August 19, 2026
The Museum of Public Relations NextGen Awards recognize emerging communications leaders who reflect the character, resilience and impact of historic trailblazers. The Bayard Rustin Change Agent Award specifically honors individuals who push cultural boundaries and drive meaningful change through their work. For Paula Chirinos, Account Director at GCI Health, receiving an honor bearing Rustin’s name is deeply personal. A pioneering civil rights strategist, close adviser to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, Rustin’s unwavering commitment to justice, equality and human rights in the face of adversity has inspired Paula since childhood.
Born in the Andes mountains of Peru and immigrating to New York as a young child, Paula was the first in her family to learn English at age three. Serving as her family’s translator and advocate from an early age taught her that communication is never just theoretical — it is how people gain access, build trust and navigate complex systems. That lived experience shaped the core questions she brings to healthcare communications: Who is being left out? Who needs to be considered? Whose trust has not been earned?
Throughout her career, Paula has gained a reputation for bringing structure to complex challenges and humanity to technical subject matter. Dedicated to advancing multicultural health, language access, health equity and patient advocacy, she leads with the conviction that language and culture are central to ensuring patients and communities feel seen and understood. Beyond her client work, Paula is a passionate mentor and community advocate, dedicated to empowering the next generation of communicators and giving back through local initiatives and nonprofit youth mentorship.
“Paula’s dedication to health equity, cultural fluency and human-centered communication makes her a true change agent in our industry,” says Tenee Hawkins, Executive Vice President, Cultural Marketing at GCI Health. “Her passion for pushing boundaries and ensuring every voice is heard aligns seamlessly with our values at GCI Health, and we are thrilled to celebrate this well-deserved recognition as we welcome her to our team.”