The Public Relations and Media industries are a driving force in our everyday lives. While freedom of speech is a powerful right in our current climate, we count on multimedia professionals to inspire, educate, entertain, and empower us with their compelling storytelling through blogs, vlogs, magazines, radio, tv, on the red carpet, and more.

A Publicist is a person responsible for publicizing a product, person, or company. Being a representative of their clients by managing media relations, scheduling interviews, organizing and managing social media as well as other digital assets, and advising on conflict resolution are just a few of the skills that hard yet meaningful work entails. 

Publicists and Journalists support each other day in and day out to inform the masses about a host of topics including the latest trends and products, current events, innovators, visionaries, business and entertainment news.

In no particular order, Woman To Woman Talk Magazine is honored to highlight a very special group of women that make up some of the most hardworking, inspirational, and successful women of color in public relations and media that slayed 2022.

Pilar Scratch

Deemed The “wardrobe stylist of the millennium generation” by Forbes, Pilar Scratch, is one of the top celebrity wardrobe stylists and media mavens of this era. Having styled countless celebrities such as artist Afro B, Musiq SoulChild, Amara La Negra, producer/ TV personality Stevie J, Jim Jones, Rah Digga, Mariah Lynn, and WBLS Lenny Green, among others. Pilar Scratch went from living in a shelter with her son to being one of the most sought-after public figures in New York City. In 2019, Pilar was a nominee for Forbes 30 under 30. Pilar currently holds the title of a 7x award-winning celebrity wardrobe stylist, TV personality, author, momager, and editor-in-chief. Naming several notable television shows she has appeared on Fox’s Dr. Oz, TLC’s “What Not To Wear”, E! Wags, TMZ, HBO Latina, VH1 Love & Hip hop NYC, and others.

Adding to her accolades Pilar is a force not to be messed with and is attending Harvard Business School (online) to study business analytics and entrepreneurship. Bursting into the fashion industry in 2012 as a budding fashion icon with a newborn baby. The budding star was building a soon-to-be dynamic brand with an unmatched creative passion. Pilar Scratch & her then newborn, River Mason Eromosele, lived in St. Rocco’s shelter for the majority of the 2011 year. While not having a traditional family support system (as a single mom at twenty years old) she didn’t allow her upbringing or tribulations to define her or her child. Pilar’s main focus was bettering her life. Not only for the betterment of herself but in absolute certainty for her son, River Mason Eromosele.

Talent definitely runs in the family, Pilar Scratch’s son, River Mason Eromosele, is a famed actor and model. River was declared one of the top child prodigies in the world by the Global Child Prodigy Association in 2022. He was honored in Dubai by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister. Following in his mothers, Pilar Scratch, and aunt Rah Digga’s footsteps, River has been featured in New York Fashion Week, countless billboards, Nickelodeon (currently filming), “Evil Lives Here” Investigation Discovery, John Legend “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’’ which debuted on ABC, “Hustlers Movie’’ starring JLo & Cardi B, CBS “The Good Fight” countless commercials for PNC, 10 percent Happier, Laurie Berkner Band “This Mountain’’ which debuted on PBS Kids, Walmart, Moon Pod, among others. In a 2019 radio interview, they asked Pilar, How does she balance it all with her enormous career and her sons?’’ She responded “I have to unearth a healthy equilibrium. My main goal is to keep my son as normal, busy and humble as possible. It’s important to lead by example & to show him a work ethic that’s unmatched….and a lot of B12 helps too.”

Diving into her creative passion for writing and fashion she commenced her own publication in 2015, Fashion Gxd Magazine. Pilar Scratch employs over ten people at her company — Fashion Gxd Magazine. The magazine is distributed in Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Amazon, and Indigo. Fashion Gxd Magazine is Amazon’s best-selling Magazine from 2017- 2019. As well, Fashion Gxd Magazine, is the Iheartradio / Power 105, 2019 recipient of the “Prosperity Award”. Fashion Gxd Magazine provides the platform for everyday entrepreneurs the opportunity to work with their favorite celebrities.

Aside from publishing their magazine, the dynamic duo became authors in 2016. Their first book “Mindset on Increase” (2016). Then releasing their first children’s book “The Sky Is The Limit (2019). In 2016, “Mindset on Increase” sold over 200,000 copies worldwide by sharing through social media. Both books assist in spiritual growth, healing, and affirmations. Recently, Pilar and River set out on a press tour for their new children’s book “The Sky Is The Limit”. The first leg of their tour landed them on IheartMedia — Chicago “Lunch with the Brunch”, 92.3 Soul FM, and 106.3 FM “Intellectual Show”.

Keep up to date with Pilar Scratch @pilarscratch

LaKisa Renee

LaKisa Renee is a multitalented Media/Film Industry Professional, Journalist, Host, Actress, Videographer, Voice Artist & Entrepreneur. She is the Owner and Founder of LaKisa Renee Entertainment, a media, fashion and events company. She is also the Owner and Founder of Lè Du Jour Beauty & Wellness, Makeup Artist, Licensed Esthetician & Fashion/Beauty Guru & Event Coordinator. As a Media Professional, she is a contributing journalist for Cultured Focus Magazine, The Franchise Magazine and In Black Magazine.

She’s covered prestigious events such as the Sundance Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, Emmy Awards, The BET Soul Train Awards, New York Fashion Week: The Shows, The Culture Creators Innovators & Leaders Brunch, Miami Swim Week: The Shows, Hamptons Fashion Week, Black Fashion Week MN at Paisley Park, Met Gala Events, The AMC Network Summit, Dave Chappelle & Friends/Untitled Documentary Screening. Her resume also includes the Triller Verzuz Battles, The Harriet Tubman Freedom Music Festival, New York City Horror Festival, New Jersey Horror Con & Film Festival & more.

LaKisa has also had an opportunity to cover concerts for Nelly, Boyz ll Men, Patty LaBelle, Sean Paul’s Dutty Rock 20th Anniversary, Lil Jon’s Lovers & Friends Festival and more.

She has hosted many events for New York Fashion Week, major fashion and entertainment companies, as well as events of her own through her entertainment company.

She’s interviewed and covered notable celebrities including:

Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Gayle King, Tyler Perry, Levar Burton, Laurence Fishburne, Lynn Whitfield, Antonio Banderas, Penelope Cruz, Simon Baker, Clayne Crawford, Dave Chappelle, 50 Cent, Mona Scott Young, LL Cool J, Swizz Beats, D-Nice, Jimmy Jam, H.E.R., Sean Patrick Flannery, Matthew Knowles, Sean Paul, Attorney Ben Crump, Pharrell, Spike. Lee, Rev. Al. Sharpton, Pam Grier, Neyo, Fetty Wap, Naturi Naughton, CEO of Ruff Ryders Waah Dean, GHerbo, Dennis LA White, Celebrity Stylist Zerina Akers, Mya, Ryan Destiny, Jay Reeves, Baby Tate, Sevyn Streeter, Laquan Smith, Marion Ramsey, Michael Winslow, Fiona Dourif, Bia Ling, The D.O.C., Krupt, Xzhibit, Caldecot “Chubby” Chubbs, Kasi Lemmons, Robert Englund, Kristy Swanson, Tony Moran, Alex Vincent, Angel Simmons. MC Lyte, Da Brat, Amanda Wyss, The Soska Sisters, Jeremy London, Danny Cooksey, Andrew Bryniarski, Paul Taylor, Bob Elmore & many more.

LaKisa has over 20 years in the entertainment industry and has been featured in publications such as The Los Angeles Tribune, New York Today, Sheen Magazine, Essence Magazine, Wendy Williams Magazine, Swag Her Magazine, Hustle & Soul, Urban Signature Magazine and Red Ink Magazine.

She has acted in feature, independent and short films as well as commercials. LaKisa has also provided her makeup artistry to many films, fashion shows & publications. Her spa business provides services such a massages, body wraps, waxing, facials, microdermabrasion & more. With everything that LaKisa does she always finds time to take care of her mother, give back and donate time to her community. Despite all of the obstacles that she faces and family losses that have occurred, LaKisa has always remained focused and committed to succeeding. Her award wins include the 2019 National Women of Strength Award, 2018 ARC Health Hair Blowout Best Makeup Artist, 2018 Y.A.R.D. Kids Asset Award and 2013 Upper State Independent Award for Best Entertainment Promoter. 2023 will be off to an amazing start for LaKisa as will be covering the Sundance Film Festival in January, launching her podcast & product line.

Keep up to date with LaKisa Renee @lakisarenee

Tavia Mapp-Deterville

Founder of the Tavia MD Agency, Tavia Mapp-Deterville’s forward-thinking approach is what has set her apart as a sought publicist in the entertainment industry. Best known for coordinating high-end talent and working with major brands such as ThisIs50.Com, G-Unit Records, Inc, MTV, BET, Revolt, Lip Service with Angela Yee, Music Choice, Vevo, Tidal, SXSW, and Essence to name a few.

Her dedication, and actionable strategies, which most times employs bold moves and transformative decisions, creating organizational evolution through the use of hands-on PR management, and intense media relations are the type of strategy and courage that lead Tavia to become successful in her career today.

Additional clients and projects Tavia has worked on include but are not limited to: Essence Festival of Culture 2022 where Tavia oversaw 90 press outlets, talent, and 13 activations.

Cardi B & Offset Essence Cover, Janet Jackson’s Essence Cover, SXSW Showcase, Revolt Summit, Lionsgate’s SPIRAL release, Searchlight Film’s ‘Questlove’s Summer of Soul’ Launch, 21 Savage’s EP Release and so much more.

Tavia is also a well-known face on major industry red carpets. Recently spotted working on House of Gucci red carpet with Al Pacino and Lady Gaga, BET Awards, Hip Hop Awards, as well as WE tv’s Hip Hop Homicides with Mona Scott-Young, and Tavia’s boss Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.

The Tavia MD Agency is a premier far-reaching boutique PR firm in Brooklyn NY focused on brand visibility, crafting interactive approaches for its widespread client profile in lifestyle, beauty, and entertainment. Big creative ideas that break- through the clutter, grounded in strategy and insights will continue to be the mission of the agency founded by this PR and Media Maven.

Keep up to date with Tavia Mapp-Deterville @taviamd

Crystal Willis

Crystal Willis is a dynamic and multi-faceted Entrepreneur, 2x Author, Speaker, Marketing Strategist and Media Maven specializing in artist and business brand development. As a Corporate Consultant and Founder and CEO of The Omni Firm, her career has spanned nearly two decades, originally working on marketing and public relations campaigns in music, film and television for ESPN, CBS, Universal Music Mobile, Warner Bros. Records, and Disney Music Group. Willis has been instrumental in countless releases from celebrities like Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Snoop Dogg, 112, and Zendaya, as well as major events such as the 50th NAACP Image Awards, The Stellar Awards and Pan African Film & Arts Festival. Clients of The Omni Firm have been featured in major news media outlets such as Forbes, Hollywood Reporter, Essence, GQ, USA Today, Fox, Modern Luxury, Source Magazine, HipHopDX, AllHipHop, and countless others.

As a seasoned journalist and red-carpet media correspondent, Crystal’s been blessed to interview major celebrities such as Spike Lee, Bobby Brown, Candace Cameron Bure, Marsai Martin, Joseph Sikora, Cedric The Entertainer, Anthony Hamilton, Tito Jackson and many more. With the impact of her writing reaching far beyond her work as a seasoned publicist, she’s a long-time Editor for TheHypeMagazine, and has also contributed to Thrive Global and Medium.

On a personal note, Willis is a beacon of hope and a voice for the voiceless; from sexual assault survivors, victims of domestic abuse, Lipedema warriors, unborn children, and those struggling with mental health. Her personal testimonies have been seen in documentaries, in theaters, in billboard campaigns, and in major media outlets such as Marie Claire Magazine, Salon.com, Sheen Magazine, ShoutoutLA, VoyageLA, Biz Boost Magazine, Official Black Magazine, PBS, Blaze TV, Daily Signal and more.

At the age of just 14, she became a birthmother from rape, ultimately choosing life through open adoption and eventually becoming a public speaker. In 2016, Willis found herself in a quarter-life crisis, chronically depressed and unfulfilled, but she used her story as a footstool to become her own hero. She decided to leave her toxic marriage and Fortune 500 job in pursuit of entrepreneurship and time freedom. She faced homelessness and food insecurity head-on while manifesting her wildest dreams. Willis has since traveled the globe and built a six-figure business helping others to own their story, reinvent their lives and impact millions through the power of storytelling.

Willis holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Marketing from the University of Phoenix, and an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts from LA Valley College. An avid music lover and vocalist, she studied Voice and Music Business Management at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. She is a Certified Master Transformation Life Coach, a Senior Leader of Mastery in Transformational Training (MITT), and is passionate about helping others create bold brand stories and life-changing mindset breakthroughs.

Keep up to date with Crystal Willis @mscrystalwillis

Dr. CaSay Vaughn 

In 2022, Dr. CaSay Vaughn’s title has gone from Publicist to Nationally Syndicated Talk Show host. Acquiring a Nationally Syndicated Talkshow in 5.9 million households, 215 cities in the US, and the Caribbean with Daily Flash After The Show. Dr. CaSay is an entertainment host, celebrity publicist, and television and radio producer. The native Baltimorean is an award-winning producer and has worked on several exciting television and radio projects for companies such as BET, HBO, VH1, TV One, Radio One and SiriusXM.

Dr. CaSay is also a publicist to various legendary celebrities and has a tremendous network. In her spare time, she and her fiance Celebrity DJ Jay Claxton own and operates Franchise Entertainment Group which houses; Franchise Radio, FRNCHS Clothes, Franchise Music, and Franchise Magazine.

Stamped in the Media Industry as the “One to Get it Done”. That is proven by so many of her accomplishments such as becoming a new member of For(bes) The Culture, and being listed as Heart of Hollywood’s Most Influential Woman. As well as other accolades such as Nasdaq Milestone Circle, New York City Billboard Dec 26th -Jan 1, and the Love Business on Lock Tour.

Dr. CaSay is the proud mom of three incredible children and the GiGi to her heart Chandon.

Keep up to date with Dr. CaSay Vaughn @casayvaughn

Tammy Reese

Award Winning Writer and Journalist, Tammy Reese began her career as a theater actress performing in 60 live stage shows a year with The Media Unit TV and Stage Production Company. Eventually, she went to Empire State College to obtain her degree in media studies. After graduation, she did more theater work and wrote, produced, and directed her own videos to spread awareness on social issues through the arts.

Tammy is a 2018 40 Under Forty Award Honoree and a 2019 WCNY/PBS Makers: Women Who Make America Award. In 2020 Sheen Magazine listed Tammy as a woman in multimedia on the rise.

Also in 2020, Tammy lost her biggest cheerleader and biggest supporter, her beloved Mother, and Syracuse, NY Civil Rights Icon, Donna Reese. A couple of months after the passing of her mom then came a global pandemic. With the help of close family and friends, Tammy dug herself out of a dark place and continued to follow her dreams in multimedia as her mom always knew that she could. Tammy is also a mother to the most important person in her life, Joshaun. 

The Owner of Visionary Minds Public Relations and Media is best known for landing major interviews with Sigourney Weaver, Meagan Good, Laurence Fishburne, Mona Scott-Young, Luke Evans, Courtney Kemp, Neyo, Geena Davis, B.Scott, Slim and Mike of 112, Omar Epps, Joseph Sikora, Carmen Electra, Giancarlo Esposito, Brely Evans, Danielle Moné Truitt, Leon, Patina Miller, Nelly, La La Anthony, Michael James Shaw, Matt Cedeño, Dedee Pfeiffer, Russell Hornsby, Britt Lower, Aleks Paunovic, Donell Jones, RL, Play from Kid and Play, Keith Robinson, Janet Hubert, Tom Arnold, Donell Jones, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Michole Briana White, Raven Goodwin, Amber Riley, Ross Marquand, Ginuwine, Lil Meech, and many more.

In 2022 Tammy got to cover the AMC Networks Summit 2022, WeTV’S Hip Hop Homicides event with 50 Cent and Mona-Scott Young, and some of the biggest horror events of the year including NJ Horror Con which she’s personally invited to cover every year, and Scarefest which headlined Freddy Krueger himself, Mr. Robert Englund. As well as cover talent, and content for Starz, BET, HBO Max, Lifetime, Prime Video, The Roku Channel, and Lionsgate, to name a few. One of the most memorable press accomplishments for Tammy this year was covering the 2022 Tribeca Festival where she got to cover the red carpet and live panel events featuring Tyler Perry, Cynthia Erivo, Spike Lee, Gayle King, Pharrell Williams, Penélope Cruz, Lynn Whitfield, Jurnee Smollett, Pam Grier, Lil Baby, Antonio Banderas, and Robert De Niro.

If that isn’t enough, this year she’s covered concerts for Patti LaBelle and Boyz II Men, and interviewed cast members from her favorite television series of all time, “The Walking Dead”.

Additional networks Tammy has worked with as a veteran in the media community are Allblk, Shudder, Netflix, and TV One. Other events she has covered during the course of her career include but are not limited to The Academy Awards, HBO/Cinemax Urban Action Showcase Expo, Urban One Honors, Black Media Honors, and Black Music Honors.

Tammy is a podcast co-host for New York Women in Film and Television, and a new member of For(bes) The Culture. 2023 looks so bright for Tammy as she is soon releasing her highly awaited interviews with the cast of Starz BMF as well as preparing to cover the biggest film festival in The United States, The Sundance Film Festival 2023.

Keep up to date with Tammy Reese @tammyreesemedia

Shauna L

Shauna L is an award-winning publicist and the founder of Lamore Lifestyle Public Relations. Her public relations firm opened full-time in 2017 in Columbia, Maryland, and specializes in media relations. Shauna went from a one-woman show to a full team and now oversees the day-to-day operations of the firm, opening her second location in Houston, Texas in 2021. She has had clients featured on platforms such as; Essence, Forbes, Cosmopolitan, GMA, Netflix, Sheen, Eater, Yahoo News, NBC, FoxSoul, Business Insider, Brides, Ebony, Entrepreneur, Men’s Journal, 21Ninety, The Today Show, and hundreds of others. She’s also been able to partner clients with Nordstrom, Sally Beauty, and other major retailers.

Her work in the public relations industry has landed her nominations for Public Relations Icon at the Black Media Honors in 2021 and Publicist of the Year at the Cosign Magazine awards in 2022. She won the Black People Rock Honors 2022 “Purpose Driven” award which included a citation and acknowledgment from the City of Baltimore for her work. Her tagline is “although a boutique firm, we don’t play small.” Shauna is also the co-owner of the lifestyle brand Lights, Camera, Houston. Outside of the office, Shauna is a travel lover, fiancée, and mother of twin daughters.

Keep up to date with Shauna L @lamorelifestylepr

Remi Jones

Commencing her career in multimedia, Remi Jones, launched her self titled television show, Remi TV. The show became vastly popular and acquired syndication, debuting on TV-9 and the PEG network. Expanding in her notoriety Remi interviewed a plethora of celebrities throughout New York City ranging from Dame Dash, Joey Fatone, Wyclef Jean, Lil Mo, Remy Ma and DJ Kay Slay. The renowned talk show led her to solidify features in national outlets such as Forbes, Yahoo, Bossip,Sheen Magazine, Thrive Global, HipHop Weekly and on Hot 97.

Being a positive influence, Remi, has manufactured her own path. Successfully converting into a household name she has attracted a dedicated audience. “A girl from a small city; with big dreams” has quickly converted into her brand’s mantra. Remi vigorously has strutted through trials and tribulations she faced. As she propelled towards obtaining her goals in the entertainment industry.

Currently, she executive produces and hosts her talk show, Remi TV. In which the show’s production headquarters is rooted in Rhode Island. Remi TV’s objective is to carry through positive reflections of stimulating dialogues from celebrities and entrepreneurs alike. Ideally guests would vary in diverse fields such as music, art, lifestyle, business, relationships, and inspiration. Her targeted guests are individuals who are making a difference in their communities. By showcasing minority voices while providing a platform to tell their stories free of discrimination; she aims to inspire the masses.

In 2022 Remi interviewed movie and television legends like Stacy Dash, Malik Yoba, Karyn Parsons, Scott Weinger, and more.

Subsequent to the pandemic of 2020, Remi’s, guests appearing on her show led to appearances and attractions adjacent to their stay at venues throughout “The Renaissance City”. This included local businesses such as musical studios, bars, restaurants. Local businesses across Providence have profited vastly from Remi’s guest features. New England’s multipurpose arenas begin to re-open fully for business as a result of the rapid spread of the COVID-19 vaccine. A vast quantity of fans of Remi TV were undoubtedly tuned in to see their favorite regional or national headliner coming to their city. As manifestation continues to be an immense key to her success, Remi has transformed RemiTv into being one of the top entertainment programs in Rhode Island. And she’s just getting started.

Keep up to date with Remi Jones @remitvofficial

Michelle Mackel

Oklahoma native and founder of PlugStar Entertainment, Michelle Mackel, represents some of the most talented music artists, actors, authors, influencers, and other professionals across many industries. A professional expert at pitching and forging relationships, Michelle has a proven track record of “plugging” her clients into opportunities that get them in front of wider target audiences. Her personal experience in the entertainment industry has taught her that success is difficult without an organized team behind you. You need someone who will provide guidance, publicity, and support for your brand development so it can be seen by a broader fan base.

Formally a club owner and producer of live concerts, her knowledge of connecting people, establishing partnerships, and awakening opportunities for those looking into making their dreams come true is one of significance. She is a professional who knows how to bring people together and create unforgettable media experiences.

A veteran of the United States Army, Michelle know the value of teamwork and camaraderie, which became the ideals on which PlugStar’s foundation is built. Michelle is committed to the importance of setting goals and pursuing dreams — even when they are not hers.

In 2022, Michelle booked clients at conferences such as Essence, Women in Media and placed clients on television opportunities such as Tyler Perry’s “All the Queens Men”, BET, Music Choice, MTV, Fox Soul, Apple TV, and more. Her clients had print and digital placements in Forbes, Thisis50, Hip Hop Weekly, LA Weekly, Essence, and Sheen Magazine just to name a few.

Michelle enjoys giving back and had the opportunity to be a Grammy U Mentor. Grammy U is The Recording Academy’s college program that fosters the professional growth of the next generation of music industry leaders. She was also accepted into Entrepreneur Magazine’s Leadership program.

Furthermore, she was listed in several publications this year including the February issue of New York Weeklyand was featured as an entrepreneur to look out for in 2022. With a full page spread, the article titled “From Army Soldier To CEO and PR Maven ‘’ details her journey and the obstacles she has overcome. The Plugstar Entertainment owner was also listed in LA Weekly’s “Names You Need To Know in 2022”. This is just the beginning of Plugstar paving the road to be known as “One of The Top PR Agencies You Should Absolutely Check Out”.

Keep up to date with Michelle Mackel @plugstar_socialclub

Get connected with each of the powerhouse media and public relations professionals and follow their elevation and ever-evolving careers.