Sandy Shin is an accomplished marketing and communications executive whose career reflects the power of strategic communications to build trusted brands, strengthen reputations, and create meaningful connections between organizations and the communities they serve. With more than 30 years of experience, Sandy has held leadership roles across some of the nation’s most recognized corporations, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations, including Disney, IBM, UCLA, USC, and Braille Institute of America.
As Vice President of Marketing & Communications for Braille Institute, Sandy serves on the executive leadership team and advises the CEO and Board of Directors. She has helped transform how the organization tells its story, engages new audiences, and advances its mission through integrated brand and communications strategies.
Among her signature achievements, Sandy led Braille Institute’s Centennial campaign and rebranding, including the introduction of Atkinson Hyperlegible, an award-winning typeface for people with low vision that has gained widespread global use. Most recently, she helped lead the launch of Vision Support America, a new low vision brand designed to reach older adults who are new to vision loss—addressing one of the fastest-growing needs of an aging population.
Throughout her career, Sandy has focused on thoughtful, audience-centered communications that strengthen brands and build meaningful connections. She brings together brand strategy, consumer insight, and inclusive storytelling to help organizations communicate with clarity, relevance, and purpose.
Sandy holds an MBA in marketing from USC and a bachelor’s degree from UCLA. She is a native of Southern California.
Dr. Jamila Cupid is a social scientist who studies international and intercultural public relations and digital media, which is reflected in her research on public relations industry, social media branding, digital media campaigns, and media impacts on community. She is a university professor, teaching courses in public relations in the Communication Division at Pepperdine University.
Jamila’s work spans the areas of inclusion in the workplace; immigrant and indigenous community voices; and the cultural and educational impacts of digital media in our society. Most recently, she co-authored a book on the impact and perspectives of Black public relations professionals. She has also examined the experiences of Afro-Brazilian public relations practitioners in the agency setting during the Black Consciousness Movement. Additionally, she is diving into the use of digital media and technology to enhance the teaching and learning experience in higher education communities.
In addition to her scholarship, Jamila is a business communication and digital media strategist for young professionals who has provided communication and media training for university presidents, Boston University Alumni Relations, and Street Diligence NYC. Jamila served as a public relations and digital media professional, with expertise in research and strategy, in New York City and Washington, DC for several years. She previously held positions at various agencies, including MWW Group, Fleishman-Hillard, MediaCom and more.
Jamila has held the position of Public Relations Chair on the executive boards of both the Black Caucus and the African American Communication and Culture Division of the National Communication Association. She has also served as the chairperson of the Black Boston University organization, empowering Black alumni and students of the University. Her other professional affiliations include the Public Relations Society of America and International Communication Association.
Brenda Duran exemplifies the spirit of the PRSA-LA Sunrise Honors Award through her commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and her transformative leadership in public sector communications.
Over the past 12 years, Brenda has served in executive communications leadership roles across Los Angeles County government, building three communications departments from the ground up at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, the Executive Office of the Board of Supervisors, and the Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD). Throughout her career, she has championed inclusive communications practices, expanded multilingual outreach, and strengthened engagement with historically underrepresented communities.
As a first-generation Mexican American and former journalist, Brenda has dedicated her career to ensuring government communications are accessible, culturally responsive, and reflective of the communities they serve. At JCOD, she built the department’s external affairs division and helped elevate awareness of transformative initiatives, including the Care First Community Investment Program, which has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in community-based organizations advancing equity and opportunity throughout Los Angeles County.
Brenda’s leadership has been instrumental during major crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, elections, and wildfire emergencies, helping ensure critical information reached diverse communities with clarity, accuracy, and cultural relevance.
She is also a contributing author to Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture and Today’s Inspired Leader, Volume 6, sharing leadership insights and helping elevate diverse voices within the profession. Her impact has earned national recognition as a finalist for the 2026 PRSA National Women of Impact Award in the Public Affairs and Government category.