BTPRS Announces the 2024 Top 10 Black AI Communicators List
In honor of National Publicist Day last month (Oct. 30), the Black Tech Public Relations Society announced a path forward into the AI space – through the first-ever list exclusively recognizing Black PR leaders and their impactful contributions across the AI space.
Our Top 10 Black PR Leaders Across AI Communications List features various PR founders and leaders at some of the most notable tech-focused brands including NVIDIA, Google, Microsoft and YouTube. As AI continues to dominate the headlines and shape the world of public relations – we’re determined to keep diversity at the forefront of innovation and shine a light on the changemakers making a difference.
Catharine Montgomery, Founder & CEO
Catharine Montgomery is a thought leader in ethical AI communications, with more than 15 years of experience leading purpose-driven communications strategies. As the Founder and CEO of Better Together, she has spearheaded initiatives to explore and mitigate biases in AI, including producing the "Better Together Insight Report: Navigating Biases in Generative AI." Catharine’s leadership is instrumental in driving awareness of ethical AI at notable events, such as CHIEF Fireside Chats and Serial Marketers.
Her advocacy extends to creating more equitable communication strategies – and prioritizing inclusivity and cultural awareness. Catharine actively contributes to conversations shaping the industry’s approach to AI, ensuring its development is fair and representative of diverse voices. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Marketing from Auburn University and an MBA from the University of Maryland's Smith School of Business.
Location: Washington, DC
Keisha McCotry,
Founder & Chief AI Innovation Strategist
Mosaic Method Agency
Keisha McCotry is the founder of the Mosaic Method Agency – a full-service AI agency that specializes in AI solutions to help businesses grow and succeed. Additionally, Keisha is a marketing and PR executive with over 20 years of experience in leading public relations, brand marketing, program management, and multicultural integrated marketing initiatives. She has an MBA in Management, an Executive Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management, and three AI certifications from Google Cloud Skills Boost.
Keisha is passionate about shaping technology to serve all of humanity, justly and fairly. She is an advocate for ethical and responsible AI, and has implemented various DEI policies and AI ethics strategies that have increased workplace utilization, morale, and trust in AI systems. She has also steered successful campaigns for major corporations like Ernst & Young, Apple, McDonald's, Netflix, American Express, Amazon, P&G, Snapchat, Universal Pictures, Disney, Hulu, and more – leveraging her proficiency in brand strategy, creative development, growth marketing, product marketing, consumer insights, partnerships, influencer marketing, diversity & inclusion, and social media.
Location: Atlanta, GA
Tonya McKenzie,
Founder & CEO
Sand & Shores
Tonya McKenzie is a seasoned PR, Media & Leadership Professional with over 25 years of experience and management expertise in both the non-profit and private sectors. She is an international speaker, trainer, and consultant. As the founder of the AI-powered Sand & Shores PR & Media consulting firm, Tonya works with business professionals and organizations to help them build a strong reputation by telling their stories and building brand awareness in the media and with the communities they serve.
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
Andrea Wedderburn,
AI & High Tech PR Expert
Andrea Wedderburn is an AI communications leader, strategist, and storyteller with 15+ years of experience in media relations, internal communications, executive communications, and marketing. With 30+ awards for work with enterprise tech companies, Global 500, and PR agencies; Andrea’s focus is AI, generative AI, cloud, IoT, and consumer tech. As a Microsoft senior communications manager, Andrea has led press campaigns featuring CEO Satya Nadella, EVP Judson Althoff, and c-level executives announcing strategic partnerships and tech innovations with the world’s largest global brands. This includes American Express, CVS, Haleon, Mastercard, P&G, Moody’s, and the AI news announcement for the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), which drove a 2.89% increase in the Microsoft stock price for multi-billion-dollar growth that lifted the entire stock market.
Adept at simplifying complex technologies into creative, engaging content; Andrea has reached 700+ million people with print, broadcast, and online media with business, tech, consumer, and trade news. Placements include Associated Press, Axios, BBC, Bloomberg, CIO, CNET, CNN, Financial Times, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Fortune, Good Morning America, MarketWatch, NBC Today, Popular Mechanics, Popular Science, Reuters, TechCrunch, The New York Times, Time, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and more.
Location: Seattle, Washington
Janette Ciborowski, Senior PR Manager (Enterprise AI)
NVIDIA
Janette Ciborowski is a seasoned communications professional at NVIDIA, where she has spearheaded the expansion of media relations across key industry sectors, including healthcare, telecom, financial services, energy and robotics. Her responsibilities include driving product communications globally for industries. Previous experiences include roles leading Emerging Technology communications at Mozilla and Lumia Communications as well as a tenure at NBC News. Janette Ciborowski holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Miami, and a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Michigan.
Location: San Francisco, CA
Breon Martin,
AI Marketing & Communciations Manager
Georgia Institute of Technology
As the artificial intelligence (AI) communications manager at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Breon Martin is dedicated to advancing communications and marketing around AI research and crafting content that highlights Georgia Tech’s contributions to the field. He covers research that drives real-world solutions and impacts through AI in healthcare, education, supply chain management, and more.
Working within Georgia Tech’s Research Communications team, he provides resources to showcase the university’s significant achievements. Breon leads communications for the NSF-funded institutes AI4OPT, AI-CARING, and AI-ALOE, managing outreach with a focus on AI and STEM research and Georgia Tech’s AI hub, Tech AI.
Location: Atlanta, GA
Karen Johnson,
Director of Executive Communications (AI Platform)
Microsoft
For more than 25 years, Karen Johnson has showcased her passion for partnering with some of the most influential leaders in the world to help them articulate their vision through a compelling narrative that inspires and engages their audiences.
At Microsoft, Karen manages executive communications for the CVP of AI Platform, including driving internal messaging and employee forums across the global organization. She also supports the Azure AI external client engagement strategy, with an expanded focus on highlighting how Microsoft is empowering developers and enterprise customers to transform their business with innovative GenAI solutions. Karen is the Culture Leader for the AI Platform team and spearheads the Manager Excellence program.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Amber Johnson,
Head of AI
Communications
YouTube
Amber Johnson is an experienced public relations leader and consultant with nearly two decades of experience in tech, government, entertainment, corporate, and non-profit industries. Currently, Amber is supporting YouTube’s AI journey – all while embracing the many ways that AI can enhance human creativity.
Location: Washington, DC
Elijah Lawal,
Global Communications & Public Affairs (AI)
Elijah Lawal supports PR, communications, and media relations for Google's AI chatbot, Bard – specializing in privacy, trust & safety, copyright, and international expansion.
In essence, Elijah is responsible for communicating to their audience across: everyday users, influencers, regulators, and customers about Google's values and products. A company's brand is only as strong as the trust the customers have in it, and Elijah’s priority is to ensure that all Google customers – as well as skeptics– understand what they stand for, how they can help them, and what exciting products & services they’re working on.
Location: San Francisco, CA
Liz Sweeney,
Communications Manager (AI)
Liz Sweeney supports Meta’s journey across the AI space – and has a dedicated history in comms across the consumer tech industry. She’s inspired by the latest innovative technologies and the future of AI development.
