latino, Hispanic and other Spanish-speaking communities to convene regularly to gain leadership experience, get involved in the community and develop new ideas to help drive PRSA forward in its engagement with Hispanic-Latino communities.
About the Black Voices Affinity Group
For the period 2025-2027, the PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group will be co-chaired by Sabrina Browne, Vice President, Corporate, at BCW Global and Thomas Bennett, Vice President, Business Development, at OCHIN.
The goal of the Black Voices Affinity Group is to create an opportunity for African-American and other Black Voices to convene regularly to gain leadership experience, get involved in the community and develop new ideas to help drive PRSA engagement with Black communities.
PRSA Seasoned Professionals Affinity Group
ADDED IN 2025
For the period 2025-2027, the PRSA Seasoned Pros Affinity Group will be co-chaired by Douglas Fenichel, APR, President of Douglas Fenichel Public Relations and Lynn Ellen Perez-Hewitt, APR, Consultant of HCE.
The PRSA Seasoned Professionals Affinity Group supports PR pros aged 50+ with at least ten years of experience—whether active, nearing retirement, or already retired.
Aligned with PRSA’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee’s mission to broaden inclusion across dimensions like age and life-stage, the affinity group fosters a welcoming space where seasoned members can share institutional knowledge, mentor emerging professionals, and stay engaged through programming focused on consulting, teaching, pro bono service, and evolving career paths. By addressing ageism and emphasizing the enduring value of experience, the group reinforces equity at all career phases. It ensures PRSA benefits from the wisdom of senior professionals while strengthening intergenerational ties and preserving institutional memory.
FYI
Affinity Groups are open to all PRSA members at no additional cost.
- To join an affinity group, PRSA members must: be current (with dues paid), be a member in good standing as defined in the PRSA bylaws, and abide by the purpose of the designated affinity group.
- Membership and participation are not limited by race, gender, background, sexual identity, or any other factor.
- Affinity Group meetings will be held virtually, with one scheduled each quarter.
For additional information, contact Jeneen Garcia at Jeneen.Garcia@PRSA.org.
Diverse Dialogues
Diverse Dialogues
PRSA is proud to present Diverse Dialogues, a series of conversations with leaders in the profession about Diversity and Inclusion and the way forward.
As communications professionals, our voices are critical in bringing about change within our organizations. We must be confident in speaking to our leadership teams and pushing forward critical, and often uncomfortable, conversations about current events and social matters among our employees.
Through Diverse Dialogues, we bring together leaders and experts in Diversity and Inclusion to share insights and best practices to guide communications professionals in having critical conversations to enable real change.
PRSA and PRSSA members will walk away empowered with ideas and resources to begin the conversation with their leadership that will position Diversity and Inclusion as more than a topic for this moment. Members will be inspired to drive the conversation toward including Diversity and Inclusion as foundational to the values for all organizations moving forward.
Leading Voices:
AANHPI Leaders Shaping the Future of Communications
Recorded May 7, 2025
More Info
In celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month, PRSA hosted an engaging event to delve into the diverse and impactful career paths of three accomplished Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) leaders in the communications industry. From corporate communications to public relations and digital media, hear their personal stories, pivotal moments, and invaluable lessons learned.
Panelists:
- Alexandra Lazorchak, VP Corporate Communications and Government Relations, Mondelez
- Olivia Chung, Director of Communications, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
- Ravi Sunnak, EVP, Porter Novelli
Hosted by the PRSA AANHPI Affinity Group.
The Power of Womanhood:
Skills, Mentorship & Career Mobility
Recorded March 19, 2025
More Info
Join PRSA and the Museum of Public Relations for an inspiring cross-generational panel featuring women leaders at every stage of their careers.
This dynamic discussion will highlight the essential skills women need to excel in public relations, the transformative role of mentorship and sponsorship in professional growth, and the strategies that have propelled trailblazing women to leadership.
Moderator:
- Brandi Boatner, Global Influencer Marketing, IBMM
Panelists:
- Grace Leong, CEO & Partner, Hunter
- Patrice Tanaka, Founder, Joyful Planet LLC & Joyful Planet Foundation
- Lisa Bull, CMO & Partner, Yobo Spirit Housee
- Nyree Wright, Executive Vice President, Crisis & Risk Communications, Edelman
Unlocking the C-Suite:
A Panel of Black Communication Leaders
Recorded February 12, 2025
More Info
This exclusive panel featurestrailblazing Black PR leaders who have not only shattered glass ceilings but also continue to mentor and pave the way for the next generation of diverse professionals. Whether you are a seasoned PR pro, a mid-level manager,
or just starting your career, this event promises to deliver invaluable takeaways for all attendees.
Panelists:
- Torod Neptune, Senior Vice President & CCO, Medtronic
- Helen Shelton, Global Chief Diversity Officer, Finn Partners
- Mira Lowe, Dean of the School of Journalism and Communications, Florida A&M University
- Bria Bryant, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Assembly Global
- Kim Godwin, Former President, ABC News
- Sabrina N. Browne, Co-Lead, PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group
PRSA Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Recorded Sept. 23, 2024
More Info
Moderated by:
- Joseph Abreu, APR, CPRC, PRSA 2024 Chair
Panelists:
- Stephen Chavez
- Natalia Flores, APR
- Luis Morales, APR, Fellow, PRSA
- Olga Mayoral Wilson, APR, Fellow PRSA.
Shifting Perspectives:
Debunking ´Age Is Just a Number’
Recorded May 16, 2024
More Info
This webinar defines and explores strategies for combatting ageism, dismantling bias, and promoting inclusivity and respect for individuals of all ages.
We'll uncover the downside of not including our senior voices and the value they bring, as well as discuss how we might better collaborate with our younger practitioners to create healthier, more welcoming work environments for all.
Moderator:
- Rene Petties Jones
PRSA Co-Chair, DEI Committee, President, The National Federation for Just Communities of WNY, Inc.
Panelists:
- Daniel Farkas
Strategic Communications Lecturer, The Ohio State University - Ellen Oppenheim
Founder, Oppenheim Media Consulting - Martha Boudreau
EVP, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer
AARP
Accreditation Information:
Participants with the APR credential earn 0.5 CEUs for a webinar.
Learn more about Accreditation.
Women’s History Month
Recorded March, 2024
More Info
A Conversation Moderated by Linda Thomas Brooks, PRSA CEO
Black Voices Defining the Industry in 2024
Recorded February 21, 2024
More Info
The PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group is proud to present the “Black Voices Defining The Industry in 2024” panel featuring leaders across the public relations, media and communications industry. Nationwide, only 9.9% of Black talent work in public relations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The number decreases even further when we look at Black talent who maintain senior-level positions. The panel will uncover industry insights and experiences from the Black leaders who have reached the upper echelons of the workplace, and the lessons they can provide for the talent climbing the ladder.
Attendees can expect to learn about:
- Industry do’s and don’ts.
- Best practices to recruit and retain Black talent in the workplace.
- Ways we can continue supporting Black leaders carving their path in the industry.
MLK Day:
Past, Present & Future of Honoring His Legacy
Recorded January 11, 2024
More Info
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday is an official day of service and celebrates the civil rights leader's legacy and life. Hosted by the PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group, join us on January 11 as we come together to build community and honor his legacy of living in a more just and equitable society.
Panelists:
- Troy Blackwell, Senior Advisor & Spokesperson, Biden-Harris Administration
- Sabrina Browne, Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Marketing, BCW
Accreditation Information
Participants with the APR credential earn 0.5 CEUs for a webinar.
Learn more about Accreditation.
Previous Dialogues
2023
What’s Next:
DEI and the Intersection With Higher Education
Recorded December 13, 2023
More Info
Join us for the second of a two-part series that examines the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Affirmative Action and College Admissions: "What's Next: DEI and the Intersection with Higher Education.”
Moderated by:
Marsha R. Pitts-Phillips, APR, PRSA DEI Committee co-chair, president and founder, MRPP & Associates Communications
Panelists:
- Dawn Christian, PRSA Foundation President, CEO and Founder, Belong by Dawn
- Mickey G. Nall, APR, Fellow PRSA, Professional-in-Residence, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida
- Melissa Vela-Williamson, M.A., APR, CDP® Chief Communication Architect/Founder MVW Communication
Accreditation Information
Participants with the APR credential earn 0.5 CEUs for a webinar.
Learn more about Accreditation.
Purpose-driven Communications:
Whether, When, How and Why
Recorded Nov.9, 2023
More Info
As the world around us becomes ever more fraught with dangerous and divisive situations, communications professionals are weighing how to address societal issues with their constituencies. Join us for a session of PRSA’s Diverse Dialogues, as we hear from industry leaders on key factors for decision-making on these messages and communications plans.
Moderator:
Paul G. Omodt ABC, APR, Fellow PRSA, owner and principal, Omodt & Associates Critical Communications LLC
Panelists:
- Helio Fred Garcia, president, Logos Consulting Group and Executive Director, Logos Institute for Crisis Management and Executive Leadership.
- Matt Kucharski, APR, president, Padilla
- Alison Taylor, executive director, Ethical Systems
Accreditation Information
Participants with the APR credential earn 0.5 CEUs for a webinar.
Learn more about Accreditation.
What's DEI Got to Do With Me?
Recorded Oct. 26, 2023
More Info
The murder of George Floyd by police officers, the #MeToo Movement, the passage of laws targeting members of the LGBTQ+ community, acts of violence against members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, and the Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson ruling are changing the view that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is only of interest to those feeling or experiencing discrimination. There's a change in public sentiment as events like these impact larger populations and demographic groups.
Panelists:
Participants with the APR credential earn 0.5 CEUs for a webinar.
Learn more about Accreditation.
Bridging Equality:
Communicating Post-U.S. Supreme Court Decisions
Recorded Sept. 13, 2023
More Info
Join us at this PRSA Diverse Dialogues event, Bridging Equality: Communicating Post-U.S. Supreme Court Decisions, as we delve into the critical issues surrounding affirmative action in college admissions and anti-discrimination laws. In light of recent Supreme Court decisions, we aim to empower PR and communication professionals with the tools, methods, and approaches to effectively communicate the implications of these rulings, particularly the potential weaker protections for students of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Moderated by:
Cayce Myers, Ph.D., LL.M., J.D., APR, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, Virginia Tech, School of Communication
Learn more about Accreditation.
AI in Communications:
Covering Bias, Ethics and Other Challenges
Recorded June 22, 2023
More Info
Moderated by Michelle Egan, APR, Fellow PRSA. 2023 Chair, the one-hour discussion aims to cover bias in AI and other challenges that communicators, public relations professionals and marketers face in this ever-changing technology.
Speakers include: Bharat Krish, adviser, investor and former president, Digital, TIME Magazine, HBO, NBCUniversal; and Jared Carneson, senior vice president and senior partner at FleishmanHillard. Jared is the San Francisco media and platforms team lead with a focus on digital communications.
Hosted by the PRSA DEI Committee.
Fireside Chat with NAACP
Recorded March 1, 2023
More Info
Black History Month is an important time in history for all of us to pay homage to Black Americans who shaped history in the United States.
In partnership with the PRSA DE&I Committee, the PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group is hosting the Black History Month program. The keynote speaker is Aba Blankson, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at the headquarters of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Baltimore MD.
Thomas Bennett, SVP at FleishmanHillard and PRSA Board Member and Chair of the PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group, will serve as the moderator.
Diversity Data and Analytics
Diversity Data and Analytics
At PRSA, we believe data is a powerful driver of change. As communicators, our ability to shape narratives, influence perception, and foster inclusion must be grounded in insights and intention. That’s why the PRSA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee is committed to surfacing data that highlights the real, measurable impact of DEI in the workplace, in our profession, and in the communities we serve.
This newly dedicated section provides PRSA members with up-to-date research, industry benchmarks, and compelling statistics to support evidence-based DEI strategies. Whether you’re making the case to leadership, crafting inclusive campaigns, or amplifying diverse voices, this “DEI Data & Analytics” hub is designed to equip you with the insights needed to show the value of equity-focused action in practice.
Key Statistics on the Impact of DEI
- Organizational leaders are increasingly leveraging inclusion to attract talent, retain employees, and motivate high creativity and excellence. Inclusive organizations are 73% more likely to reap innovation revenue, 70% more likely to capture new markets, up to 50% more likely to make better decisions, and up to 36% more likely to have above-average profitability. (Harvard Business Review)
- 56% of U.S. workers say focusing on DEI is a good thing at work. (Pew Research Center)
- More than half of workers (54%) say their company or organization pays about the right amount of attention to increasing DEI. (Pew Research Center)
- 61% of organizations implement fair hiring, pay, or promotion policies, and a similar share offers DEI training. (Pew Research Center)
- Companies with top-quartile gender-diverse exec teams are 25% more likely to outperform financially. (McKinsey & Co.)
- Organizations in the top quartile for racial/ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to outperform financially. (McKinsey & Co.)
- Firms with high ethnic & cultural diversity show 36% higher profitability. (McKinsey & Co.)
- Diverse companies are 35–36% more likely to outperform competitors. (Instride)
- Inclusive teams get 2.3× more cash flow per employee. (SAP)
- Employees who feel belonging are 50% less likely to quit and show 56% performance boosts. (BetterUp)
More Resources
More Resources
PRSA recognizes heritage and awareness months year-round, offering timely content to help communicators engage thoughtfully and effectively.

Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Each May, AANHPI Heritage Month recognizes the contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the U.S.

Black History Month
Explore PRSA’s resources designed to help you champion diversity, equity and inclusion through your public relations work.

Hispanic Heritage Month
PRSA is proud to join in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 each year. We honor the histories, cultures and contributions of people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

LGBTQ+ Pride Month
PRSA offers a wide range of professional development and educational resources, all designed to recognize and celebrate the LGBTQ+ population,

Women's History Month
PRSA celebrates Women's History Month each March with these resources specially curated for communications and PR professionals.