In honor of National Publicist Day, S.Y.L. Media recognizes 16 public relations professionals making an impact through storytelling, strategic communications, brand development, and media relations.
Behind every headline, major campaign, successful brand launch, and unforgettable entertainment moment, there is often a publicist working tirelessly to bring the vision to life.
October 30 marks National Publicist Day, an opportunity to recognize the communications professionals who shape narratives, amplify voices, build relationships, and connect brands and individuals with audiences around the world.
While their clients and campaigns frequently take center stage, publicists are often the driving force behind the scenes, navigating media relationships, managing reputations, and developing strategies that create lasting visibility.
From entertainment and music to corporate communications, lifestyle, and cultural marketing, the public relations industry encompasses professionals whose expertise extends far beyond securing media coverage.
This National Publicist Day, S.Y.L. Media proudly celebrates 16 public relations professionals whose careers reflect the creativity, leadership, and dedication that continue to move the industry forward.
Meet the Professionals
LaTorria Lemon | Lemon Lime Light Media
LaTorria Lemon is the owner of Lemon Lime Light Media, bringing her public relations expertise to the entertainment industry. Her portfolio includes work with Houston hip-hop figures Slim Thug, BeatKing, Michael “5000” Watts, and Lil Keke.
Erinn Fleeks | Fleeks Entertainment Group
Erinn Fleeks is the Founder and Owner of Fleeks Entertainment Group and Co-Owner of The Blueprint Kollective, bringing more than 20 years of experience in entertainment publicity, artist management, and event production. Her portfolio includes work with Cupid, Chrisette Michele, Tiffany Haddish, Dawkins and Dawkins, and Co- Producer of the Brown Girl Brunch Series.
Ernest Dukes | Nottingham Agency 
Ernest Dukes is the Founder and CEO of Nottingham Agency, an entertainment marketing and publicity firm whose portfolio includes 2 Chainz, Keyshia Cole, Jeezy, and campaigns for Netflix and BET. His accomplishments include recognition on Black Enterprise’s 40 Under 40 list and EBONY’s Power 100 for 2026.
Aleesha Carter | Powered by KAC 
Aleesha Carter, is an award-winning public relations executive, published author, and brand strategist with more than 18 years of experience building influence and shaping powerful narratives. As Founder of #PoweredByKAC, Carter has built a reputation for strategic storytelling and brand positioning, representing hip-hop icons Trina and Trick Daddy while championing executive visibility, meaningful partnerships, and lasting impact across the industry.
Syreta J. Oglesby | SJO Public Relations 
Syreta J. Oglesby is the Founder and Principal of SJO Public Relations, bringing more than two decades of experience across entertainment, media, lifestyle, and cultural marketing. Her extensive portfolio includes work with Swizz Beatz, Fat Joe, Culture Creators, and strategic initiatives supporting Lexus and the National Urban League.
Tavia Mapp-Deterville (Tavia MD) | Tavia MD Agency 
Tavia Mapp-Deterville, professionally known as Tavia MD, is an author and Founder of Tavia MD Agency, bringing more than a decade of experience in entertainment publicity and brand management. Her impressive portfolio includes leading publicity for Questlove’s Oscar- and Grammy-winning documentary Summer of Soul, serving as Director of Publicity at G-Unit Records, and overseeing publicity for the Essence Festival of Culture.
Evie Blanco | The Blanco Division
Evie Blanco is the Founder of The Blanco Division, bringing more than a decade of experience in journalism, public relations, digital marketing, and advertising. A former online editor at The Source, she has built her career around elevating hip-hop and R&B talent through culturally informed storytelling and strategic publicity.
Regan Farley | The Kredo Group 
Regan Farley is the Co-Founder and Principal of The Kredo Group, specializing in reputation management, brand strategy, and executive communications. Her portfolio includes Fox Broadcasting, NBCUniversal, Def Jam Records, and CBS Television, along with talent coordination for the NAACP Image Awards and BET Hip Hop Awards.
Cathy J. Hood | Pristine Initiative, LLC 
Cathy J. Hood is the Founder and CEO of Pristine Initiative, LLC, specializing in strategic communications, brand positioning, and elevating diverse voices. A two-time L.A. Times Inspirational Women’s Leadership Award nominee, she was appointed to the Los Angeles County Economy & Efficiency Board and named chair of its AI Taskforce Committee.
Leon Valentine | That Pitch Guy PR 
Leon Valentine is an award-winning publicist and the owner of That Pitch Guy PR, bringing more than 13 years of experience in strategic communications and media relations. His work includes representing Grammy-nominated singer Syleena Johnson, securing more than 75 media placements, and executing over 20 press campaigns for touring artists.
Doneisha “Don” Belton | Don’s PR Services 
Doneisha “Don” Belton is the Founder of Don’s PR Services, with more than 15 years of experience in public relations and marketing across the public and private sectors. She specializes in helping purpose-driven individuals and organizations amplify their stories, strengthen visibility, and connect with meaningful audiences.
Kevin “Mr. 4.0” Williams | 4.0 Public Relations & Marketing 
Kevin “Mr. 4.0” Williams is the Founder and CEO of 4.0 Public Relations & Marketing, specializing in public relations, marketing, and entertainment campaigns. His professional portfolio includes projects involving B2K, Ray J, Pleasure P, Sammie, and Bobby V, alongside various entertainment and promotional initiatives.
Karlettè Jones, MBA, MCD, B.F.A. | K-Way Branding LLC 
Karlettè Jones is the Founder and CEO of K-Way Branding LLC, an award-winning public relations, branding, and creative strategy agency established in 2016, and serves as a publicist for Hype Hair Magazine. With 20 years of entertainment industry experience, she earned two 2024 Best of Black Dallas honors from Dallas Weekly for Best PR Firm and Best Social Media/Brand Consultant.
Valese Jones | Sincerely Nicole Media and 205 Creative AgencyValese Jones, Known as “The Neighborhood Publicist,” Valese Jones is an award-winning public relations strategist and founder of Sincerely Nicole Media and 205 Creative Agency. Recognized as a Forbes BLK community leader and recipient of the 2023 Best PR Firm and Publicist of the Year awards, her impressive portfolio includes collaborations with FIFA, Red Bull, and the Dallas Mavericks
Chanel Rae Herbert | The Legion Media Group 
Chanel Rae Herbert, a powerhouse in entertainment public relations and brand strategy, Chanel Rae Herbert, widely known as “The Culture Princess,” is an award-winning publicist and co-founder of The Legion Media Group who has built a reputation for shaping cultural narratives and elevating influential brands. Her impressive portfolio includes collaborations with WWE, Hot 97, Jim Jones, Cam’ron, and Dipset, with industry recognition from Black Enterprise, Urban Magazine, and Sway’s Universe.
Brandi Sims | Brandinc PR 
Brandi Sims has built a reputation for transforming brands, amplifying influential voices, and redefining the power of strategic communications. As Founder and CEO of Brandinc PR, the award-winning public relations executive brings more than 15 years of experience across entertainment, business, and culture, extending her impact beyond the agency through leadership roles with the Public Relations Society of America and the Forbes BLK Advisory Council, where she continues to champion innovation, representation, and excellence within the industry.
Celebrating the Voices Behind the Visibility
Public relations is more than publicity; it is a profession built on trust, relationships, creativity, and the ability to turn stories into meaningful opportunities.
Whether securing national media coverage, executing major campaigns, managing corporate reputations, or introducing emerging talent to the world, publicists play an essential role in shaping the conversations that influence entertainment, business, and culture.
Their work often happens outside the spotlight, but its impact can be seen in the headlines, partnerships, milestones, and brands they help build.
This National Publicist Day, S.Y.L. Media celebrates the professionals who dedicate their careers to amplifying the voices of others while continuing to build legacies of their own.
To the storytellers, strategists, relationship builders, and visionaries behind the headlines, today we celebrate YOU.
