PRSA

PRSA

National Capital Chapter

PRSA NCC Announces 2022-23 Class of Early Career Fellowship for Professionals of Color

(FALLS CHURCH, VA – July 19) – The Public Relations Society of America National Capital Chapter (PRSA NCC) today announced the three individuals selected to participate as a 2022-23 fellow for the chapter’s inaugural Early Career Fellowship for Professionals of Color.

The program is sponsored by global marketing, communications and digital transformation agency ICF Next, part of global consulting services provider ICF.

The 2022-23 Fellows (listed in alphabetical order) are:

Kabira Barlow has been a member of PRSA since 2019 and a member of the National Capital Chapter since 2020. A Baltimore native, she graduated from American University, Washington, with a bachelor’s in public relations and strategic communications. While in school she served as the publicity director for the school’s PRSSA chapter. After graduating, she began her career at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). She has just started a new position with AstraZeneca. Kabira recently graduated from American University with a master’s in strategic communication.

“I am confident this program will have an important impact on my growth as a professional and I look forward to being actively involved in the chapter,” said Barlow.

Jasmine Harry graduated from the University of Maryland College Park with a bachelor’s in Communication. She is passionate about being a positive light to younger women and building a platform where they will have the freedom to express themselves creatively. Jasmine plans to open her own PR firm with a focus on issues of importance to young, minority women.

“I am very excited to learn and grow through all the opportunities provided by this important fellowship program,” said Harry  

Javier Lewis is a strategic communications professional at FTI Strategic Communications and serves in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. His work centers around helping organizations navigate and manage their most pressing regulatory and reputational challenges. Previously, Javier worked as a senior accountant and auditor in corporate and public accounting. He graduated with honors from Caldwell University with double majors in accounting and marketing and holds a master’s in Strategic Public Relations from The George Washington University, Washington. He is a board member of the Washington Association of Black Journalists (WABJ) and enjoys volunteering with youth focused organizations.

“I am really looking forward to engaging with my mentor, the chapter and using this platform to advocate for meaningful inclusion and investment in PR professionals of color,” said Lewis.

The three Early Career Fellowship for Professionals of Color Fellows will participate in the program from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 and receive:

  • Coverage of PRSA National and PRSA NCC chapter membership dues for one year
  • A $500 stipend to use toward PRSA NCC event registration costs
  • Mentorship for one-year with a PRSA NCC member
  • Opportunity to apply for a 3-month paid summer internship with ICF/ICF Next

“The future of our industry depends on ensuring we have broad representation and diversity of talent,” said Vickie Gogo, APR, PRSA NCC and senior partner, multicultural communications, ICF Next. “This fellowship is one small step in that direction. I’m excited to see how PRSA NCC will continue to lead the way in helping to train and prepare early career professionals of color to get a foothold in the business. ICF Next is proud to sponsor the program, and we are committed to growing new talent and expanding opportunities.”

“I am looking forward to meeting and working with this year’s Fellows,” said Robert Krueger, president, PRSA NCC, global partnerships communications lead for Gensler and executive director of The Communications Board. “There is no question that the fellows and the chapter will benefit greatly from this program.”

ICF works with hundreds of companies and government agencies across the globe to plan, design and implement transformative projects. ICF Next brings together ICF’s global award-winning marketing, communications and associated technology expertise, offering a full set of capabilities designed to drive participation with clients’ most important stakeholders.

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About PRSA NCC

The Public Relations Society of America National Capital Chapter is an association of communications professionals in the Metropolitan Washington region. As the largest PRSA chapter in the country, NCC advances the local communications profession by fostering collaboration, enhancing knowledge and skills and creating connections through robust, up-to-date, and inclusive educational, networking, and professional growth opportunities. For more information, please visit prsancc.org, or connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.