Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC) is pleased to announce its partnership with IPREX, a global network of independent public relations agencies, to launch the inaugural IPREX Student Cohort, an initiative aimed at fostering diversity within the public relations industry.
Announced last month, the program will provide a select group of FAMU SJGC students with mentorship, networking, and real-world industry exposure. The initial cohort will include six students who will be provided with opportunities to engage public relations professionals through one-on-one mentoring sessions, virtual discussions, and experiential learning with IPREX member agencies.
This year seniors Jarvis Coleman, Ja’Lynn McDuffy and Leah Sinclair along with juniors Lariel Green, Sha’Niyah Ellies and Tatyanna McCray have been selected to participate in the program. Coleman was also selected to participate in the 2025 IPREX Academy, a talent development program within the network.
Heidi Otway, APR, CPRC, IPREX Americas regional president, president of locally operated Salter Mitchell PR, and a FAMU alumna, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative.
“As a proud FAMU graduate, it’s an honor to see this opportunity come to life,” Otway said. “We are creating a pipeline for top talent with different backgrounds to explore and access careers in public relations. In doing so, we aim to break down barriers to entry in this dynamic field.”
The program will introduce students to various aspects of public relations, including agency operations, strategic communication, client relations, and media engagement. Participants will also participate in “Ask Me Anything” sessions with industry professionals and skill-building workshops designed to prepare them for successful careers in public relations.
“This partnership with IPREX is an invaluable opportunity for our students to gain industry exposure and tangible professional experience,” said Mira Lowe, SJGC dean. “By connecting our talented scholars with leading industry professionals, this program will connect classroom learning with real-world applications ensuring our students are prepared to lead.”
Anna Corin Koehl, from IPREX partner agency BMF in New Orleans, had an essential role in developing the program’s structure. Koehl, a graduate of the 2023 IPREX Academy recently participated in a symposium hosted by FAMU to introduce students to internship opportunities at BMF.
IPREX leaders view the FAMU partnership as the first step in a broader effort to expand the initiative to other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) throughout the country. The program aligns with the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by actively addressing the industry’s need for a more representative workforce.
“Attracting top talent and hiring people from different backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, perspectives, and experiences enhances the PR industry and its role in society,” Otway said. “We are excited to see this first cohort graduate and to expand this initiative to inspire and grow future generations of PR professionals.”
IPREX, a $508 million network of communication agencies, includes more than 1,100 professionals across 100 global markets. The organization ranks as the tenth-largest communications group, according to The Holmes Report, and continues to support talent development through resources, best practices, and partnerships with universities.
