NEW YORK – Howard University’s Director of Public Relations Alonda Thomas will be inducted into PRWeek’s 2021 Hall of Femme class as one of 23 Women to Watch, which honors communications pros who set the bar higher within their organizations.

As a member of this prestigious group, Thomas has proven she is up for every challenge and ready to go above and beyond to ensure results exceed business goals and achieve creative excellence.

"Alonda truly embodies Howard University’s motto of truth and service through her commitment to uplifting Howard’s brand with various stakeholders and the continual pursuit of excellence she brings to the team," says Vice President & Chief Communications Officer Frank Tramble. "Whether we’re managing the latest campus updates surrounding the coronavirus pandemic or if we’re announcing new academic rankings or a major gift, Alonda helps control the narrative to position Howard for success.”

Now in its sixth year, PRWeek selects women who have achieved success within their own organization, inspired colleagues, and, through innovative and transformative work, elevated the practice of public relations to new heights.

“Along with the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. also dealt with racial unrest and a politically divided country over the past year. The 2021 Hall of Femme and Women to Watch honorees all have years of impressive accomplishments under their belt,” says Diana Bradley, associate news editor at PRWeek.

“The way they were also able to pivot within their personal and professional lives in 2020 amid such a storm of issues further magnifies their talents, passion and humanity.”

Thomas was recently named one of the Top Women in PR by PRNews. During her tenure at Howard University, she’s led the awarding-winning PR team to achieve the PRWeek 2020 Best in a Crisis Award for the #HowardMedicineMatters campaign and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Bronze Anvil Award for the Howard Homecoming 2019 campaign.

“I am deeply honored to be selected for the PRWeek Women to Watch list and celebrated among so many dynamic women from across the industry,” says Thomas. “I share this honor with the many strong female mentors whose advice has guided me through the years and I am thankful to the stellar group of professionals that I work with in the Office of University Communications at Howard, whom I get to create magic with daily.”

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