A former Atlantic records campus rep who worked her way to opening her own firm with a star-studded client list it’s hard to deny that there’s something special about Syreta J. Oglesby. The public relations and marketing strategist has been able to use her diverse Jersey City upbringing to launch and promote projects that transcend genre and discipline to create a huge impact across all different types of communities. Her work has made such a huge splash that she has been highlighted as "One of the Top 25 African American PR Millennials to Watch" in the Huffington Post.

Collaborating on campaigns for Google, Fox, The City of Newark, OWN Networks, with One 35 PR and W&W Public Relations she has contributed to the curation and execution of activations like a book signing for Sister Souljah’s “Moment of Silence” in the New Jersey Performing Arts Center that resulted in a packed house and a screening of “STAR” that highlighted up and coming performers by partnering with ASCAP.

One of her latest triumphs is the promotion of Fox Searchlight’s “Step”, a powerful documentary that highlighted the perseverance of a high school step team amidst the turbulent aftermath of the death of Freddie Gray. Promoting the film was a special project for Oglesby who is often outspoken about police brutality on social media.

Another was the three time OSCAR winning film "Moonlight" which upset the 2017 awards ceremony and received comprehensive and favorable media coverage everywhere from The New York Times to the "Black Men Can't Jump in Hollywood" podcast.

This Jersey Girl may have come from humble beginnings but she hasn’t let it harden her heart. Instead she took her inspiration from the city across the water and found a way to make her dreams a reality without denying where she came from.

While she can often be seen ushering her celebrity clients including the Grammy nominated Raheem Devaughn down red carpets and attending elegant galas she devotes just as much time to lending her influence to smaller community events. She makes it a priority to attend local functions in Newark and Jersey City and showed up to support at Newark screening of Black Girls Rock wearing a logoed tee and a huge smile!

As a result of this she has relationships at every rung of the media, entertainment, and lifestyle ladders and is able to translate her client's message to any demographic allowing her to company to stand out while still supporting independent artists and filmmakers, like "True To The Game"producer Manny Halley and democratizing access for smaller outlets, including The C Letter. It’s not an unlikely sight in Manhattan to see the stylish Spelman grad rushing around an event, tresses sweeping behind her, greeting members of the press with graciously no matter where they’re from.

Her work with Devaughn’s Love Life Foundation has resulted in strides being made in the fight against domestic violence and her involvement with Ora Quick’s partnership with Wish Factor helped frame the conversation around sexual health as stimulating instead of uncomfortable.

She also worked with Mona Scott Young to promote the 2016 GrassRoot Foundation’s “Give Thanks Gala” to benefit Newark families.

As a member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated her work furthers a legacy of community service that she is proud to contribute to.

Oglesby is especially committed to uplifting other young women. She volunteers her resources and energy to the annual Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network Awards (WEEN) to support their efforts to encourage and empower young women in the entertainment field. She has sacrificed her own privacy by stepping into the spotlight to contribute to anthologies like Candace Sandy and Dawn Marie Daniels “Souls of My Young Sisters: Young Women Break Their Silence with Personal Stories That Will Change Your Life” and Candice Benbow’s revered #LemonadeSyllabus so that women can learn from her personal and professional experiences.

New Jersey based public relations firms that cater to different industries and communities are currently a rarity but thanks to the recognition of professionals like Oglesby that might be changing soon.

To learn more about Syreta J. Oglesby and SJO Public Relations check out her full interview with Gwendolyn Quinn here.

Photo Credits: Syreta J. Oglesby, WEEN, The Cut