PRSA-LA Honors Stephen Chavez as Public Relations Professional of the Year

The Public Relations Society of America, Los Angeles Chapter (PRSA-LA) has named Stephen Chavez, CEO of ChavezPR, as its Public Relations Professional of the Year, one of the organization’s most prestigious honors. Established in 1964, the award is presented annually at PRSA-LA’s PRism Awards to recognize distinguished service and outstanding career achievements.

This year’s PRism Awards took place on Thursday, October 9, at the historic Herald Examiner Building in Downtown Los Angeles, celebrating excellence in communications across Southern California. Chavez is the first Latino professional to receive this distinguished honor in the award’s six-decade history.

“Stephen Chavez embodies the very best of our profession,” said Marisol Barrios Perez, President of PRSA-LA. “His work reflects excellence, empathy, and a deep commitment to mentoring others. Through his leadership, service, and storytelling, Stephen continues to elevate our industry and open doors for the next generation of diverse communicators.”

A seasoned, award-winning communications professional, Chavez has built an impressive career spanning corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors. In 2010, he founded ChavezPR, a strategic brand management and storytelling agency in Los Angeles. His leadership and creative direction have shaped campaigns for organizations including Northgate González Market, Verizon, McDonald’s, and the National Institutes of Health. Stephen’s work has earned numerous accolades, including the PRSA Silver Anvil, multiple PRism Awards, and the Hispanic Public Relations Association’s Food and Beverage Campaign of the Year Award in 2024.

Beyond his professional success, Chavez has been a driving force for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the PR industry. He is the Immediate Past President of PRSA-LA, serves on the PRSA Foundation Board of Trustees, is incoming Co-Chair of PRSA’s National DEI Committee. He served decades as a leader with the Hispanic PR Association, serving as national president in 2014. He also chairs the Latino Equality Alliance in Los Angeles, fostering safe spaces for LGBTQ+ Latinx youth and families.

“I accept this award with humility, gratitude, and a full heart,” said Chavez. “It’s incredibly meaningful to be recognized by my peers for the years I’ve dedicated to my work, my clients, and the volunteer service to the profession I love.”