2025 NABJ Media-Related Media Institute
March 1, 2025 | Morehouse College | 833 Fair St. SW | Atlanta, GA
Theme: Strategies and Tactics
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 is now open! Click here to reserve your spot.
Schedule-at-a-Glance
Subject to change.
8:00 a.m. | Registration and Check-In Opens
8:45 a.m. | Welcome
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!
Strategies for faith-based media professionals to expand their influence across various digital platforms.
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Wynona Redmond, President, Wyn-Win Communications
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Toska Medlock Lee, Owner, The Myriad Group and United Methodist Church Event Director
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Jordan Hora, Executive Director of PR & Communications, T.D. Jakes Group
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Jasmyn Carter, Director Public Relations, Dart and Formerly T.D. Jakes Ministries
9:50–10:35 a.m. | Career Development Session: Moving, Pivoting and Transitioning: Strategies for Career Growth in Communications
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:
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Benét Wilson, Lead Writer, Credit Cards, Bankrate
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Tenisha Taylor, MPA, CEO, Perfect Pitch Media Group, Former CNN Executive and Founder, Ezekiel Taylor Scholarship Foundation
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Corey Dade, Communications and Public Affairs Executive, C-Suite Advisor and Crisis Expert
10:40–11:25 a.m. | Innovation Tools Session: AI and Emerging Trends in Social Media: Best Practices for Storytelling and Engagement
This cutting-edge panel examines the role of artificial intelligence in modern storytelling, with a particular focus on prompt engineering.
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James Felton Keith, Chair, International DEI Standard ISO-30415 and CEO, Inclusion Score
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Liberty White, Top Artificial Intelligence Voice, CEO, She Learns AI and Global Trainer, Speaker and Venture Catalyst
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Terry Allen, Chair, NABJ Media-Related Task Force and Vice President, Focus Communications
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Lunch Break
12:30–1:15 p.m. | Gender and Race Session: Mitigating a New Normal: Strategies for Success in PR and Communications
This panel delves into gender- and race-specific strategies designed to help PR professionals excel in their careers.
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Deborah Hyman, Head of Enterprise Communications & Employer Brand, Wells Fargo & Company
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Tené Croom, Senior Public Relations Specialist, Allegheny County Sanitary Authority and President, Tené Croom Communications
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Meta Mereday, Co-Founder, National Black Public Relations Society, Inc., and Founder, INFLUENCE-DiCOTA Magazine
1:20–2:05 p.m. | Mental Wellness Session: Wellness, Mental Health, Self-Help, and Self-Improvement Tools
This essential panel equips media professionals with vital mental wellness resources to foster resilience and achieve work-life balance in high-pressure environments.
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Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon, NABJ Wellness Task Force Chair, Happiness Scholar, TEDx Speaker, and Transformational Trainer
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Justice Harkless, Public Relations and Communications Manager, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America
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Elizabeth Smith, TV Host, Aspire TV
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Ron Thomas, Department Chair, Morehouse College
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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
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:
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Candace Ledbetter, CEO and Principal, CNBetter Media
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Daijha Johnson, Senior Manager, Corporate Media Relations, Cleveland Cavaliers
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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
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:
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Richelle Payne, Vice President for Strategic Communications & Marketing, Hampton University
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Aprill O. Turner, APR, Executive Vice President of Communications, Higher Heights for America
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Karen Eure Wilson, President, Eureka Communications and Public Affairs Director, Journalist, Producer, Blogger
3–3:45 p.m. | DEI Session: From Setbacks to Solutions: Rebuilding and Marketing DEI as a Pillar of Profitability
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:
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Kenrick Thomas, Sr., Assistant Vice President and Senior Communications Consultant, Wells Fargo & Company
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Ron Carter, Managing Director, The Carter Agency
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James Felton Keith, Chair, International DEI Standard ISO-30415 and CEO, Inclusion Score
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Jasmine Flowers Mazyck, Managing Director, Flowers Communications Group
3:50–4:35 p.m. | Collaboration Session: Building Resilient Brands: Strategies for Modern Media Entrepreneurs
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:
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Niki Taylor, Owner, Niki Taylor Public Relations and Former National Communications Co-Chair, ColorComm
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Lynn Jeter, President, Lynn Allen Jeter & Associates
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Corey Dade, Communications & Public Affairs Executive, C-Suite Advisor, Crisis Expert
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Martel Sharpe, Principal Communications Officer, 404 Public Relations & Communications
4:40–5 p.m. | Closing Remarks
Registration
Registration Rates
(Total includes a $3.00 administrative fee.)
– Early-Bird by Feb. 17, 2025 – (Last Day to Register Online)
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Professional Member (Professional/Emerging Professional/Alumni/Academic/Media-Related Members) – $45
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Student Member – $20
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Nonmember – $50
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Student Nonmember – $25
On-site registration is available in-person on March 1, 2025
*No Cash Accepted • Debit or Credit Cards Only
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Professional Member (Professional/Emerging Professional/Alumni/Academic/Media-Related Members) – $55
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Student Member – $25
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Nonmember – $65
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Student Nonmember – $30
Note: You’ll need to log in using your NABJ username and password to view the discounted member rates.