The Change Agencies today announced the addition of three new member agencies. Read the press release below to learn more about the Class of 2024.
The Change Agencies Welcomes Class of 2024 to its National Network of Inclusive, Independent PR Firms
The Change Agencies Now Includes Fifteen Agencies from Coast to Coast with its Three Newest Firms Representing California, Texas, and New York
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 9, 2024) – Three independently-owned and operated public relations firms operating in three major national markets have joined The Change Agencies, the national network of inclusive, independently-owned public relations and marketing firms that launched in June 2019. Together, The Change Agencies embody today's diverse demographic, with tenured, award-winning professionals dedicated to inclusive strategies that resonate with everyone. The new member agencies join twelve existing member agencies led by Managing Partners Ben Finzel of RENEWPR in Washington, D.C., and LaTricia Woods of Mahogany Xan Communications in Chandler, Ariz. The Change Agencies now comprises 15 agencies operating in 12 major markets across the United States. The Class of 2024 members are:
Abenaa Hayes of Elysee Consulting in Brooklyn, NY
Sandy Diaz Haley of SDH Communications in Dallas, TX.
Shawn Smith of Shawn Smith Communications in Los Angeles, Calif.
Hayes, Haley, and Smith join the two Managing Partners and the existing members announced in 2023:
Kristelle Siarza of Siarza in Albuquerque, NM
John Avila of Avila Creative, in Chicago, Ill.
Bernadette Davis of Bernadette Davis Communications in Atlanta, Ga.
Tammy Belton-Davis of Athena Communications in Milwaukee, Wis.
Sonia Diaz of Zaid Communications in Miami, Fla.
April Hale of A.Hale PR in Albuquerque, NM
Audrey Ponzio of APC Collective in Austin, Tex.
Mike Utaegbulam of Black Digital in New York, NY
Dr. Sandra Wills Hannon of The Hannon Group in Washington, D.C.
Zeke Stokes of Zeke Stokes Strategies in Nashville, Tenn.
The Change Agencies is a national collective of PR firms offering strategic communications, counsel, and outreach to effectively represent, engage, and connect with African American, Asian American, Hispanic, Indigenous, and LGBTQ communities. Utilizing a collaborative working approach, The Change Agencies helps businesses and organizations communicate across cultures, ensuring that outreach and marketing to diverse communities are culturally appropriate, sensitive, and meaningful. Every agency owner is Black, Asian-American, Hispanic, Indigenous, and/or LGBTQ, and 11 of the 15 member agencies are led by women.
“As communicators and resources for our clients, it is imperative that we are crafting strategies and messages that are strategic to the audiences we are trying to reach,” said LaTricia Woods, Founder and President of Mahogany Xan Communications, a Black and woman-owned public relations firm. “Historically, diverse voices have been missing from the head tables at public relations firms and agencies. That has to change and The Change Agencies is the catalyst for that change. Our member agencies are dynamic firms that are making a significant impact for their clients and their communities and we look forward to working with them and creating a new narrative for diversity, inclusivity, and authenticity for our industry and future clients.”
The Change Agencies’ member firms have experience supporting Fortune 500 companies, privately-held firms and foundations, leading trade associations and advocacy organizations, and nonprofits in sectors including consumer, travel and tourism, healthcare and aging services, the arts, retail, telecommunications, automotive, technology, financial services, education, government, and public affairs.
Among the services offered by the member firms are consumer marketing, public affairs, and policy communications, issues management, community relations, influencer outreach, target market research, crisis communications, annual DEI and ESG reports, DEI consulting/impact planning, creative development, website and social media development, digital ad buys, message development, internal communications, employee experience, and change management.
“The reality of communications in 2024 is that diversity, equity and inclusion are fundamental to smart, effective, authentic communications,” declared Ben Finzel, president of RENEWPR and one of the Managing Principals of The Change Agencies. “Our members demonstrate this fact in their work and their impact across the country and across the public relations industry. Now is the time for the nation to renew our commitment to cross-cultural communication, and The Change Agencies are leading the way."
Visit The Change Agencies website at www.thechangeagencies.com for more information. See below for comments from each new member.
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About The Change Agencies
The Change Agencies is a national collaborative of independent public relations firms focused on providing inclusive public relations to cross-cultural and LGBTQ communities. We help businesses and organizations approach, address, and answer diverse communications and marketing challenges and opportunities. Founded in 2019 by leaders of six independently-owned, diverse public relations firms located in major markets throughout the U.S. The Change Agencies network now includes 15 agencies operating in 14 major markets. Our mission is “Changing the way businesses and consumers communicate across cultures.” For more information, visit our website: http://www.TheChangeAgencies.com.
Comments from New Members of The Change Agencies
Abenaa Hayes, Elysee Consulting, Brooklyn, NY
"Harnessing the brain power and insights of experts across a range of expertise and identity is critical to inclusive engagement. TCA gives consultancies like mine the opportunity to partner with communicators who are leading the way in cross-cultural communication."
Sandy Diaz Haley, Founder and Principal, SDH Communications, Dallas, TX
“In a time when the way we live and work has fundamentally changed, TCA represents the rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences that truly reflect the diversity of America today. I’m thrilled to collaborate with like-minded professionals who offer unparalleled insight and authenticity, highlighting the importance of diverse voices in shaping a more equitable and representative future.”
Shawn Smith, Shawn Smith Communications, Los Angeles, Calif.
"By combining the strengths of this dynamic network of agencies, The Change Agencies showcases our wide-ranging capabilities and unique cultural knowledge, catering to clients who expect high-quality work from seasoned professionals in an ever-evolving, diverse world. This approach is a transformative game-changer in the industry."
