Dr. Sheila Brooks and Shonali Burke inducted into National Capital Public Relations Hall of Fame
The PRSA National Capital Chapter Holiday Party and Hall of Fame Reception brought together 120+ members of the region’s communications community to celebrate connection, leadership, and professional excellence.
Chapter President Crystal Borde opened the evening by reflecting on a challenging year and emphasizing the strength, generosity, and resilience of the PRSA NCC community, highlighted by members donating tickets to ensure colleagues facing hardship could attend.
The program recognized the 2025 and incoming 2026 Boards of Directors, new Accredited in Public Relations (APR) professionals, chapter sponsors, long-standing members, educators, students, and volunteers whose service strengthens the chapter. A series of Chapter Leadership Awards honored individuals and teams for exceptional contributions, from emerging professionals to senior leaders and long-time volunteers.
The December 18 evening event culminated in the induction of two distinguished leaders—Dr. Sheila Brooks, right in photo, and Shonali Burke, left in photo, —into the National Capital Public Relations Hall of Fame, recognizing careers marked by impact, mentorship, and a commitment to storytelling and service. Both inductees shared reflections on their personal journeys, influences, and gratitude for the mentors, family, and colleagues who shaped their paths.
Dr. Brooks stated: “I was raised by a courageous single mother during the Civil Rights era, and it was through pain that I found my power—my voice to tell stories. That voice carried me from journalism school to newsrooms across the country, and eventually to building a Black-owned communications agency that is still telling impactful stories 35 years later. This journey has always been about service, resilience, and using storytelling to make a difference and leave a legacy.”
Burke stated: “PR felt like home because it brought structure and language to something I’d been doing. It was always that “a-ha” connection between brand and consumer, cause and constituent, dream and realization, that fueled me.To this day, that is what brings me joy. When we are adventurous enough to look beyond the talking points, courageous enough to say the true thing, and welcoming enough to invite our audiences into our stories, we collapse the spaces between us. In doing so, we make magic.”
The Hall of Fame Award was established in 1999. It is a lifetime achievement award highlighting the most influential and respected communications professionals in the D.C. region.
PHOTOS: James Minichello
