Beacon Award will bring Western Mass glow to Boston
SPRINGFIELD — For Janine Fondon, public relations isn't about headlines — it's about relationships. That philosophy earned her the Diane Davis Beacon Award, which she'll receive Wednesday, Dec. 17, in Boston.
Fondon, an American International College professor and media consultant, will receive the top honor from the Boston chapter of the Public Relations Society of America for her decades of work shaping public relations and advocating for diversity in the industry.
Her recognition goes beyond personal achievement, she said. It shines a light on the often-unseen work of public relations professionals who advocate for others, share their stories, and build connections that shape communities and industries, the East Longmeadow resident added.
"These are people out there working for community organizations and for different industries, people who are not senior leaders but who make things happen," she said. "They advocate, share stories on other's behalf, create all sorts of great relationships."
Fondon said many young people don't realize public relations professionals build strong ties with communities and businesses.
"If it weren't for big public relations companies to bring about trends and things we need to pay attention to, you will find that these are the companies that are pace setters and figure out how to pull people together to find out how to move forward in this culture of ours," Fondon said.
American International College professor Janine Fondon sits in the studio at the school on Thursday morning. Fondon will be receiving the Diane Davis Beacon Award in Boston next week. (Douglas Hook / The Republican)Douglas Hook
Fondon's career spans roles at ABC-TV, Bank of Boston and Digital Equipment Corp. She also co-founded UnityFirst Direct, a marketing and media consulting firm. At AIC, she teaches students about communications and the power of storytelling.
The public relations industry is experiencing steady growth, driven by digital transformation, social media, and increasing demand for authentic brand communication, with the global market projected to reach over $140 billion by 2028 and job growth exceeding the average for other occupations, Fondon explained.
Society Boston President Jamie McIver said the chapter's priorities for 2026 include expanding membership and partnerships to reflect diversity, equity and inclusion.
Plans also call for revitalizing the Young Professionals Network and supporting student chapters.
"Our purpose is always to advance the public relations profession — which has grown well beyond its origins of earned media to encompass thought leadership, owned and social media, internal and crisis comms and community relations, as well as to advance the PR practitioner through top quality professional development and networking opportunities," McIver said.
The event will also feature a panel of Boston media professionals and the election of a historically inclusive board.
Todd Van Hoosear, a longtime PR leader and educator, will also receive the Beacon Award for his contributions to the profession.
Founded in 1947, PRSA is the nation's leading organization for public relations and communications professionals, with 112 chapters nationwide.
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American International College professor Janine Fondon stands outside at the American International College on Thursday morning. Fondon will be receiving the Diane Davis Beacon Award from the Boston chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. (Douglas Hook / The Republican)Douglas Hook
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