Kimberly Marshall Honored with Creative in Communication Award

Brooklyn will be bathed in shades of pink as the Roulette in New York hosts the 5th Annual Pink Apple Gala & Awards on September 8th. Nearly two hundred attendees, including fashionistas and philanthropists, will don their finest pink ensembles to celebrate this glamorous event. The Pink Apple Gala is a platform that honors women for their remarkable achievements, inspiring others to pursue their passions and positively impact their communities.

Sponsored by prestigious brands like Apple Awards, Papi Wines, Porsche of Brooklyn, and Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, this year's event will recognize seven outstanding Black women excelling in their respective industries. One such extraordinary woman is Kimberly Marshall, founder of Wilson Marshall PR+Events, who has been honored with the Creative in Communication Award by Women Who Influence. We sat down with her to discuss her win and get an up-close and personal look at her inspiring journey.

Congratulations on winning the Creative in Communication award! Can you share a bit about your background?

Thank you so much, it's a great honor from a wonderful organization, Women Who Influence. I have over 20 years of experience in Communications, focusing on public relations and special events, primarily in the cuisine, lifestyle, and nonprofit sectors.

What are the key strategies and approaches you’ve implemented in your communication practices that have led to this recognition?

I think sharing case studies from my diverse clientele has been crucial. For example, launching new menus and highlighting national foodie days for Harlem Shake. Also, amplifying the tech programming of The Knowledge House, which started in the Bronx and now has offices nationwide, showcases the breadth of my work and media outreach. It's essential to always think of creative yet informative ways to reach different audiences and amplify your client's strengths.

That’s true! Please provide examples of successful initiatives or projects where you’ve been able to drive business success.

There are many, but this year has been especially amazing for my nonprofit client, The Knowledge House. I've been involved in a year-long 10th-anniversary PR and partnership campaign. The CEO and Co-Founder received national recognition as the Remarkable Woman of The Year from a national TV network and a $10,000 donation to the organization. This success came from my strategies of submitting leadership clients for various awards and accolades, both locally and nationally.

That’s awesome! In your experience, what are the most effective ways for Black consultants to influence corporate culture and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion?

It's vital to focus on the work you want to accomplish. I bring my cultural references, awareness, and honesty into my work. While times are changing, it's still important to educate corporations and organizations on how to connect with and include Black people in their worlds.

Looking ahead, what advice would you give to aspiring Black professionals in the consulting industry who want to make a significant impact on both business performance.

Ahh, this is a tough one - keep your accolades, awards, and work up to date. Stay aware of trends in pop culture and politics. Connect and support your peers within your industry. Research and apply for grants and low-interest loans to stabilize your business finances. Secure a good CPA and attorney. Attend industry conferences and build a network. Most importantly, develop a spiritual practice to help you stay mentally balanced on your road to success.

The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, September 8th at the Roulette. The Gala will include live entertainment, an awards ceremony, cocktail reception, and a seated dinner for VIP attendees. A generous portion of the proceeds will support Women Who Influence's new mental health curriculum, "Speak Out Loud." Tickets for the event can be purchased here.