Today we’d like to introduce you to Courteney Sykes.
Hi Courteney, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Panther Communications is a student-run public relations firm that I founded in 2024 during my time as a student at Clark Atlanta University. As a proud HBCU alumna and former president of Clark Atlanta’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) from 2022 to 2025, I recognized a gap in opportunity for Black students to gain real-world experience in the communications field. Having grown up in Quincy, Florida, and entering CAU with a passion for storytelling and social impact, I’ve always been committed to amplifying underrepresented voices, especially those of Black and brown communities.
The idea for Panther Communications was born out of both necessity and passion. I saw how few entry-level communications roles were filled by people who looked like me and realized that experience and access were two major barriers. I wanted to create a space where students could bridge the gap between the classroom and the industry. Panther Communications is not just a student-run public relations firm, it’s a launchpad. It serves as an extension of CAU PRSSA, offering students hands-on agency experience by allowing them to work directly with clients, lead campaigns, develop strategic communication plans, and build strong professional portfolios.
Since launching, Panther Communications has helped students gain confidence in their creative and strategic abilities, manage events, and create content across digital platforms. We’ve worked with campus departments. and community organizations, offering everything from social media management and branding to public relations strategy and event planning. Our goal is to prepare the next generation of Black PR professionals to step into the industry not just as interns or assistants—but as leaders.
Through this initiative, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring students, fostering collaboration, and nurturing a pipeline of diverse talent that the communications world desperately needs. Panther Communications stands on the values of excellence, creativity, advocacy, and cultural competence—and it continues to grow as a model for student-led firms at HBCUs nationwide.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting Panther Communications was incredibly rewarding, but it definitely wasn’t a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges we faced early on was getting official approval from the university to establish the firm. As a student-run initiative operating within an academic institution, we had to go through several layers of administrative processes to be recognized as more than just a club or organization.
It took months of pitching the idea to faculty, presenting our vision to the department, and demonstrating how Panther Communications could benefit both students and the university. I had to outline everything, from our organizational structure and leadership roles to the ethical standards we’d uphold while working with real clients. There were also concerns about liability, quality control, and whether students could truly manage client work at a professional level.
Balancing this with a full academic course load, my leadership role in PRSSA, internships, and personal responsibilities was not easy. There were moments when I felt discouraged, especially when progress felt slow or when our vision was met with hesitation. But with persistence, support from a few key faculty champions, and a clear demonstration of how Panther Communications aligned with CAU’s motto, “Find a way or make one,” we eventually gained formal approval.
That green light allowed us to operate more freely, access university resources, and begin taking on clients with confidence. In hindsight, the struggle made us stronger, it forced us to build a solid foundation and made us more intentional about our purpose. That experience taught me the power of resilience and advocacy, and it’s one of the reasons Panther Communications is what it is today: a firm by students, for students, and powered by purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a recent graduate of Clark Atlanta University, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media Arts with a concentration in Public Relations. I specialize in brand storytelling, content creation, event planning, and media relations. My work is guided by a deep passion for amplifying underrepresented voices and helping organizations communicate their messages with clarity, creativity, and impact.
Throughout my college experience, I led numerous initiatives that combined strategic thinking with hands-on execution. I served as a three-term president of CAU’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), where I curated professional development events, built industry connections, and helped elevate our chapter’s visibility across campus and beyond.
What I’m most proud of is serving as the conference coordinator for the first PRSSA District Conference ever hosted by an HBCU. It was a historic moment that I had the honor of leading from the ground up—overseeing logistics, securing speakers and sponsors, and promoting the event across multiple platforms. The success of that conference represented more than just strong planning; it symbolized progress and inclusion within the PR industry.
I’m known for being proactive, collaborative, and purpose-driven. What sets me apart is my ability to merge creativity with execution, lead with vision, and stay grounded in the belief that storytelling has the power to transform perceptions, build community, and create meaningful change.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Atlanta is its culture, creativity, and community. The city has a unique energy that blends history, Black excellence, innovation, and opportunity. From the vibrant art and music scenes to the thriving Black-owned businesses and HBCU pride, Atlanta is a place where young professionals, especially creatives and changemakers, can truly thrive. Being in a city that’s home to so many influential figures and groundbreaking movements constantly inspires me to dream big and push boundaries.
What I like least about Atlanta is the traffic. It can be a major challenge getting around the city efficiently, especially during rush hour. While Atlanta offers so many amazing events, neighborhoods, and networking opportunities, the lack of reliable public transportation in certain areas can make it harder to access everything the city has to offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.panthercommunications.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prssacau/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clark-atlanta-university-prssa-367679305/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@prssacau?lang=en
