PR GIRL RANT!

In this episode, I rant with ... MYSELF! OK, so it's more like rant AND reflection! I reflect on all of my Season 3 guests and all their wisdom and experiences they brought to this platform and I rant about the topics we discussed! Listen in as I share: What love everyone had in common this season Why speaking to these individuals was cathartic for me The importance of connection and asking the important business questions How I learned to overcome my PR rut Why it started working by the motto collaboration over competition Getting paid our worth Continue to ask questions for clarity

You know you are making moves when someone reaches out to you and asked you to be their mentor. That is how I met Regan Farley! When I met her, I could see the fire and I knew she was going to be doing big things in this industry. Regan Farley has created a blueprint to effectively disrupt the public relations industry by its traditional standards. Regan worked with companies such as Fox Broadcasting Company, NBCUniversal, Def Jam Records, CBS Television, and more. She's wrangled talent for red carpet events such as NAACP Image Awards, BET Hip-Hop Awards, and more. As a digital content strategist, Regan provides strategy content for herself and clients through her company Intel Media Group. Intel Media Group (IMG) was established to elevate both traditional and new media footprints of individuals, businesses, and brands across the country. IMG clients have appeared on nationally recognized media platforms shows BET, Black Enterprise, Hot 97, Breakfast Club, VH1, Fast Company, and much more. Join us as we rant about: Regan's journey exploring what she didn't want to do which led her to what she DID want to do How her college experience gave her the first taste of working in public relations Regan believing she is in the service business Why she says her medical diagnosis and car accident was a rebirth How she began getting clients when she was ready to create her own business Becoming a united front in the PR Industry with her business partner Traditional vs. new media Where can you find Regan? @raethepublicist @intelmediagroup msha.ke/raethepublicist

So, let's all be real right now. We've all wanted to be singers at one point in our lives, right? That's also what today's guest Tahajah Samuels wished to be for a very long period in her life. However, things took a turn for the better now that she is a dynamic Publicity and Digital Marketing professional with an entertainment/film focus based in the New York City area. Join us in this week's conversation with Tahajah as she pursued PR by chance, given that she went into journalism just because she wanted to be in the music industry. Join us as we rant about: How Tahajah got to where she is now The moment PR found her, even though she wasn't looking for it What led her to digital publicity (which let me tell you folks, is not easy) Everything she learned in corporate business and all of the professional challenges along the way What being an entrepreneur means to Tahajah Where can you find Tahajah? Facebook: @Tahajah Samuels Linkedin: @Tahajah Samuels Instram: @misstahsam Instagram: @BlackPRGirlMagic Twitter: BPRGM

We've heard about people changing their majors from marketing to journalism, but what about changing your major from PRE-MED into PR! Today, we are joined by Syreta J. Oglesby, founder, and principal PR and communications of SJO who did just that. Listen in on our fantastic conversation varying from how Syreta went from a career in orthopedic surgery to listening to her guts and pursuing the PR industry (you can imagine what her very traditional family had to say about that…) to what information she wants to leave for the future PR Girls! Join us as we rant about: Syreta's first years as pre-med The time and place she realized she wanted to be in PR What it was like telling her family Some of the courses she took to become a PR ninja How she became a storyteller and foundation for people to succeed Why it feels so freeing to her to be in PR Where can you find Syreta? Instagram: @syretajoglesby22 Facebook: @Syreta J. Oglesby Linkedin: @Syreta Oglesby

Have you ever made unique contacts by offering them pie? Let's just say that Mocha Ochoa knew her way into people's hearts and did everything in her power to get the job done. From studying law to working at Barnes & Noble to becoming the founder of the Oracle Group, in this episode, we are joined by PR enchanter, Mocha. Margo “Mocha” Ochoa is the CEO and founder of The Oracle Group and an internationally recognized public relations company, focusing on authors, books, and everything in the literary world. She is a woman who grew up in a strict church and was able to take a break from that world by reading books. She then became a well-known PR agent who can do multiple events with authors of all kinds. Join us as we rant about: Mocha's childhood and how it led her to become an intense book lover. The reason why she dropped out of law school. The unique way she was able to get the numbers she needed at Barnes & Noble. When she realized she was doing PR for authors (and when she figures she was terrific at it). Understanding what challenges she still faces day-to-day. Where can you find Mocha? Instagram: @Margolochoa Facebook: @TheMochaMethod Linkedin: @Margo “Mocha” Ochoa Twitter: @MochaOchoa

You know you have a passion for the Public Relations business when you are buying out bars and restaurants to host events JUST to build connections! That is what Nickie Robinson did! As her own sponsor, she created those connections that she sought and cultivated those relationships in which she still holds to this day! Nickie Robinson is the founder of GoodGirlPR. She received her B.A. in Economics from New York University and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver. Nickie worked in the financial services industry for four years before embarking on a successful public relations career. Nickie's passion for PR developed long before her legal and financial services career. During college and law school, Nickie organized regional events for Universal Records, the Denver Broncos, the Denver Nuggets, NY Giants, and Kanye West. Join us as we rant about: Nickie's belief that all business is give and take The reason she started her PR company (hint: she needed to pay her mortgage) How party throwing in college led to her creating GoodGirlPR Understanding and charging your value What happened when Nickie put her face on her company Where can you find Nickie? Instagram: @ Goodgirlpr

Josephine "JoJo" Pada always knew she wanted to be in Public Relations! She began her career at the prestigious Terrie Williams Agency immediately after she graduated from the University of Southern California in 1994, where she started as an intern for Ms. Williams. Pada worked for the Motown Cafe theme restaurant chain, where she honed her skills and made necessary connections within the entertainment industry and at major media outlets. She was responsible for all celebrity-related events at the chain's flagship location in New York City. She contributed heavily to the star-filled gala openings in Las Vegas and Orlando, FL. Eventually, Jojo became the the Founder and President of Ignition PR, a premier Gospel/ faith-based PR, and Marketing company. Over the years she has worked with several artists such as Mary Mary, Israel Houghton, Donnie McClurkin, Shirley Caesar, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, Brian Courtney Wilson, Hezekiah Walker... just to name a few! Join Josephine "JoJo" Pada and myself as we rant about: When she got bit by the entertainment bug Who inspired her to become public relations expert (hint: she is a fictional character from a TV show) ; What is was like working for the premier and impactful African American publicist in entertainment Where can you find Josephine "Jojo" Pada: Instagram: @ignitionpr Facebook: Jojo Pada Twitter: @ignitionpr

I am BACK!!!! I am so excited to bring you another season of PR Girl Rant!, where myself and other professionals talk about this amazingly crazy industry! The ONLY person that could help me celebrate my comeback is my dear friend BJ Coleman! BJ Coleman has over 20 years of experience as a communications executive, world-recognized publicist, journalist, blogger, and television personality. You may have seen him interviewing people like Hilary Clinton, Method Man, and LL Cool J....and because we need to continue to name drop, his communications company Image Elevators, Inc (formerly The Coleman Entertainment Group) has worked with such stars as Kim Kardashian and Rihanna. You know this conversation is fire! So join us as we rant about: How Nickelodeon's You Can't Do That On Television helped BJ create his legacy; Why Whitney Houston's experiences helped him understand the publicist lingo; Knowing that your destiny comes from working hard and making it happen Where can you find BJ Coleman: Instagram: Image Elevators, Inc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Image-Elevators-2058645921091040/ Instagram: ABJColeman Twitter: https://twitter.com/abjcoleman

Saptosa's passion for the PR & marketing industries and how Black people are seen and heard can definitely be heard during our interview. Her recent tweet intrigued me and I wanted to hear about her journey. We talked about competition in the industry, the responsibility of Black executives at white agencies, preparing the next generation of publicists, and so much more. What an insightful conversation. It was inspiring to hear how she navigated, built, and sustained the ups and downs of the industry. Being a Black woman and an entrepreneur can lend itself to encountering huge obstacles, but through it, all Saptosa and her partner @shantebacon broke through several barriers and carved out a niche for themselves. About Saptosa Foster She is an award-winning communications strategist with nearly two decades of experience in public relations and media. She is a managing partner of ONE/35 Agency (formerly 135thStreet Agency), a strategic communications firm based in New York and Atlanta. At ONE/35, Saptosa oversaw campaigns for clients such as Google, the Oprah Winfrey Network, Fox Broadcasting Company, Warner Bros Pictures, and Bounce TV. She also serves as Chief Communications Officer at Sallie B. Howard School for the Arts and Education (SBHS), a free, public charter school serving over 1,100 K-10 students in Wilson, NC. A native of Wilson, N.C., Saptosa graduated from Spelman College with a bachelor’s degree in English. She began her career in media as a fact-checker for Rolling Stone, O Magazine and In Style, and evolved into freelance writing for publications such as Vibe, XXL and Complex. In 2005, Saptosa joined ONE/35 and helped lead the agency to win 8 NAMIC Excellence in Multicultural Marketing Awards (EMMA), including five 1st place and three 2nd place honors. She is a 2015 PR News’ Top Women in PR honoree and has been featured in Black Enterprise, ESSENCE, VIBE Vixen and on the Food Network. She is the former chair of Black Women Film Network, a non-profit with the mission of preserving the voice of black women in film and television. She serves on the Board of the Wilson Arts Council in Wilson, N.C. ⁣

Meet our next PR Girl Rant! guest Ra-Fael Blanco. There's nothing cookie cutter about Ra-Fael's journey to becoming a sort out after entertainment publicist. From wanting to be a dancer, managing musical talent to being responsible for cultivating and maintaining the images of some of the top music artists. On this episode, I chat with Ra-Fael about being a black man in the PR industry and what major challenges he has encountered. Tune in as we chat about his road into the PR industry, challenges, and celebrating 21yrs. ABOUT 2R's Entertainment & Media PR 2R’s Entertainment & Media PR was founded in 1998 by Ra-Fael Blanco and rah-B Welch. The two decided to merge their entertainment industry expertise and create what has become known today as the “Independent Publicity Mayhem”, by Hip Hop Weekly Magazine. Ra-Fael’s industry background ranges from prior experience in professional dancing and acting to being an executive for various major and independent record labels. Since its existence, 2R’s Entertainment & Media PR has worked with a number of national and international artists who include; Toni Braxton, Sean Diddy Combs, Diddy Dirty Money, Dawn Richard JOE, DAY26, Danity Kane, Hi-Five, Keith Sweat, JOE, The Jacksons, Tito Jackson, 69BOYZ, Donell Jones, Shanice, Chante’ Moore, Quad City DJ’s and Outkast, just to name a few. Presently, 2R’s is the PR agency of record for The SoNo Records Group (home of Ralph Tresvant, Johnny Gill, Terry Ellis, AVANT, and a slew of other artists). 2R’s is also working with three-time Grammy-nominated recording artist Raheem Devaughn, multi-award-winning Balladeer, Brian McKnight, multi-talented R&B artist and member of the Global musical group Boyz II Men, Shawn Stockman, chart-topping R&B chanteuse, PORCELAN, chart-topping R&B singer, J. Brown, and BSE Recordings, home of Arika Kane, Omar Wilson, and female MC T BARZ. 2R’s is also the agency of record for American Idol Winner, Ruben Studdard, 17-year-old singing sensation TYLAN, VH1 You Oughta Know Artist Russell Taylor, Christian Hip-hop recording artist and filmmaker, Rhyan Lamarr and singer-songwriter-producer and author, Tamika Scott of the group XSCAPE.

Porsha Lynette Green is the CEO and Owner of Purpose PR Agency LLC. Over 25 years in Public Relations, Marketing, Community Relations with experience in Community Outreach, Community Relations, Media Sales, Corporate Fundraising, Public Speaking, Media Personality, Red Carpet Services, Social Media Marketing Social Media Management, Media Training, Radio Voice Overs, and Special Events for both Corporate and Nonprofit sectors.  Porsha Lynette Green’s Public Relations Boutique, Purpose PR Agency LLC is focused on Entertainment and Media Personalities, Business Owners, Authors, Motivational Speakers & Influencers.  Porsha is also the founder of the Purposeful Porsha and “I’m Beautiful on Purpose” Workshop and Movement centered on Self Love and Porsha is a proud member of the largest African American Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC. (Theta Chi Chapter of New Jersey) and a current member of Wilmington Alumnae Chapter in Wilmington, Delaware.  

About Kim Wilson Marshall Kim Wilson Marshall is the Director + Founder of Wilson Marshall PR+Events, a New York City-based boutique company performing public relations and special event services for diverse clients. Established in 2012, her company specializes in providing communication services for enterprising entrepreneurial companies + personalities and engaging non-profit organizations. In 2020 Ms. Wilson Marshall introduced a new division, WM Experiences, for hospitality and lifestyle clients. Ms. Wilson Marshall is a native New Yorker and has twenty years and counting of communications experience within the for-profit and non-profit sector across New York City. Ms. Wilson Marshall is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology (SUNY) and attended Brooklyn College and Parsons School of Design. Ms. Wilson Marshall is the 2020 Trailblazer of the Year award recipient by Harlem Fashion Week. She is a member of Women in Hospitality United and the Institute of Entrepreneurial Leadership Success Circles. Ms. Wilson Marshall is the Co-Chair of the Student Leadership Team at the Locke School of Art & Engineering (PS 185M). She is a proud Board member of GEMS Young Professional Board and donates to various charitable organizations including Food Bank for New York City, Room to Grow, and New York Public Library. Ms. Wilson Marshall is a proud and passionate wife and mother residing in Harlem, NY.

Its been an extremely overwhelming week. So many emotions. I decided not to put out my regular interview episode. I had to take time out to collect my thoughts and think about what I will do next in the face of what's happening. ⁣ The question to ask ourselves is how will I be a catalyst for change? ⁣ George Floyd is the straw that broke the Camel's back! Breona Taylor should have been celebrating a birthday today. Ahmaud Aubery should be alive. Enough is Enough!! Get off our necks.

On today's episode, I chat with entrepreneur and creative Thysha Shabazz. We discus how being told she was too loud as child, unfolded into her running her own company and helping others use their voice to get to their next level. About Thysha Shabazz  She's been in the media industry for over 20 years.  After college, she moved to New York City, the media capital of the world, to work with NBC, yes the NBC of SNL and Friends! While at NBC she was also freelancing for online shows-- on-air corresponding and producing. She was living her best life and BAM! she was fired. Out of work, She started to hustle – really hustle and The Shabazz brand was born. in 2016, she started her media company called Shabazz Communications, which now is known as The Shabazz Team. The Shabazz team produces hundreds of  galas, conferences and festivals.  They also created and executed several marketing and media campaigns for authors, organizations and celebrities! Through her Hey Thysha! platform, she  teaches and coaches artists, creatives and millennials with a lot on their mind about branding, marketing, digital marketing and how to use their voices! And she would love to work with you.

On this Episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Lynn K. Hobson, one of NYC's sort after Hip-Hop artists publicist. Hailing from Washington, DC, Lynn started her career as a Publicist in 1995 while interning at The Terrie Williams Agency in New York City. She went from intern to becoming Ms. Williams’ assistant and a Junior Publicist very quickly. After leaving the Terrie Williams Agency, Hobson was hired as the Director of Publicity for Undeas/Untertainment Records via Epic/Sony Records where she launched the careers of artists such as Cam’Ron, Charli Baltimore, and Junior Mafia. Bit by the entrepreneur bug, In 2000, Lynn opened the doors to her own boutique PR firm, HobbieCom. There she worked with the likes of Sister Souljah; Mike Tyson, Grammy Award winning music producers Bryan-Michael Cox and Rockwilder, Gucci Mane, Rasheedah, Khia, DipSet, and more. From 2006-2009, Ms. Hobson produced episodes of “My Super Sweet 16” which aired on MTV while still operating an an independent publicist. In 2015, she wrote and self published her first book, “Diary of A Hip-Hop Publicist”. This book commemorates her twenty (20) years as a Publicist within the entertainment industry. In 2016, Ms. Hobson was appointed as the Adjunct Professor of Public Relations at Delaware State University in Dover, Delaware. Ms. Hobson has also become a motivational speaker. She has spoken at Georgetown University, Howard University, Pace University in New York City, St. John’s University, and more.

On this episode I had the pleasure of with Troy Blackwell, a seasoned Communications Strategist and politico. A champion for diversity, Troy is currently the Head of Press Logistics for Philanthropist Tom Steyer. In this position, he manages the traveling press and broadcast operations. Prior to this, he worked as a press advance lead for Kamala Harris' presidential campaign and an associate in the Obama White House. In 2019, he was the Senior Director for PRSA-NY’s Big Apple Awards where he awarded Beyonce’s longtime publicist Yvette Noel-Schure. He is the youngest member on the Board of Advisor's for the Museum of Public Relations and Board of Directors for the Black Public Relations Society-NY and PRSA Tri-state.

On this episode I had the pleasure speaking with PR industry leader Michelle Huff Elliott to talk about losing and gaining business, pivoting the conversation, PR Fees and more. A Baltimore native who took Los Angeles by storm in 1999. With a Bachelor’s degree from Bennett College and a Master’s degree in Marketing from LaSalle University, Michelle began working with the big boys right from the start as the International Marketing Director for Virgin Records. Where she worked with such icons as: Janet Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, the Neptunes, Kelis and the Rolling Stones.  Soon after, she moved to New York City to become the In-Store Director of Events for Donna Karan After proving herself as a major force in her field, Michelle decided to go back to her roots and conquer the entertainment industry.  In 2002, Michelle decided to take the entrepreneurial path and start her very own company HUFF Events & PR, a full-service event planning and media relations boutique firm specializing in the entertainment, sports and fashion industries. She has managed events and strategic publicity campaigns for such clients as: Usher’s the Neptunes Alicia Keys’, U.S. American Bowl Half-Time performance, AIDS Institute’s New York City World AIDS Day Fundraising Gala and much more.  In 2015, Michelle merged her company with Simone Smalls PR to launch Strategic Heights Media.  Their clients include: USA Track & Field, American Black Film Festival, singer Guordan Banks, Love Jones the Musical, WE tv, TV One, BET Networks, Ramsey Personalities and more.

On this episode had the pleasure of interviewing Justin & Tye Perry husband and wife business partners co founders of the consulting firm Llubtish Media Group LLC, you may also recognize them as Driven by LMG a boutique creative consulting firm that offers Talent Management, Branding, Events production, Marketing and Design services to start up’s, small businesses, and non profit organizations. Justin Perry is a Creative Director with over 25 years experience in art, fashion design, branding and marketing. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA he started drawing at the age of two and took on his first paid design job at the age of 11 when he was hired by a local salon to design their business card and flyers. At the age of 13 he was commissioned to illustrate a children's book for a Philadelphia author. Justin attended the prestigious Creative and Performing Arts High School, alumni include Broadway star Leslie Odom Jr., legendary R&B group Boyz II Men, and famed DJ Questlove. There he founded the fashion brand Jus Di John in 1998. Justin received his BFA from Miami International Fine Arts and Design with a concentration in fashion design in 2002. After college Justin showcased the line at the Magic trade show, soon after Jus Di John flourished for over a decade in multiple top retailers internationally and around the domestic United States. In 2008 Justin moved to New York City to further pursue his love of art and design. He freelanced for several design houses. While showcasing his art skills and networking in NYC he began to get commissioned to design branding and marketing materials for several companies. In 2011 Justin co founded the consulting firm Llubtish Media Group LLC. As the Creative Director of LMG Justin serves as the lead consultant on all projects, focusing on brand identity, design, marketing concepts, product design and campaign activations. Tye Perry, is a brand strategist, event producer and talent manager with over 13 years experience spearheading media campaigns, executing intimate to large-scale events and managing relationships and contracts for creative brands, non-profits, small businesses, global companies and television personalities. After receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Temple University she moved to New York to work at Hearst Publications. While living in New York she freelanced for public relations and event production companies executing media campaigns and producing events for The National Urban League, Essence Magazine, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The National Black Association of MBA; working with President Barack Obama, Stevie Wonder, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Zadie Smith, Timberland, Cornel West to name a few. Leveraging her rolodex and skill set acquired during her freelance tenure, she partnered with her then fiancé Justin Perry, combining their professional expertise to launch Llubtish Media Group (LMG), a creative consulting firm specializing in branding, media relations, event planning and product design. In 2013 she led the firm in securing a multi-year branding and public relations contract with the non-profit, ARTs East New York. Under the contract she managed a partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, negotiated a citywide digital and print advertising campaign, produced an annual awards gala, attained a mayoral citation from New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio and a national write up in New York Magazine. In 2014 the firm expanded services to talent management signing television personality Marlo Hampton of BRAVO’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta. She got to work immediately by monetizing Hampton’s social media platforms and securing branded partnerships. She then produced Hampton’s multi city fashion seminar event The Art of Style.

On this episode, I rant with @frances_armand CPO of Armand Consulting, specializing in public relations in the fashion and bridal industries. We rant about, keeping faith, continuing to be excited about the PR industry, staying one step ahead to evolve, and remembering the fundamentals to run her consultancy.  About Frances Armand Frances Armand is a public relations consultant who works specializes in the fashion and bridal industries. She is the CPO of Armand Consulting whose mission is to help clients become competitive powerhouses through brand development, special event planning, publicity, and guerilla marketing tactics. Frances is also the CEO of Fashion4Brides where she assists brides in finding the perfect wedding dress, wedding planning and implementation, and bridal press coverage. Before starting her own consulting firm, she worked in the fashion industry as a Junior Account Executive at a top-tier agency LaForce + Stevens, where she represented accessories clients such as TOUS, KEDS and daniblack shoes. She then went on to become the PR Manager at a famous international showroom, JUJU The Showroom. From 2010 through 2011 she covered the bridal market for Essence.com, and has been doing bridal consulting for 6 years. Currently, she represents Harlem’s Fashion Row, a premier platform for designers of color. Frances Armand is now available for consulting services such as editorial placements, press event management, brand development, and publicity. She is also available for bridal consulting services such as Day of Wedding Coordination, wedding planning, and implementation. Frances Armand can be contacted at frances@armandconsulting.net.

In this episode, I chat with Marjie Hadad, General Manager of Must Have Communications and Consulting Ltd., a full service, international, public relations and marketing consulting firm with specialties in food, lifestyle, digital health, MedTech, pharmaceutical, high tech, and finance. About Marjie Hadad Prior to joining Must Have Communications and her adventures at Marjie Hadad Communications, Marjie was the director of international media at Ruder Finn Israel as well as a researcher and speechwriter in the Policy Planning Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel. Before her Aliyah in January 1995, she served as the spokesperson for the Consulate General of Israel to New England during the Oslo Accords as well as the director of promotions and an agent at Ford Model Management in Boston. Marjie began her career as a television reporter and weekend anchor at an NBC affiliate in Zanesville, Ohio. She also worked as a talk show producer and an associated producer at an independent station in Boston where she was part of the team that won a New England Emmy. 

Vanessa Gordon, Founder and Publisher of East End Taste magazine, a source for all things food and drink in the Hamptons and North Fork, and culinary-focused travel. In this episode, we talk to Vanessa Gordon publisher of @eastendtaste magazine about keeping her online publication running during uncertain times, living in the Hamptons, getting through this pandemic and more. About Vanessa Gordon Vanessa Gordon is the Founder and Publisher of East End Taste Magazine She is also the Founder and Founding Host of 'Taste and Escape: The Hamptons Brunch', formally known as The Hamptons Interactive Brunch. Her writing has appeared in Modern Luxury, Thrillist, Pregnancy & Newborn, Psychology Today, The Independent Newspaper, Sag Harbor Express, and many others. She also has a bi-monthly radio segment with Long Island Radio Broadcasting’s 102.5 WBAZ.  To find out more about East End Taste magazine or to pitch story ideas, Vanessa can be contacted on social media @EastEndTaste & @HamptonsInteractiveBrunch.

With so many events postponed until further notice, I chat with Cheryl Duncan public relations industry veteran, who agency specializes in PR in the entertainment, arts and culture projects.  We talked about how she's dealing with slow down and trying to figure out what to do next if this is the norm for a couple of months.   When the coronavirus pandemic hit hard 3 weeks ago in NYC, in the span of a week, the event market took a huge hit with cancellations and postponements. I lost 3 gigs back to back within 3 days of the announcement. With this being a major part of Cheryl's client business, I wanted to talk to her about how this pandemic affecting her business? How is she retaining her clients? and How she plans to pivot?  Cheryl, also shares how she plans to use her social distancing time wisely,   About Cheryl Duncan Cheryl L. Duncan is a public relations industry veteran whose passion and expertise have helped her create a firm celebrated for its diverse roster of clients. In 2005, she founded Cheryl Duncan & Company, Inc., a New York City-area boutique PR agency specializing in entertainment and social betterment. Cheryl’s many arts and culture projects run the gamut from stage to film to television to music and fine arts and include event production and management and crisis communications. She's handled Broadway shows (including The Trip to Bountiful and Holler If Ya Hear Me) and other theater pieces (including Nathaniel Sam Shapiro’s Diaspora). For more than 13 years she has handled the New York African Film Festival at Film Society of Lincoln Center. She’s promoted Its Showtime at the Apollo and the Peabody Award-winning 180 Days: A Year Inside an American High School (PBS). In music, she has publicized the Essence Music Festival. She was honored to represent Prince and to help get Miles Davis inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, working with the Terrie Williams Agency, for which she served as lead consultant for many years.

The widespread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout the nation has placed uncertainty on us all. We are asked to quarantine ourselves and work from home. For some, the challenge is how do I schedule my work my day, with kids at home. For many, it means canceled events, lost wages and fear of not having jobs to return to once this is all over. Making a living as a freelancer and independent contractor has its rewards, but also has its challenges. When we don't work, we don't get paid. We also don't qualify for unemployment insurance and as of today (3.24.20) freelancers are not included in the COVID-19 aid package.  Today's guests Rafael Espinal President of the Freelancers Union talks to us about his efforts in making sure that freelancers and gig workers receive unemployment insurance. He's making great strides. Since speaking with him, Sen. Chuck Schumer's office reached out to the freelancers union and is pushing to expand coverage. How can we push this forward to congress? The Freelancers Union is urging the government to extend relief for freelancers impacted by COVID-19. Click here to learn how you can raise your voice.   To learn more visit www.freelancersunion.org 

Took a little hiatus, but now I’m and ready to rant! My first episode is me co-hosting on the season premiere of the @mcs_mancave_show with host Julius DC Bryant. On his show he talks a lot about current affairs, movies and entertainment. You can check out the video of show on YouTube at https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2zk7GQZ2uGA&feature=share

When doing what you love takes a toll on your health, you know its time to make some changes. In this episode,  I tell my story and my confession of how being a publicist almost made me sick and what I did to take control of it! 

The relationship between journalists/media and Public relations or PR practitioners are to be complementary. Both sides of these relationships have a common goal to reach the public. Through honest and continuous communication, the goals are to educate, entertain and expanding their audience. On today's episode coming from a journalist's perspective my guest is Josh Barker, a staff writer for the New York Amsterdam News, one of the nation's oldest and largest Black newspapers. Josh and I talked candidly about his experiences and relationships with Publicists and PR reps. He shares his pet peeves, how and when to pitch him, what truly grinds his gears about publicist/ PR reps.  He also peppers in tips on the best ways to make the relation-ship work. 

A red carpet kicks off the event, it sets the tone. Running a red carpet starts from the moment a client hires you to execute that part of their event. And, it is an event in of itself. In this episode I will share tips/best practices to ensure a successful red carpet event.

A candid and insightful conversation with my guest Andrea Ferguson who recently  transitioned from being an independent contractor to an in house position. Some of the areas we will talk about are, the challenges of being independent, the decision to go in-house (was it hard for her), tips, must do's, process when she decided to go in house/how did she prepare.

Back to school means a time to continue to learn, grow, and achieve great things. Typically the term is used for those starting back up the school year after summer break. It’s also a season to start anew i.e. new jobs, new careers or learn a new skills to enhance your current potion to make more money. On today's episode PR Girl Rant!  Back-to-School series, I chat with Monique Ruff-Bell, Event Director for Money20/20 USA  & VP of Events, Ascential plc. (public limited company), on the topic of Going Beyond Traditional PR -What Corporations Are Looking For in a PR Professional/Agency".  Monique shares in her professional development, insights and tips on working with public relation agencies. 

Today's #minirant advice comes from Dawn Michelle Hardy, founder of Dream Relations PR and literary consultant agency; she is also known as the Literary Lobbyist. She has the ability to help authors reach their readership, win awards, and garner national and local media attention. Dawn is both a publicist and a literary agent. She continues to build her list with memoirs, sports biographies, contemporary fiction for women of color, essay collections by notable figures and non-fiction narratives about race, class, and gender. So on this episode of Mini-Rants, Dawn will share advice to new and self-published authors on getting started.

As a PR professional one of the most frustrating parts of the profession is to not get a response or feedback or your pitching efforts. On this episode I talk about how I've been "Ghosted" by journalists, share a study I found on how journalists like to interact with publicist and a few things a publicist should keep in mind before giving up on a pitch.

PR Does Not Stand for Partially Ready with Guest Ryan Stewart of Terrie Williams Agency and Stewart Publiques. Topic: When perspective clients are not properly prepared and what they should keep in mind before soliciting the services of a Publicist. Also, what a Publicist can do to avoid these kind clients.

Welcome to the PR Girl Rant! Podcast. Episode 1 - an introduction to your his Michelle A. Pascal and what to expect from each PR GIRL RANT episode.