The Must-Know Women in Public Relations
PR Trailblazers
In honor of Women’s History Month, we are highlighting some of the many women who have made significant contributions to the world of PR. Without these women, our field would not be what it is today.
1. Inez Kaiser
Born in 1918, Kaiser is believed to be the first Black woman to own a PR firm in the United States. Growing up when Jim Crow laws were in effect, Kaiser fought her way to success. She went on to earn an honorary doctorate from Lincoln University. In 1957, she founded her firm, Inez Kaiser and Associates, Inc.. Not only was this the first PR firm owned by a Black woman, but the firm was the first Black-owned business in Kansas City. With her firm's growing success, Kaiser eventually became the first Black woman to join PRSA. Kaiser’s legacy lives on and inspires women around the world.
2. Betsy Plank, the “First Lady of Public Relations”
In 1963, Plank became the first woman elected president of Chicago’s Publicity Club, and a couple years later, the first woman elected president of the Public Relations Society of America. She received PRSA’s three highest honors, including the Gold Anvil, the Lund Award, and the Patrick Jackson Award. A strong advocate for PR education, Plank served as co-chair for the 1987 Commission on Public Relations Education, paving the way for undergraduate PR curriculum.
3. Cheryl Procter-Rogers
In 1986, Procter-Rogers established her firm, A Step Ahead Public Relations, which she later renamed to A Step Ahead Consulting and Coaching. She has also served in executive roles for DePaul University, Home Box Office (HBO), Nielsen Marketing Research and Golden State Mutual. Currently, she serves as executive coach and associate director for Ernst & Young’s Americas Coaching Practice, where she provides thoughtful mentorship for future leaders. In 2006, Procter-Rogers was the National President and CEO of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), and was also the first Black woman of PRSA in Los Angeles to earn accredited professional status.
4. Maria Cardona
Born in Colombia and moving to the United States at the age of two, Cardona is a strong advocate for democracy. In her early career, Cardona worked for the United States Department of Commerce and the United States Department of Justice's Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), working at the forefront of American politics. In 2005, she used her political background to join the Dewey Square Group, a political consulting firm, and eventually launch Latinovations for Latino-specific policy. In 2011, CNN and CNN en Español to frequently discuss national concerns. In 2012, Cardona was named to the nation's Top 50 Most Influential Latinos
5. Lynne Choy Uyeda
In 1984, Lynne Choy Uyeda founded Lynne Choy Uyeda & Associates. She was the first Asian woman in America to open her own firm, which specializes in multilingual Asian consumer groups. In 1976, Uyeda co-founded the Asian Business Association, which works to uplift Asian-Americans so they can gain agency in their economic opportunities. Thanks to her initiatives, the field has become much more diverse.
6. Doris Fleischman
Beginning her career with the New York Tribune, Fleischman went on to explore the world of PR. She eventually joined the firm of renowned public relations pioneer Edward L. Bernays, later marrying him and becoming his equal partner in the business. However, as a working woman in the early 1900’s she didn’t receive any credit for her work. An advocate for women's suffrage and equal pay, Fleischman famously became the first woman to keep her maiden name on her passport. In 1972, she was awarded the Theta Sigma Phi Headliner Award for her contributions to the PR industry.
As women continue making strides in the world of PR, it is important to reflect on those who came before us. This month and every month, we appreciate and honor the many women who continuously work to transform the PR landscape and break through restrictive barriers.