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Member Spotlight: Dr. Sheila Brooks

Written by Lindsey McGrath

Dr. Sheila Brooks is an accomplished entrepreneur, author, Emmy-award winning journalist, educator and expert in marketing, media, communications and public relations. She is founder, president and CEO of SRB Communications, a full-service marketing, advertising and PR agency that specializes in creating and executing brand awareness, outreach and public education campaigns. Her more than four decades of trailblazing leadership in media and communications reflects the long track record of success and commitment to Washington, DC and this nation’s creative and entrepreneurial economy. The boutique agency headquarters is in downtown Washington, DC.  

Photo by Cheriss May, Ndemay Media Group.

Your career spans journalism, entrepreneurship and advocacy. Looking back, what experiences early in your career most shaped the leader you are today?

Early in my career, I came to understand that effective communication starts with listening – grasping context and appreciating the responsibility that comes with shaping public understanding. Journalism demanded discipline, precision, and an unwavering commitment to telling stories with integrity. It also introduced me to communities whose voices were often underrepresented, deepening my belief in the importance of inclusion and authentic representation.

These experiences continue to shape my approach to leadership. I prioritize clarity, accountability, and purpose in every decision I make. To me, leadership is not only about setting direction, but about ensuring that our work is thoughtful, responsible, and makes a meaningful impact.

Starting a communications agency takes both vision and courage. What were some of the biggest lessons you learned in the early years of building SRB Communications?

In the early years of building SRB Communications, I learned that vision must be supported by consistency and discipline. Success is not immediate. It is built over time through strong relationships, quality work and a clear understanding of your company’s value. As a woman-and minority-owned business, there were additional challenges that required resilience and adaptability. I learned quickly that credibility is earned, not assumed. Delivering excellence and results, maintaining integrity and building trust with clients became the foundation of our growth. Those early lessons continue to guide how I approach both leadership and business today.

Since launching SRB Communications more than three decades ago, the communications landscape has transformed dramatically. How has your agency evolved alongside new technologies, platforms and client expectations?

The communications landscape has evolved significantly, but the fundamentals of effective communication remain consistent. Clear messaging, strong strategy and a deep understanding of your audience continue to drive results. At SRB Communications, we adapt by integrating new technologies and platforms while staying grounded in those principles. We approach innovation with intention, ensuring that new tools enhance our work rather than distract from it. Client expectations have shifted toward faster, more measurable outcomes and we have responded by strengthening our strategic approach while maintaining a focus on quality and impact.

You’ve taught and mentored many journalists, entrepreneurs and communications professionals over the years. What do you find most rewarding about helping the next generation grow in this field?

What I find most rewarding is seeing individuals grow into their confidence and recognize the value of their voice. Mentorship is not simply about sharing knowledge, but about creating opportunities and encouraging others to take ownership of their path. Over the years, I have worked with students and professionals who have gone on to build stellar careers and that continued growth is what makes the work impactful. When someone understands their potential and begins to move with intention, it creates lasting influence not only for them, but for the broader field.

Advocacy and community engagement have been a consistent thread throughout your career. How do you see communications as a tool for expanding opportunity and amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard?

Communications plays a critical role in shaping how people understand issues, opportunities and each other. When used intentionally, it can expose and access, elevate perspectives and ensure that more voices are included in important conversations. Throughout my career, I have focused on using communication as a tool to create opportunities and strengthen communities. This includes ensuring that a wide range of audiences are represented in campaigns and narratives that impact their daily lives. Thoughtful communication can influence perception, inform decision-making, and ultimately create more inclusive outcomes.

Among your many professional accolades, you are also the author of Lucile H. Bluford and the Kansas City Call: Activist Voice for Social Justice published in 2018. What did you learn from your research on Bluford’s life and career that you still carry with you in your communications and advocacy work today?

Researching Lucile Bluford’s life reinforced the idea that communication can be both informative and transformative. Bluford used journalism as a platform to challenge injustices and inequity, and advocate for change during two critical eras in history – both the civil rights and women’s rights movements. Her work demonstrated persistence, courage and a deep commitment to truth. That perspective continues to influence how I approach storytelling and leadership today. It serves as a reminder that the work we do has the power to shape understanding, elevate important issues and contribute to meaningful progress.

Throughout your career, you’ve managed to grow a thriving business while keeping service and community impact at the center of your work. How have you navigated the balance between running a successful agency and staying true to that public service mission?

For me, business success and community impact have always gone hand in hand. Building a strong organization takes more than strong financial results; it calls for purpose, trust, and a dedication to meaningful outcomes. By connecting our work to real impact, we’ve been able to deliver value to clients while also supporting the broader community. That connection has helped us maintain long-term relationships and stay focused on work that truly matters. When your values are clearly defined, that balance becomes a natural part of the foundation rather than something you have to constantly manage.

Your career is deeply rooted in Washington, DC — from working with local institutions and serving on civic boards to mentoring the next generation of communicators in the city. What does being a leader of the DC communications community mean to you?

Washington, D.C. is a distinctive environment where communications plays a pivotal role in shaping policy, public understanding, and the national conversation. Being part of this community requires contributing with purpose while upholding a high standard of
professionalism and integrity. It also means acknowledging the responsibility that comes with influencing discussions that reach far beyond the city. Leadership in this space involves not only
delivering exceptional work, but also guiding and mentoring the next generation of communicators who will help shape the future of the field.

Many women in communications look to leaders like you as examples of what’s possible. As you join WWPR, what advice or encouragement would you share with women at different stages of their careers — from those just starting out in PR and communications to those considering launching their own agencies?

At every stage of your career, being intentional about growth makes a lasting difference. Early on, that means building strong skills, gaining hands-on experience, and cultivating meaningful relationships. It also requires taking an honest look at your strengths while recognizing where there’s room to improve—self-awareness that will continue to guide you over time.

As your career progresses, growth often calls for stepping outside your comfort zone. Taking thoughtful risks and embracing leadership opportunities—even before you feel fully ready—can open doors you might otherwise miss. Confidence isn’t something you wait for; it’s developed through action, experience, and a willingness to keep learning.

For those considering entrepreneurship, preparation matters, but so does the ability to move forward with clarity and purpose. While uncertainty is inevitable, a strong foundation, clear vision, and consistent follow-through can set the stage for success.

There’s no perfect moment to begin. Progress comes from taking that first step, learning along the way, and continuing forward with intention.

Member Spotlight: Kelsey Nelson

Written by Kimberly McGuire

Kelsey Nicole Nelson is a broadcast media personality and the founder, executive producer, and host of the “Listen in with KNN” sports talk podcast and radio show. She also is the Social Media and Digital Marketing chair for the Entertainment and Sports section for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). And she most recently served as the Vice President and Membership Chair of the Washington Association of Black Journalists. Today, she is on the Regional Advisory Council for the Tickets for Kids nonprofit and the Period Reality Advisory Board, and sits on the board of the Capital Emmys—where she serves as the Communications Committee Co-Chair—and the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame.

Your work draws people into amazing stories, but we would love to flip the script—how has your personal journey shaped your professional path?

I was born and bred in the Washington, D.C., area, which is special because sports are everywhere. I grew up going to games with my dad—seeing Georgetown basketball legends, watching the University of Maryland win championships, and going to the Baltimore Ravens’ training camp. Both my dad and mom worked so hard, which is where I get my work ethic from, but they always made time to take me to games and practices. This area has a unique culture, especially in sports, and I’ve been lucky to build a career in sports journalism here, where I can share athletes’ stories with audiences. Sports also have a special meaning to me because I spent many summers with my grandparents in Jackson, Mississippi, and the South is all about religion and football. When I wasn’t in church, I was playing football with other kids and having fun. Faith, family, and football paved the way for me, and now I’m so grateful that I can pave the way for others.

As you built your personal brand, what values or priorities mattered most to you? Were there any guiding principles that helped you stay true to yourself?

You have to have non-negotiables in life, and for me, those are trust and respect, which are what I built my brand on. Whether it’s people sharing their story with me, employers relying on me, or students learning from me, I want everyone I engage with to trust me. And I want to be respected for the work I do, but I’ve had to earn it, especially as a Black woman working in sports communications and the entertainment industry. I’ve earned the trust and respect of many because of my work ethic. I work hard on all that I do—I give 150%—and people know that. So, when they see the KNN brand, they know they will get a quality product. That’s important to me, especially as my brand has become increasingly more global, and I never know who is watching. And with everything I’m involved in, I always remember to stay true to myself—not get caught up in the hype and headlines—and to be humble, grateful, and thankful.

When you set your intentions for your brand, how did that shape the kinds of opportunities or roles you went after? Did it open doors you had not expected?

The cool thing about trust and respect is that you get what you give, and because a lot of my business is referral-based, it means that my values and other things I hold near and dear to my heart are seen and felt by others. I focus on being a good person with a strong work ethic and on making the people I meet or work with feel welcome. I’m always smiling and want to make other people smile, which is one reason I ended up loving nonprofit work. I was a Boys & Girls Club kid, which is how I went to my first professional sports game, so being able to give back now is a beautiful thing. I’m also on the Advisory Council for Tickets for Kids, which gives free sporting and concert tickets to children and families. I’m so glad I get to help and mentor younger generations, and I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve had, such as in radio and podcasting, which unexpectedly led me to find joy in teaching and public speaking. Being able to use my platform for a purpose fueled by my passions is amazing, and I try to do so every day. I’ve seen life come full circle.

As you use your platform for a purpose, how do you approach using communications as a tool for positive change, both for yourself and the causes you care about?

My biggest thing is giving back. So, I’m most proud of the internship and fellowship programs that I have through my companies. I have a lot of people come to me, unsure about this job market and how to use their skills, and I focus on helping them get real-world experience and build their portfolios. I also truly enjoy getting to know them and just talking about life—I think that’s important. For example, while covering Super Bowl LX, one of the greatest joys I had was the conversations with one of my interns, Anfisa Pitchkhadze, who is a senior at San Jose State University and was out there working as a student journalist and thriving. To me, it doesn’t mean anything if you get to the mountaintop alone, which is why I like to lift people up as they climb. Especially in the communications industry, which has been greatly impacted, to be able to provide support to young people in their careers—that’s my “why” and the kind of legacy with a lasting impact that I want to have.

You are a source of inspiration for so many women in public relations. Are there any women—past or present—who have inspired you along your journey?

It’s honestly all the women around me. In Washington, D.C., women make up more than half of the workforce, and over half of the top executives are women. This is more than any other municipality in our country and something we should take pride in. It’s amazing how many rock-star women I met through organizations like the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce, DC Chamber of Commerce, Women in Sports and Entertainment (WISE) D.C., and Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), as well as local leaders I’ve gotten to know and living in a city like D.C. where we have been led by a highly successful woman in Mayor Muriel Bowser. How can I not be inspired? There are so many women doing great things—doing them effortlessly and graciously. But the most inspirational superwoman, for me, is my mom. She always worked so hard but was always there for our family. I’m so grateful for her, for how supportive she is of me and my career, and for how she’s adapted to multiple roles while my father works to get back to full health.

Reflecting on your career and your role as a lecturer at George Washington University, what is the most meaningful advice you share with students or women starting out in their careers?

Be your biggest promoter. You are your own self-marketer. We live in a world where nothing is guaranteed, so knowing how to market and brand yourself is very important. And you can’t wait for someone else to do it for you. Start now. Don’t wait and stand in the shadows. Instead, be a go-getter, be curious, and embrace that entrepreneurial mentality. If you have that mindset, it won’t steer you wrong. But also remember to have fun while you do. We live in such a serious world that you need to find things to laugh at throughout the day. Every day, find something that brings you joy or makes you smile. For me, it’s my students who make me smile—I love being in the classroom and talking with them about things like entrepreneurial journalism and how we see journalism evolving.

On the topic of advice (and just for fun), what are your top five favorite things that you would recommend to our WWPR community?

First is the 2027 NFL Draft coming to Washington, D.C., which is putting our city in the spotlight for a good reason. Second are concerts because I love live music. There are so many great artists coming to the area, like Cardi B, so it is definitely something people should take advantage of. And because I am a foodie, my third-favorite thing is our local restaurant scene. I always appreciate a good social hour and helping the local economy, and a great restaurant I just tried is GAIA Supper Club (and love it!). On the topic of food, fourth would be getting popcorn at the movie theater—I love going to see scary movies, especially those based on a Stephen King book. I’ve always lived close to a movie theater, and because I don’t drive, I enjoy the walk to and from there. That leads to my fifth favorite thing—getting out to walk, as it’s the one time in my day that’s purely for me and my thoughts, where I give myself grace and space.

WWPR Women of the Year: Where Are They Now – Jennifer Curley

By Elisa OHalloran

Jennifer Curley is currently the Founder and CEO of Curley Company, a strategic communications and public affairs firm based in Washington, D.C.  She was honored to receive the WWPR Woman of the Year award in 2020.

Jennifer said, “The award came at a pivotal moment – 2020 was the first year of COVID and a year of crisis and transformation for our industry and our world. It gave me renewed purpose and confidence to lean into my leadership style and continue building an agency that prioritizes communications with impact.”

Since 2020, the Curley Company has continued to grow and expand their capabilities in earned media, healthcare, and public affairs. Jennifer recalls, “In 2022, I appointed KayAnn Schoeneman as President of Curley Company – a strategic move that ushered in a new chapter of shared leadership and growth.” 

The firm has been recognized by PRWeek, PRovoke Media, and the Washington Business Journal, and most recently, Curley has opened a Seattle, Washington office to further build our technology capability and more fully integrate AI. She was elected as the first woman to chair of the Board of Trustees at St. Lawrence University in 2023 and in 2022 she authored Playing the Long Game, a business book about how she built Curley Company which was released to coincide with her agency’s 20th Anniversary.

Looking ahead, her leadership philosophy is rooted in adaptability. Jennifer adds, “As I reflect on leadership right now, I find myself thinking a lot about leading through change. To borrow a phrase from a colleague, leaders today must be change literate. For me, that means keeping a steady hand on the wheel to provide reassurance, while also playing the long game and remembering that current challenges are only moments in time.”

Her advice for women leaders is both practical and inspiring. “Be curious and be willing to try new tools or think differently. We call this Future Ready Comms, which today means leading on AI and navigating the earned media landscape, while preparing for opportunities in our industry. Also, raise your hand for the new assignment and make sure you have a good mentor,” says Jennifer.

Right now, Jennifer is particularly energized by an initiative close to her heart. “I’m especially excited about our Executive Impact Accelerator at Curley Company – a product we built to help leaders sharpen their thought leadership and align it with both business goals and the external media landscape. Since then, we’ve rolled it out with clients who are already seeing results: greater clarity, renewed purpose, and more authentic engagement.”

Board Member Spotlight: Lauren Tyler, Adfero

In this Board Member Spotlight we are getting to know Lauren Tyler a little bit better. Lauren serves as WWPR Secretary. 

Lauren is a doer. When she sees someone in need of help, she lends a hand. When she observes something that needs to get done, she rolls up her sleeves and pitches in. Lauren employs this mentality at home, with family and friends, and at work at DC-based strategic communications and public affairs firm, Adfero. 

In her role as Adfero’s Chief of Staff, Lauren manages the firm’s people and operations, ensuring that her Adfero teammates have the resources they need and opportunities to do what they do best. She supports client and business development teams across the firm’s practice areas, coaches and develops teammates within accounts and capabilities, and manages Adfero’s Executive Team operations and strategic planning. 

Prior to joining Adfero, Lauren spent more than five years at the Public Affairs Council, the leading international association for public affairs professionals. At the Council, Lauren marketed and managed the association’s 100 plus events each year. She stays connected to the communications industry through involvement as a mentor in the Public Affairs Council’s Hogans Fellowship Program, a member of ColorComm, and secretary of WWPR’s Board of Directors. 

Lauren is a proud Washingtonian, and graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a BA in Communication and a minor in African American Studies.

Tell us about your background and what drew you to your current position.  

My firm’s core purpose, to create opportunities for people to do what they do best, has been a driving force for me since I began at Adfero more than ten years ago. After working on client accounts across industries and sectors for the majority of my career, I wanted to focus on internal communication, people development and business operations – putting into place the processes and activities to enable our team to do great work. 

What is the most exciting or rewarding project you’ve done recently or in your overall career?  

“I’m proud of so many of the communications and advocacy campaigns I’ve worked on over the years, but my proudest accomplishments are related to working with and coaching our industry’s emerging leaders. Through my involvement in the Public Affairs Council’s Hogans Fellowship Program, I’ve had the privilege to get to know, mentor, and learn from intelligent and accomplished young professionals. These opportunities to connect with others in our industry, share successes and challenges, and cheer each other on has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

For those interested in learning more, the Hogans Fellowship is a D.C.-based program designed to provide skills training and mentoring for emerging public affairs leaders from diverse backgrounds. Applications are now open through March 24 for next year’s program! Learn more.

What do you love about being a WWPR Board Member? 

The WWPR board has been an incredible opportunity to connect with likeminded women in the communications field. I joined the board at the end of the pandemic, looking for ways to meet new people, grow my network, and expand upon the skills I use every day in my agency role. The WWPR Board of Directors was the perfect blend of these activities, and has far exceeded my expectations for how much I would learn and develop my leadership skills. 

Is there any book you would recommend? 

I’m aiming to read one book per month this year (so far, trending ahead of schedule with six for 2025; we’ll see if I can keep it up), and have two favorites: We are the Brennans by Tracey Lange and Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Both books explore family drama, secrets, and have happy endings.

What do you do outside of work?

I’m a sucker for the latest workout trends. On any given evening or weekend, you can typically find me at SoulCycle or Solidcore. I also love trying new restaurants around town, and am always looking for a new recommendation to try!

Ethical AI in Living Color – Using AI to Advance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

By Lelani Clark

In recent news, there has been a weaponization of the term Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and increased backlash against equity-based programs and initiatives. However, in taking the temperature of our current climate, I believe the fight has just begun. This highly charged moment is an opportunity for a true culture shift where AI has the potential to play a key role in driving positive social change.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformative tool, boosting innovation, efficiency, and productivity across industries. However, like with any evolving technology, it poses both opportunities and challenges. Paired with a DEI lens, AI can become a powerful ally for promoting social justice especially in communications and cause-related marketing. Specifically, Ethical AI that integrates DEI principles adheres to guidelines that prioritize fundamental human-centered values, while avoiding harm. As a result, communicators that use these critical tools can develop communications campaigns that motivate diverse audiences and represent marginalized communities with authenticity, dignity and respect.

AI-driven tools with a DEI focus can analyze language in marketing and communications to detect gender, racial or cultural biases, allowing organizations to refine their messaging to be more inclusive. This ensures that communications are culturally sensitive and resonate with a wider audience. Significantly, DEI-focused AI helps prevent organizations from falling into the trap of performative DEI efforts or the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes.

Monsters and Ghosts in the Machine

Joy Buolamwini, bestselling author of “Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What is Human in a World of Machines” and an “Ethical AI” firebrand has been a vocal leader in making the case for DEI-informed AI to increase tech diversity, center marginalized communities and close the digital divide. In her book and lectures, she addresses the “coded gaze” and “coded bias” that dominates the tech industry to highlight the biases embedded in algorithms that serve to dehumanize BIPOC communities, especially with faulty facial recognition software that disproportionately targets and racially profiles black and brown people, turning them into digital boogeymen and phantoms.

As an advocate for “algorithmic justice,” Dr. Buolamwini has pushed for diverse representation at the developer level and to create AI systems that combat systemic racism, gender discrimination and ableism. Her book serves as a valuable resource for communicators. We too must be vigilant in ensuring that the tools used to enhance our work are not harmful to the communities and organizations we represent.

The New Digital Culturalists

A new generation of diverse tech leaders is disrupting the traditionally exclusive white male-dominated “tech bro” industry by building ethical and inclusive AI systems. Large Language Models (LLM) and chatbots like Latimer and ChatBlackGPT, along with organizations such as Black AI Think Tank are at the forefront of advocating for deep inclusion and developing anti-bias AI tools to ensure underserved communities are represented in authentic ways. Their mission is to combat the whitewashing, misrepresentation and erasure of BIPOC histories in technology.

I recently attended the National Black AI Literacy Day event hosted by Black AI Think Tank and

ChatBlackGPT’s listening session with industry leaders, which emphasized the need for transparency, diverse representation, culturally sensitive datasets and the development of ethical AI systems. These leaders are advocating for anti-bias tools, policy recommendations, and accountability from Big Tech to ensure more BIPOC developers and tech leaders are included as decision makers in the tech industry, especially at the C-suite level. They are leading an AI revolution, demanding a seat at the table and more skin in the game to make sure BIPOC communities have agency and control the narrative when it comes to preserving historical and cultural accuracy.

The Future of Ethical AI

Incorporating Ethical AI in communications can be instrumental in futureproofing DEI programs and initiatives. To maximize the benefits of ethical and responsible AI while mitigating risks, it’s important for organizations and communicators to follow these best practices:

  • Use inclusive AI tools that monitor bias through equity assessments during the design phase and incorporate diverse training datasets based on various demographics, cultures and perspectives.
  • Ensure transparent AI best practices are used across all departments within an organization, building trust in AI systems by making information about data use and algorithms accessible.
  • Provide ongoing education and training on AI’s ethical implications and opportunities to advance DEI initiatives, ensuring buy-in from leadership and staff.

AI has the potential to be a game changer in advancing DEI in communications and positioning

organizations as change agents, but only if it incorporates a commitment to digital equity and inclusion. By prioritizing ethical AI practices, organizations can ensure AI becomes a transformative force in fostering more inclusion and promoting social justice.

For more hot topics and engaging content on Ethical AI, check out Vanguard Communication’s AI Taskforce blog series.

About Lelani Clark

Lelani Clark is Associate Director and Senior Media Relations Strategist at Vanguard Communications. As a certified DEI advocate, she serves on the AI Taskforce, focusing on the intersection of AI and DEI. Her work centers on using Ethical AI in communications to amplify the voices of BIPOC communities and promote social justice. Ms. Clark is a professional member of WWPR.

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