On Thursday, October 9, something extraordinary took place. On the surface, a night of celebration as the The Public Relations Society of America, Los Angeles Chapter (PRSA-LA), hosted its 61st Annual PRism Awards at the historic Herald Examiner Building. Yet, beneath the surface on a more metaphysical plane the event would become a symbolic vortex where the past, present and future of journalism would collide.
The Herald-Examiner Building stands as one of downtown Los Angeles’ most iconic and imposing structures. Completed in 1914 for publishing mogul William Randolph Hearst, the magnificent edifice housed the Los Angeles Examiner newspaper for 75 years, until 1989. Its sheer scale and ornamental details; the striking red tile roof, the vibrant blue and yellow tiled domes, its sweeping grandiose staircases, marble and numerous adorned cherubs exist as a testament to enduring influence and architectural ambition and quite frankly, one unforgettable neighborhood landmark.
For the invited guests of the PRism Awards, mingling amidst delectable, catered dishes and clinking glasses from an open bar, the building served as more than just a venue; for DT Weekly, it felt like a powerful vessel for symbolism. The restored landmark was essentially encasing a fateful reunion of storytellers, gathered in honor of our resilient creed that had bravely withstood the test of time
Voices Elevated: A Celebration of Triumph & Truth
The evening’s theme, “Voices Elevated: A Celebration of Triumph & Truth,” reflected a moment of pride and purpose for the public relations community, recognizing the professionals who continue to tell stories that matter, protect ethics under pressure, and champion truth in an era that often rewards noise over nuance.
Emmy Award–winning environmental journalist and meteorologist Sarah Pilla, Spectrum News 1’s Climate, Weather, and Lifestyle Reporter, served as host for the evening for a second consecutive year. Pilla, who earned an Emmy in 2021 for her story “Oceana Trash,” which explored the devastating impact of plastic pollution on marine life, brought a vibrant and timely perspective on the role of storytelling in driving awareness and action.
The program began with remarks from PRSA-LA president, Five Acres Head of Marketing, Communications and Events, and CEO of Mission Driven PR, Marisol Barrios Perez, MSPA, APR, and Chelsea Julian Reynolds, Ph.D., founding director of the Center for Media & Communities at the ASU California Center and associate professor at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, who spoke about the center’s mission and desire to strengthen the relationship with Los Angeles’ communications community.
Congratulations Winners!
This year, PRSA-LA presented 79 total awards, including 42 PRism Awards, 31 Awards of Excellence, and 7 special honors, celebrating the most innovative and impactful communications work across Los Angeles. Among the night’s honorees were Stephen Chavez (ChavezPR), named Public Relations Professional of the Year for his inspiring leadership and commitment to DEI; Toby Dizon (Weber Shandwick) and Kelly Reynolds (The Hoyt Organization), recognized as Rising Stars; and MusiCares Foundation, honored as Best In-House PR Team for amplifying the voices of the music community during a transformative year rocked by wildfires and uncertainty.
Meehan Business Advisers and AIJ Communications/Joseph Marchelewski took home Best of Show, while Keck Medicine of USC earned the President’s Award for the second consecutive year for the most PRism Awards won. The celebration also honored student scholarship recipients Taylor Altman from USC, Eliana Flores from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and Morgan Staten, a graduate of Spelman College and a current scholar at USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism for their outstanding achievements and promise as future leaders of the profession.
“Tonight’s theme takes on special meaning in a time marked by wildfires that shook our communities, moments of civil unrest, and headlines that tested our faith in truth itself,” said Tony Ferguson, PRSA-LA Board Member and Chair of the 2025 PRism Awards. “Through layoffs, shrinking budgets, and an ever-changing media landscape, our profession has remained steadfast. ‘Voices Elevated’ is a reminder that even in uncertainty, communication has the power to connect, to heal, and to inspire.”
Public Relations Society of America – (Photo by Arnold Turner/Eclipse Content 4 PRSA-LA)
The event was made possible through the leadership of Perez, Ferguson, and committee members Zachary Stevens, Ely Anne Vedar, and Ajay Benmoin, with administrative support from Cristina Henriquez and Jenneva Guzman of Huntington Association Management.
Founded in 1948, the Public Relations Society of America, Los Angeles Chapter (PRSA-LA) is one of the largest and most active PRSA chapters in the nation, representing professionals across agencies, corporations, nonprofits, government, and academia. Through programs, advocacy, and education, PRSA-LA advances ethical standards, professional growth, and community leadership within the communications industry.
Staying true to this, the 61st Annual PRism Awards reaffirmed PRSA-LA’s commitment to celebrating integrity, innovation, and impact in public relations, honoring not just the work, but the courage, creativity, and resilience behind it. www.PRSALA.org
