October 2026 Newsletter Print

President's Report

What a wonderful way to celebrate our profession and the people who make New Mexico’s communications community so special.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for The Pinnacle of PR & Communications and the 2026 Cumbre Awards. From a full day of learning and conversation to an evening celebrating outstanding work, the event was a wonderful reflection of what happens when our PR community comes together. Thank you to our speakers, panelists, roundtable leaders, sponsors and volunteers who helped make it possible—and congratulations again to all of our Cumbre winners and honorees!

Now, we’re looking ahead.

On October 22, join us for Resilience in a Changing Economy, a timely conversation about navigating uncertainty and change in today’s economic landscape. Our panel brings together Donyelle Lucero of Siarza, Jacob Maranda of Sunward Federal Credit Union, and Rachael Maestas of RM Communications, moderated by Andie Mercer. Together, they’ll share perspectives on how communicators and organizations can adapt, remain resilient and continue moving forward.

I also invite you to consider how you can help shape the future of NMPRSA. We are looking for volunteers to serve on the 2027 board. Whether you’re ready to take on a leadership role or simply want to become more involved, there is a place for you. Email me at [email protected] to learn more. 

Building community has been one of my goals as president, and that work belongs to all of us. Every event, conversation, volunteer and new connection makes our profession stronger.

On behalf of our 2026 Board, thank you for being part of NMPRSA and for helping us continue to elevate our profession to its highest pinnacle.

April Hale, President
New Mexico PRSA

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Cumbre Awards Ceremony

The best of New Mexico’s public relations and communications industry took center stage Sept. 25 as NMPRSA celebrated the 2026 Cumbre Awards.

Following the inaugural Strategic Communications Summit, the evening celebration brought together communicators from across the state to recognize outstanding campaigns, tactics and professionals whose work demonstrates creativity, strategic thinking and measurable results.

This year’s Cumbre Awards featured entries from 17 agencies and organizations, with submissions evaluated by the Rochester, N.Y., chapter of PRSA.  View the complete list of 2026 Cumbre Award winners →

Reaching the peak

Several entries earned Best of Show recognition after receiving perfect scores of 100.

  • PK Public Relations earned Best of Show in the Tactics category for its From Awareness to Action: Redesigning DoseofReality.com to Connect New Mexicans with Treatment website.
  • The University of New Mexico earned Best of Show for its video, Breaking the Ice: UNM Students Launch New Mexico’s First Collegiate Women’s Ice Hockey Team.
  • Sandia National Labs  earned Best of Show for its social media tactic, From Code to Cone: AIRES Tide Social Media Tactic.
  • In the Campaigns category, Sunny505 earned Best of Show for Westside Grand Opening.

Celebrating the people behind the work

Cumbre also recognizes professionals whose contributions extend beyond individual campaigns. This year’s individual award recipients included:

  • Ted B. Sherwin Member of the Year: Cameron Grimm, APR
  • Greg Johnston Board Member of the Year: Cody Johnson
  • DEI Leadership Award: Pamm Meyers
  • Jennifer Riordan Community Service Award: Nadine Buerger
  • Lee and Marie Hirst Vista Award: Karli Massey, APR

Together, these awards reflect the many ways New Mexico communicators contribute to the profession — through leadership, service, community engagement, advocacy and a commitment to excellence. Congratulations to all of our 2026 winners!

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Calendar of Events

Resilience in a Changing Economy: Building sustainable communications careers, teams and brands 
Thursday, October 22 | 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM | Poulin Marketplace 
$20 Members | $30 Non-Members | $15 Students
REGISTER TODAY >>

Resilience is often framed as an individual quality: work harder, learn faster, adapt. But in communications, resilience is also shaped by access to opportunity, networks, mentors, flexible work, visibility, and decision-making power.

Join our talented and experience panelists for a conversation that explores how communicators can build resilient careers, agencies, communications teams, and brands in an uncertain environment. We will consider practical strategies for navigating change, building professional support systems and creating opportunity across different career stages, work arrangements and communities.

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Save the Date

Mark your calendar for our November program:
The Human Touch: Why authentic creativity matters
November 19 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Nexus Blue Smokehouse, ABQ
REGISTER TODAY

The following PRSA webinars and courses are designed to provide practical insights, enhance skills, and foster industry connections throughout the year. Most are free to members.

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