FleishmanHillard Welcomes Second Class of Alfred Fleishman Diversity Fellows

2013 Class More Than Doubles the Size of First; Fellows Will Be Located in 11 Offices Across the Country

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Oct 24, 2013, 02:00 ET

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- FleishmanHillard has announced the second class of the Alfred Fleishman Diversity Fellowship program, which welcomes 19 Fellows to 11 offices across the agency's U.S. network. The program, part of FleishmanHillard's Diversity Matters initiative, addresses the need for more diversity in the industry.

"Our firm is immensely proud to offer a program that provides young professionals the opportunity to launch their careers in our dynamic industry," said Dave Senay, president and CEO of FleishmanHillard. "I know their passion, energy and ideas will position them for success and strengthen our capabilities. I'm proud of the way they represent the critical mission of this program – to help bring a richer diversity to FleishmanHillard and the communications industry as a whole."

The program was named in honor of Alfred Fleishman, the agency's co-founder and a pioneer of modern public relations. Fleishman was a champion for promoting human rights, connecting people from diverse backgrounds, and breaking down communications barriers.

The 2013 class of Alfred Fleishman Diversity Fellows is composed of the following seniors and graduates:

Kourtney Berry, Florida A&M University	Gina Rubello, Emory University
Abigail Bhattacharyya, Michigan State University	Chanel Sedeno, American University
Jamia Cammeron, University of Alabama	Shuyi Shang, Washington University in St. Louis
Stacia Doss, DePaul University	Ashley Simms, Georgetown University
Donovan Ferguson, University of Missouri-Columbia	George Tillerson IV, Virginia Tech
Nichole Hamilton, California State University, Long Beach	Caroline Trujillo, Texas Tech University
Brie Henry, Georgetown University	Johnny Ubri-Cardona, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Sahar Mehdi, University of North Texas	Melissa Vasquez, Florida State University
Folakemi Osoba, Florida A&M University	Nicholas Woods, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Kristina Puerto, Bradley University

"Accepting a position as an Alfred Fleishman Diversity Fellow has been an invaluable experience that has surpassed my expectations," said Ashley Simms. "It's amazing to see my aspirations come to fruition at a global agency that cultivates diversity, fosters progression and exudes innovation at every level. I can already see my skills advancing from being exposed to the wonderful talent at FleishmanHillard."

The program, which brought in nine Fellows in its first year, provides six- to 12-month paid fellowships, including benefits, to seniors, recent graduates and graduate students at U.S. colleges and universities. One of the goals of the program is to prepare Fellows for careers in the communications industry, including full-time employment with FleishmanHillard.

"The fellowship has been a rewarding and truly educational experience for me," said Will Alexander, a member of the inaugural class who was hired to the New York office's financial and professional services team. "It's incredible how much I've learned about practical media relations, effective strategic communication and PR in general."

In addition to Alexander, the agency has hired Fellows Tala (Esguerra) Chmiel (Los Angeles), Carolyn Smith (Atlanta), Caroline Trujillo (Dallas) and Nichole Hamilton (Los Angeles).

Along with the Alfred Fleishman Diversity Fellowship program, FleishmanHillard's Diversity Matters initiative also includes a Diversity Council that focuses on providing strategic direction and tactical resources in all areas of diversity, including recruitment and retention.

About FleishmanHillard

FleishmanHillard is the world's most complete global communications firm, specializing in public relations, public affairs, marketing, paid media, and transmedia and social content. FleishmanHillard delivers on The Power of True, reflecting the firm's high values, and unique ability to guide clients through a world demanding unprecedented authenticity and transparency. FleishmanHillard was named "Standout Agency" on Advertising Age's 2013 A-List; NAFE's "Top 50 Companies for Executive Women" for 2010-2013; Advertising Age's 2012 "Best Places to Work"; and The Holmes Report's 2012 Global "Public Affairs Agency of the Year." The firm's award-winning work is widely heralded, including at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity. FleishmanHillard is part of Diversified Agency Services, a division of Omnicom Group Inc., and has more than 80 offices in 29 countries, plus affiliates in 42 countries. Visit us at www.fleishmanhillard.com.

About Diversified Agency Services

Diversified Agency Services (DAS), a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com), manages Omnicom's holdings in a variety of marketing communications disciplines. DAS includes over 200 companies, which operate through a combination of networks and regional organizations, serving international and local clients through more than 700 offices in 71 countries.

SOURCE FleishmanHillard