Events

 

March 1, 2025

2025 NABJ Media-Related Media Institute

March 1, 2025 | Morehouse College | 830 Westview Dr. SW | Atlanta, GA | Shirley A. Massey Executive Conference Center (ECC)

Theme: Strategies and Tactics 

Partners & Special Thanks:

MOREHOUSE COLLEGE

 

NABJ’s Media-Related members will host a one-day media institute for professionals of all levels working in communications, PR, marketing, brand journalism, and other media-related fields. 
The institute will provide professional development workshops, specialized training, insight from industry experts, and networking opportunities to help attendees sharpen their skills and knowledge in high-demand areas such as AI, entrepreneurship, sustainability, media relations, influencer marketing, networking, career growth, and the changing face of diversity, equity and inclusion programs (DEI).
Join us in beautiful Atlanta. All are welcome!
Registration online has closed, but you may register on-site on March 1. Details below.

Schedule-at-a-Glance 

Subject to change.
8:00 a.m. | Registration and Check-In Opens  | Lobby, Shirley A. Massey Executive Conference Center (ECC)
8:45 a.m. | Welcome | The Bank of America Auditorium
  • Ken Lemon, NABJ President and Reporter, Cox Media Group, WSOC-TV
  • Craig A. Brown, AABJ Chapter President and Department Coordinator, Journalism in Sports, Culture and Social Justice, Morehouse College
  • Terry Allen, Chair, NABJ Media-Related Task Force and Vice President, Focus Communications
  • Raschanda Hall, NABJ Media-Related Representative and Founder & CEO, Social Pearls
9–9:45 a.m. | Opening Session: Faith and News: From E-Blast to Podcast in Faith-Based Newsmaking: Pitch Me With Your Best Shot!
The Bank of America Auditorium
Strategies for faith-based media professionals to expand their influence across various digital platforms.
  • Wynona Redmond, President, Wyn-Win Communications
  • Toska Medlock Lee, Owner, The Myriad Group and United Methodist Church Event Director
  • Jordan Hora, Executive Director of PR & Communications, T.D. Jakes Group
  • Jasmyn Carter, Director Public Relations, Dart and Former PR Specialist, T.D. Jakes Ministries
9:50–10:35 a.m. | Career Development Session: Moving, Pivoting and Transitioning: Strategies for Career Growth in Communications
The Bank of America Auditorium
This dynamic panel focuses on career transitions within the media industry.
Moderator: Neil Foote, Hall of Fame Storyteller, Journalist, Educator, Speaker, PR Pro, and Brand Builder
Panelists:
  • Benét Wilson, Lead Writer, Credit Cards, Bankrate
  • Tenisha Taylor, MPA, CEO, Perfect Pitch Media Group, Former CNN Executive and Founder, Ezekiel Taylor Scholarship Foundation
  • Corey Dade, Communications and Public Affairs Executive, C-Suite Advisor and Crisis Expert
  • Veronica Clemons, Diversity & Inclusion Community Relations and Social Impact Communications, Fidelity Investments
10:40–11:25 a.m. | Innovation Tools Session: AI and Emerging Trends in Social Media: Best Practices for Storytelling and Engagement
 The Bank of America Auditorium
This cutting-edge panel examines the role of artificial intelligence in modern storytelling, with a particular focus on prompt engineering.
  • James Felton Keith, Chair, International DEI Standard ISO-30415 and CEO, Inclusion Score
  • Liberty White, Top Artificial Intelligence Voice, CEO, She Learns AI and Global Trainer, Speaker and Venture Catalyst
  • Terry Allen, Chair, NABJ Media-Related Task Force and Vice President, Focus Communications
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Lunch Break | Conference Room A-B
Remarks
  • Raschanda Hall, NABJ Media-Related Representative and Founder & CEO, Social Pearls, LLC
  • Pam Purifoy, Co-Chair, NABJ Media-Related Task Force
12:30–1:15 p.m. | Gender and Race Session: Mitigating a New Normal: Strategies for Success in PR and Communications 
 The Bank of America Auditorium
This panel delves into gender- and race-specific strategies designed to help PR professionals excel in their careers.
  • Deborah Hyman, Head of Enterprise Communications & Employer Brand, Wells Fargo & Company
  • Tené Croom, Director of News and Public Affairs for Sheridan Broadcasting Network/American Urban Radio Networks and President of Tené Croom Communications
  • Meta Mereday, Founder & Senior Editor, Influence DiCOTA and Founder, Veterans Entrepreneurial Development Initiatives
1:20–2:05 p.m. | Mental Wellness Session: Wellness, Mental Health, Self-Help, and Self-Improvement Tools
Conference Room C
This essential panel equips media professionals with vital mental wellness resources to foster resilience and achieve work-life balance in high-pressure environments. 
  • Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon, Chair, NABJ Wellness Task Force and Happiness Scholar, TEDx Speaker, and Transformational Trainer
  • Justice Harkless, Public Relations and Communications Manager, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America
  • Elizabeth Smith, TV Host, Aspire TV
  • Ron Thomas, Department Chair, Morehouse College
  • Larry Spruill Jr., Emmy Award-winning Journalist, WSB-TV, Atlanta
1:20–2:05 p.m. | Sports and Entertainment Marketing Session: The Winning Formula: PR and Media in Sports and Entertainment
 The Bank of America Auditorium
Dream of a career in sports or entertainment PR and media? This panel offers expert advice on breaking into and thriving in these competitive fields.
Moderator: Kayla Tucker Adams, CEO & Chief Strategist, KTA Media Group
Panelists:
  • Candace Ledbetter, CEO and Principal, CNBetter Media
  • Daijha Johnson, Senior Manager, Corporate Media Relations, Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Craig A. Brown, AABJ Chapter President and Department Coordinator, Journalism in Sports, Culture and Social Justice, Morehouse College
2:10–2:55 p.m. | Ethics Session: From Misinformation to Empowerment: Crafting the Future of PR
The Bank of America Auditorium
This thought-provoking panel explores the ethical responsibilities of media professionals in today’s information-rich environment.
Moderator: Marc Willis, Director of Communications, U.S. Department of Energy
Panelists:
  • Richelle Payne, Vice President for Strategic Communications & Marketing, Hampton University
  • Aprill O. Turner, APR, Executive Vice President of Communications, Higher Heights for America
  • Pam Purifoy, Co-Chair, NABJ Media-Related Task Force
3–3:45 p.m. | DEI Session: From Setbacks to Solutions: Rebuilding and Marketing DEI as a Pillar of Profitability
The Bank of America Auditorium
This comprehensive panel trains professionals on effective strategies for countering misinformation while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in storytelling.
Moderator: Terry Allen, Chair, NABJ Media-Related Task Force and Vice President, Focus Communications
Panelists:
  • Kenrick Thomas, Sr., Assistant Vice President and Senior Communications Consultant, Wells Fargo & Company
  • James Felton Keith, Chair, International DEI Standard ISO-30415 and CEO, Inclusion Score
  • Jasmine Flowers Mazyck, Managing Partner, Flowers Communications Group
3:50–4:35 p.m. | Collaboration Session: Building Resilient Brands: Strategies for Modern Media Entrepreneurs
The Bank of America Auditorium
Learn how to revitalize and sustain DEI efforts, positioning them as drivers of both organizational success and profitability. 
Moderator:  Raschanda Hall, NABJ Media-Related Representative and Founder & CEO, Social Pearls, LLC
Panelists:
  • Niki Taylor, Owner, Niki Taylor Public Relations and Former National Communications Co-Chair, ColorComm
  • Lynn Jeter, President, Lynn Allen Jeter & Associates
  • Corey Dade, Communications & Public Affairs Executive, C-Suite Advisor, Crisis Expert
  • Martel Sharpe, Principal Communications Officer, 404 Public Relations & Communications
4:40–5 p.m. | Closing Remarks | The Bank of America Auditorium
  • Terry Allen, Chair, NABJ Media-Related Task Force and Vice President, Focus Communications
  • Raschanda Hall, NABJ Media-Related Representative and Founder & CEO, Social Pearls, LLC
TBA | Evening Reception | Hosted by Upscale Magazine
Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley—Atlanta. Transportation on your own.

Registration 

Registration Rates
On-site registration is available in-person on March 1, 2025
*No Cash Accepted • Debit or Credit Cards Only
  • Professional Member (Professional/Emerging Professional/Alumni/Academic/Media-Related Members) – $55
  • Student Member – $25
  • Nonmember – $65
  • Student Nonmember – $30
– Early-Bird by Feb. 17, 2025 – (Last Day to Register Online)
Note: You’ll need to log in using your NABJ username and password to view the discounted member rates.
  • Professional Member (Professional/Emerging Professional/Alumni/Academic/Media-Related Members) – $45
  • Student Member – $20
  • Nonmember – $50
  • Student Nonmember – $25
(Total includes a $3.00 administrative fee.)