A Guide to Public Relations From the Black Professional Perspective
WHO'S IN THE ROOM?
Public relations shapes the stories we see, the messages we trust, and the brands we connect with—but whose voices are truly influencing the industry? "Who’s in the Room?" by Dr. Jamila Cupid and Myescha Joell dives deep into how culture, opportunity, and access shape the field, all through the lens of Black public relations professionals.
This groundbreaking guide explores the gaps, the wins, and the work still to be done. From real-world strategies to industry-changing insights, this book challenges outdated practices and offers a fresh roadmap for creating a field where everyone has a seat at the table.
Whether you're a student, educator, or industry leader, this book is your key to understanding how representation, fairness, and belonging drive stronger communication and more impactful storytelling.
Are you ready to be part of the conversation?
The Future of Public Relations
Perfect for educators, industry leaders, and rising professionals, Who’s in the Room? offers tools to foster progress, rethink outdated structures, and drive meaningful change in public relations.
Who's it For?
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From real-world case studies to firsthand experiences, it reveals both the successes and challenges in ensuring opportunities, visibility, and respect for all voices in the field. Whether you’re shaping PR campaigns, developing corporate strategies, or teaching the next generation of communicators, this guide provides actionable insights to create lasting impact.
A living Record
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A must-read for professionals and students alike, Who’s in the Room? explores the power of representation, fairness, and belonging in public relations. Authors Jamila Cupid and Myescha Joell shed light on how the industry thrives when different perspectives are embraced and the consequences when they are overlooked. This book is more than a conversation; it’s a roadmap.
A Roadmap
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Intended Purpose
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"As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and more diverse - ethnically, racially, and culturallY - the public relations industry must evolve to reflect this profound shift."
Interviews
Unfiltered Conversations: ThE Work, the Weight, The wins
01 Academic & Civic Leaders
02 Corporate Leaders
03 ENtrepreneurs & Advisors
Hear directly from the trailblazers and pioneers shaping PR today. Their stories explore access, representation, and accountability — and continue in our exclusive video interviews.
A record of inquiry and impact. These leaders examine culture, policy, and practice — shaping how public relations informs and serves communities. Always rigorous, always questioning.
Academic & Civic Leaders
An archive of leadership in action. These stories reveal the decisions, pressures, and possibilities that shape the
industry from the top. Visionary, accountable, and deeply human.
Corporate LEaders
A collection of lived experiences from the field. These perspectives carry the weight of daily challenges and wins — honest, resourceful, and always pushing the work forward.
Entrepreneurs & Advisors
Jamila Cupid, Ph.D. is a social scientist who trains students in the practice of public relations at Pepperdine University. She is a public relations and digital media professional, with expertise in research and strategy, who worked in New York City and Washington, DC for several years. She previously held positions at various agencies, including MWW Group, Fleishman-Hillard, MediaCom and more. She also serves as a business communication and digital media strategist helping young professionals navigate their careers.
Cupid earned a B.A. in English from Boston University, then M.A. in Human Communication and Ph.D. in Mass Communication and Media Studies from Howard University. She has studied at the University of São Paulo in Brazil and University of Havana in Cuba. She has a Certificate in International Studies from Howard University and a Certificate in Online Education from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
In addition to her industry experience and scholarship in the United States, she has studied and conducted research in the Caribbean and South America. Her work is based in international, intercultural, and multicultural PR and media. She is a member of the National Communication Association and Public Relations Society of America. She is also a member of the Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society and Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Jamila Cupid
meet the AUTHORS
Jamila Cupid, Ph.D. is a social scientist who trains students in the practice of public relations at Pepperdine University. She is a public relations and digital media professional, with expertise in research and strategy, who worked in New York City and Washington, DC for several years. She previously held positions at various agencies, including MWW Group, Fleishman-Hillard, MediaCom and more. She also serves as a business communication and digital media strategist helping young professionals navigate their careers.
Cupid earned a B.A. in English from Boston University, then M.A. in Human Communication and Ph.D. in Mass Communication and Media Studies from Howard University. She has studied at the University of São Paulo in Brazil and University of Havana in Cuba. She has a Certificate in International Studies from Howard University and a Certificate in Online Education from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
In addition to her industry experience and scholarship in the United States, she has studied and conducted research in the Caribbean and South America. Her work is based in international, intercultural, and multicultural PR and media. She is a member of the National Communication Association and Public Relations Society of America. She is also a member of the Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society and Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Jamila Cupid
meet the AUTHORS
Myescha Joell is an award-winning publicist, media strategist, producer, and founder of Morris Street Media. With over 20 years of experience, she’s built a career at the intersection of storytelling, strategy, and culture—crafting immersive brand experiences that drive visibility and content that inspires audiences to question, explore, and engage.
Through Morris Street Media, Myescha elevates creatives of color with high-impact PR campaigns while developing and producing stories that center women and voices of color. She currently serves as co-producer of the ethnography docuseries, Black Expat Stories, and contributes as a script reader for the Austin Film Festival and Shore Scripts.
Some of her recent work includes a standout PR campaign for PBS’s "GOSPEL Live! Presented by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.," which launched with 4.6M impressions and grew to 18M—earning her a 2024 Silver Anthem Award for Best PR and Earned Media Campaign. Before founding Morris Street Media, she served as Associate Partner at Paul Wilmot Communications, leading the broadcast division - drawing on a career that began in indie film, non-fiction programming, daytime TV, and entertainment news. Working for media companies including Harpo Productions, Sony Pictures, Viacom, and Warner Bros., Myescha’s contributed to acclaimed productions such as Anderson Live!, The Nate Berkus Show, and the inaugural Black Girls Rock! Awards.
A graduate of Boston University, she holds a BA in International Relations and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Myescha joell
meet the AUTHORS
Myescha Joell is an award-winning publicist, media strategist, producer, and founder of Morris Street Media. With over 20 years of experience, she’s built a career at the intersection of storytelling, strategy, and culture—crafting immersive brand experiences that drive visibility and content that inspires audiences to question, explore, and engage.
Through Morris Street Media, Myescha elevates creatives of color with high-impact PR campaigns while developing and producing stories that center women and voices of color. She currently serves as co-producer of the ethnography docuseries, Black Expat Stories, and contributes as a script reader for the Austin Film Festival and Shore Scripts.
Some of her recent work includes a standout PR campaign for PBS’s "GOSPEL Live! Presented by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.," which launched with 4.6M impressions and grew to 18M—earning her a 2024 Silver Anthem Award for Best PR and Earned Media Campaign. Before founding Morris Street Media, she served as Associate Partner at Paul Wilmot Communications, leading the broadcast division - drawing on a career that began in indie film, non-fiction programming, daytime TV, and entertainment news. Working for media companies including Harpo Productions, Sony Pictures, Viacom, and Warner Bros., Myescha’s contributed to acclaimed productions such as Anderson Live!, The Nate Berkus Show, and the inaugural Black Girls Rock! Awards.
A graduate of Boston University, she holds a BA in International Relations and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Myescha joell
meet the AUTHORS
In The Press
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