PRSA SUNRISE HONOREE

Great communications do more than inform. They create access, build trust, elevate voices, and open doors for communities that have historically been overlooked.

That belief has guided my career in journalism, public affairs, and government communications, making my recognition as a 2026 PRSA-LA Sunrise Honors Award recipient especially meaningful.

Presented by the Public Relations Society of America Los Angeles Chapter (PRSA-LA), the Sunrise Honors recognize trailblazers and pioneers in public relations and marketing who have helped break barriers, expand opportunities for underrepresented communities, and make the communications profession more inclusive.

As a Los Angeles native, I have spent more than a decade working to make government communications more accessible, culturally responsive, and reflective of the diverse communities we serve.

From building three government communications operations from the ground up to leading multilingual public awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives, my work has centered on a simple principle: Communications should not just reach people. It should empower them.

The eighth annual Sunrise Honors celebration, held September 17, 2026, at the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens, brought together communications professionals committed to advancing representation and creating meaningful change.

I was especially proud to share this recognition with two accomplished women leaders:

• Sandy Shin, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Braille Institute, whose career has focused on inclusive storytelling, brand leadership, and expanding accessibility.

• Dr. Jamila Cupid, scholar, educator, and communications strategist whose work explores organizational belonging, equity, culture, and representation in public relations.

The evening also featured Nekesa Mumbi Moody as moderator, bringing her perspective as an accomplished journalist and media executive to a celebration of leadership and the power of diverse voices.

Being recognized alongside these remarkable women reinforced something I have believed throughout my career: representation is not simply about having a seat at the table. It is about creating opportunities, influencing institutions, and ensuring others have a pathway forward.

I am grateful to PRSA-LA for this recognition and for celebrating communications professionals whose work is helping shape a more inclusive future for our industry.

Because when more voices are heard, stronger communities are built.