WASHINGTON – The Mid-Atlantic Black PR Society will honor Howard University Director of Public Relations Alonda Thomas as the Communicator of the Year during the organization’s annual PowerPR Conference on Friday, November 1, in Philadelphia. The award will be presented to Thomas by Mid-Atlantic Black Public Relations Society Founder Monica Peters and Actor Nakia Dillard, who stars in the CW series, “Black Lightning.”

“Alonda is most deserving of this award” says Peters, who describes the Society as a "small but mighty organization." 

“Alonda has showcased Black excellence in her career trajectory from author to public relations executive, strategically shaping the image and brand of one of the most prestigious HBCU’s in the nation, Howard University.”

Thomas, who was previously named “Top 25 African American PR Millennials to Watch” by Huffington Post, will also serve as the conference’s keynote speaker. Prior to her current role, Thomas served as the senior public relations manager for TV One. In addition, she has developed PR strategies for Walt Disney Studios, ABC Studios, Bishop T.D. Jakes and more. 

“I’d like to thank the Mid-Atlantic Black Public Relations Society for this incredible recognition,” says Thomas. “This would not be possible without the support I’ve received from some amazing mentors over the years while working at Howard University, TV One, Liquid Soul and Florida A&M University. They challenged me to lead with authority and pursue excellence, which I strive to achieve every day.”

Tickets are still available to join the Mid-Atlantic Black PR Society, a project and community partner of FNC Philly, a 503(c)(3) for the annual PowerPR Conference: "PR BREAKTHROUGH: IN IT TO WIN IT!" November 1 at Hilton at Penn's Landing, 201 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard in Philadelphia.  The organization's mission is to serve as a venue and resource for African-American public relations professionals, students and entrepreneurs. 

Attendees can register for the conference at bit.ly/midatlanticpowerpr. 

Actor Nakia Dillard will also participate in the conference's entertainment panel along with celebrity chef Kenneth J. McDuffie in the "Manage the Brand in Entertainment" 

About the PowerPR Conference 

• A conference for PR beginners and experts, students of all majors, entrepreneurs, non-profits and community members
• Will feature panel discussions, guest speakers, workshops and more
• Learn about public relations at every level discussing topics from social media, how to become your own PR person, taking your brand global, reputation management, how to break into public relations, online bullying and more.

2019 HONOREES

Alonda Thomas, Communicator of the Year, Director of Public Relations for Howard University

Shawnee Brown, Associate Director, Global Social Media Strategy for Merck Pharmaceuticals Merck Manuals (Trailblazer Award for being one of the few Black women in the world to head up social media operations and strategies for a global pharmaceutical corporation.) 

Catherine Hicks and Joseph Mondesire, Publisher, Co-Owners of The Philadelphia Sunday SUN newspaper (Trailblazer Award for being one of the few Black woman publishers of a major newspaper in the nation. Joseph Mondesire is one of the youngest newspaper owners in the country.) 

Diana Torralvo Director of Community Relations & Communications for NBC10 & Telemundo62 (Ally Award for being a consistent supporter of the Black PR Society.)

Dana Thompson, Project Officer, Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council, Harrisburg (Ally award for her advocacy in bringing together organizations in the tri-state area for the PA Community Alliance Summit.)

Robert Mendelsohn (posthumous)--Legendary and iconic Philadelphia photographer who documented Black Philadelphia for more than two decades.

Previous Honorees:

Previous Communicator of the Year Award honorees include: Stephanie Humphrey (2017), tech contributor for Good Morning America and Kenny Johnson (2018) from the Phillies, who will be returning to the conference this year.

Mid-Atlantic Black PR Society Power PR Conference is sponsored by the Philadelphia Sunday SUN and FNC Philly, a 501 (c)(3). Program line-up subject to change without notice. No refunds. 

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Mid-Atlantic Black Public Relations Society/PBPRS are a fiscal project and community partner of FNC Philly a 501(c)(3) who accepts and processes all financial transactions including donations and event payments. Mid-Atlantic Black Public Relations Society/PBPRS operates under the supervision, administrative/organizational requirements and guidance of FNC Philly. 

For press inquiries, contact: info@midatlanticbprs.org