2025 DAA People’s Choice Distinguished Communicator of the Year

Your Voice. Their Spotlight.

For the first time ever, the Diversity Action Alliance is putting the power in your hands. We're inviting the public to help choose the People’s Choice Distinguished Communicator of the Year — a past GEMS or Distinguished Communicator of Color honoree who continues to inspire, lead, and push our industry forward.

🎤 The winner will be featured at the 2025 GEMS Honors — either as Master of Ceremonies or a featured panelist in our fireside conversation.

How It Works:

  • $5 = 1 vote — Vote as many times as you like!

  • Voting closes on July 25, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET.

  • All funds go directly toward supporting DAA’s work to eliminate barriers for underrepresented professionals in communications.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just a vote—it’s a movement.

The People’s Choice Award honors those who have already made waves in our industry and gives our community a chance to say: "We see you. We support you. And we want more of your leadership."

At a time when inclusive leadership is under scrutiny, your vote helps amplify the brilliance and continued impact of these changemakers.

The leaders you see below are alumni of our GEMS Honors and Distinguished Communicator of Color recognitions—visionaries who’ve stepped forward to be considered for this special spotlight.

Each nominee has opted in to participate, putting their name in the ring to be your 2025 People’s Choice winner.

Meet the Nominees

  • Monique Kelley Gigliotti

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  • Amira Barger

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  • Keandra Ward

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  • Felicia Blow, PhD, APR

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  • Thomas Bennett III

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Nominate a Past Honoree

Don’t see someone or yourself?
You can nominate a past GEMS or DCOC honoree who continues to lead with integrity and deserves this moment.

Nominate a Past Honoree by emailing us: Andrea@diversityactionalliance.or

Eligible nominees will be contacted to confirm participation and, once confirmed, added to the live ballot within 24 hours.