BPRS-LA Presents the Pat Tobin Award
On March 6,2014 The Black Public Relations Society of Los Angeles (BPRS-LA) and CBS Entertainment Diversity Group teamed up to honor three extraordinary women for the Pat Tobin Pioneer Award. The three communication trailblazers consisted of Rae Jones president/CEO of Radiant communications and executive director of Great Beginngs for Black Babies Inc; Roz Stevenson, president/ CEO of Roz Stevenson Public Relations; and Tiffany Smith- Anoa’i, Vice President of Diversity and Communications for CBS Television.
The evening was filled with confidence,empowerment and the most important ingredient, “love.” The award ceremony was held at CBS Studios in Studio City, CA. This event allowed publicist and other genres in the entertainment field to learn from one another through networking. There’s an old saying,
” A closed mouth won’t get fed.” Every attendee was encouraged to break their silence and speak up for their dreams and desires.
When Rae Jones accepted her Pioneer award, she briefly touched on our(black) community and how we all play a role in the outcome of the future.
Ms. Jones is leaving her footprints across the land as a blueprint for the leaders of tomorrow. Rae has worked with the Greater Los Angeles African-American Chamber of Commerce as the Interim Executive Director.
During her days in Chicago, Jones served as the public director of Public Relations for Malcolm X College. Rae also assisted former Chicago Mayor Harold Washington as a press secretary. Rae Jones embraced her path and continues to walk it gracefully.
Roz Stevenson has a spirit you will never forget. Stevenson’s cool yet assertive personality will draw you into the life of this amazing lady. Roz shared how she was very honored to receive acknowledgement for her work. Even though Stevenson is retired, her movement still lives on.
Roz was the publicist for some major motion pictures like The Pursuit of Happyness, Ray, and Inside Man just to name a few. She also worked as a senior publicist for Universal. Roz also made an appearance in the movie “Lady Sings the Blues” starring Diana Ross.
The list of accolades runs deep for Roz Stevenson, she has opened up doors with the hope of inspiring the new wave of publicist.
Tiffany Smith- Anoa’i commands the room with confidence, so it was no surprise CBS created a position for her over seven years ago. Being the Vice President of Diversity & Communications, allows Tiffany to create opportunities for more diversity in the entertainment world.
Tiffany expressed how she was taken back by being the only brown face amongst her colleagues, she felt maybe she was only hired by CBS because of her race. Tiffany’s mother reassured the young hopeful, that might be true,but it’s Tiffany’s responsibility to keep the position regardless of how she looks.
Smith- Anoa’i held tight to her mothers words and started breaking down different barriers. She started up the Daytime Writing Program. Tiffany also runs the CBS on Tour Mentoring Program, which gives students the opportunity to network with some top executives.
Tiffany says, “Diversity is not just the right thing to do- it is an important and integral part of the business model that should be respected as such.” It’s a relief to know people like Tiffany cares and fights for equal opportunities across the board.
