PRSA’s ICON 2025 in Washington, D.C., ended on a note of inspiration and unity. On Oct. 29, more than 200 PR professionals gathered for the annual PRSA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Reception. The evening celebrated progress across the profession while fostering new connections that will continue to shape the future of PR.
The reception was hosted by Sabrina Browne and Kristelle Siarza, MBA, APR, co-chairs of the PRSA DEI Committee, and sponsored by Cone Health, a longtime PRSA partner with a deep commitment to inclusion. Guests enjoyed an evening filled with conversation, networking and celebration, complemented by food, cocktails and laughter that carried through the room.
A night of connection and purpose
The evening opened with remarks from Ray Day, APR, PRSA’s 2025 Board chair, who spoke about the organization’s ongoing journey toward equity. He reminded attendees that inclusion requires more than intention; it demands sustained effort from every corner of the profession.
The program then highlighted achievements from Chapters, members and leaders who continue to elevate the DEI conversation through action.
Reflecting on the evening, Kristelle Siarza shared, “This reception was about people and progress. We are building an ecosystem where everyone, no matter where they start, feels seen, valued, and supported in this profession.”
Recognizing leadership in action
PRSA recognized three Chapters for their outstanding DEI initiatives during the PRSA Diversity Chapter Awards: Buffalo Niagara, Minnesota and Orlando. Their creativity, collaboration and measurable results have become models for how Chapters can make a local impact while strengthening the national community.
The PRSA Foundation’s Paladin Award honored Bill Imada, a visionary whose career has transformed how organizations engage multicultural audiences. Through mentorship, advocacy and coalition-building, Imada has championed diversity not as an initiative but as a business and moral imperative.
PRSA presented the D. Parke Gibson Award to W. Patrick McSweeney, APR, Fellow PRSA, whose contributions have advanced DEI principles across generations. His commitment to education and ethical leadership has left a lasting imprint on the profession.
Each recipient reflected the evening’s spirit of collective progress. Their work reminded attendees that DEI in communications is not a trend, but a cornerstone of ethical, authentic storytelling.
Building the future of inclusion
Throughout the evening, conversations centered on the evolving role of DEI in public relations. Attendees discussed how communicators can champion equity in brand narratives, team dynamics and organizational culture. The sentiment across the room was clear: Progress continues through collaboration, shared accountability and the willingness to listen and learn.
As guests connected with colleagues and new peers, there was an undeniable sense of hope. Students spoke with executives about entering the profession, while agency leaders exchanged ideas with nonprofit communicators. Many reflected that the DEI Reception felt less like a networking event and more like a community coming together to celebrate shared purpose.
Closing reflections
The evening concluded with closing remarks from PRSA CEO Matthew Marcial, CAE. He thanked the DEI Committee and event sponsors for creating a space that uplifts voices across the organization. Marcial encouraged members to continue advancing inclusion within their Chapters, workplaces and communities.
In her final reflection, Browne shared, “This celebration represents the best of who we are as communicators. It is a reminder that inclusion begins with empathy and grows through action. Seeing so many leaders, students and peers gathered together affirmed that the work we do matters.”
A moment to remember
The 2025 PRSA DEI Reception was more than an evening of awards and recognition. It was a reflection of how far the industry has come, and a vision of where it can go when professionals commit to showing up for one another. The conversations sparked in Washington, D.C., will continue to shape campaigns, classrooms and conference rooms across the nation.
As attendees left the reception, many shared a common feeling: gratitude for the community PRSA continues to build and a renewed energy to keep driving the work forward.
Inclusion remains one of the most powerful tools in public relations. When practiced intentionally, it strengthens not only the profession but also the world that communicators help shape every day.
Photos: albert chau photography
