Our co-CEOs Denise Scatena and Arika Daniels were among the top honorees at the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter 2024 Bernays Awards in Balboa Park on Saturday, Oct. 19. Denise was recognized with the Eva Irving Community Service Award while Arika was named the Deborah Baker Public Relations Professional of the Year.
The Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards, hosted annually by PRSA SD/IC, recognizes the expertise and dedication of public relations and communications professionals in San Diego and Imperial Counties. Named for Edward L. Bernays, the “father of public relations,” awards entries must meet the highest performance standards. Winning entries “demonstrate creative vision and capture the best of the profession,” according to PRSA San Diego/Imperial Counties.
Denise Scatena Receives 2024 Eva Irving Community Service Award for Advancing PR, Journalism, and Neighborhood Initiatives
Denise earned the 2024 Eva Irving Community Service Award for her work with local organizations that advance PR, journalism, and philanthropy among historically underrepresented groups. She joined the San Diego Press Club board in 2019, leading its shift to virtual programming during the pandemic and chairing its 49th Annual Excellence in Journalism Awards in 2022, raising significant sponsorship funds. She is a San Diego Rotary Club 33 member, serving on its Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) and Program Allocation committees; a member of the San Diego/Tijuana Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), San Diego Association of Black Journalists (SDABJ), San Diego Press Club, and PRSA San Diego and Imperial Counties where she provides ongoing support and strategic insights for students and professionals in media, PR and philanthropy.
Denise’s penchant for servant leadership is also focused on neighborhood initiatives. In 2022, she joined the South Clairemont Recreation Council board and established the Clairemont Pool Booster Club, a volunteer-led effort to help preserve and enhance a community swimming pool, raising funds for renovations and fostering support for programs, employment, and other identified needs. Last year, she played a key role in revitalizing AquaFest, San Diego’s largest family-friendly community pool party. In spring 2024, she led a grassroots advocacy campaign that resulted in the full restoration of the City of San Diego’s year-round youth swim team and water polo programs, securing a $400,000 budget allocation for FY 2025. Simultaneously, she advocated for the Clairemont Pool to receive its fair share of $2 million in state grant funding allocated in the FY 2025 City budget for overdue infrastructure repairs. Construction will begin in fall 2024.
“I am honored to receive the Eva Irving Community Service Award,” said Denise. “Community service has always been at the heart of what I do. I’ve learned that when we come together, we can truly make a difference in the communities where we live, work, and play. This award is not just a recognition of my work, but is a reminder of the power of collaboration to push boundaries, serve others, and lift up our communities.”
Arika Daniels Named 2024 Deborah Baker PR Professional of the Year for Leadership in Media Relations and Strategic Communications
Arika was named the 2024 Deborah Baker Public Relations Professional of the Year for her recent work with Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties (PPOSBC) for which Scatena Daniels earned national recognition with a 2024 PRSA Bronze Anvil award for Media Relations. In response to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Daniels led a comprehensive media plan that secured high-profile coverage, including a spot on Good Morning America, positioning PPOSBC as a leader in the fight for reproductive rights and resulting in two anonymous $1 million donations.
Arika also played a key role as a fractional CMO for the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, guiding their marketing efforts during a leadership transition. Beyond business, Daniels serves on the Health Care Communicators of Southern California board, the North County Philanthropy Council Marketing and Fundraising Committee, and the PRSA’s Counselors Academy, an annual conference for PR agency owners across the U.S. Her achievements include the 2024 SDBJ CEO of the Year Award, consecutive San Diego Metro Magazine honors, and numerous PRSA and San Diego Press Club Excellence in Journalism awards, highlighting her industry impact and leadership.
“This recognition is a testament to the incredible clients who have trusted us to tell their stories with integrity,” said Arika. “My PR career has been rewarding and never boring; I learn something new every day. It has allowed me to be an active parent and a rockstar publicist at the same time, and I could not have asked for more.”
Scatena Daniels Communications Celebrates Multiple Wins at 2024 Bernays Awards, Expanding Southern California Impact
Our agency as a whole was also recognized with three Bronze Bernays Awards for our client work: a Bronze Excellence Award in the “Editorial and Op-Ed Columns” category for work with the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies; a Bronze Excellence Award in the “Media Relations: Shoestring Budget” category for work on San Diego Rotary Club 33’s “Mr. San Diego” event honoring the late Peter Seidler; and a Bronze Merit award in the “Media Relations: Nonprofit” category for work with the 2024 GI Film Festival San Diego.
Recognition from the 2024 Bernays Awards is another win in a streak of awards for Scatena Daniels Communications. In addition to the Bronze Anvil, the agency earned recognition from the Orange County and Los Angeles PRSA Chapters for its work with PPOSBC. The San Diego Press Club Excellence in Journalism Awards has also recognized Scatena Daniels’ work for consecutive years. These awards showcase the agency’s growing footprint across Southern California and its dedication to delivering strategic and impactful PR and integrated communications initiatives.
Marking 15 Years of Impact, Scatena Daniels Communications Celebrates Community-Driven Success
Earlier this year, Scatena Daniels Communications celebrated 15 years in business. Arika and Denise marked the milestone by moving to a two-CEO structure to reflect the value of their partnership and demonstrate a commitment to innovation. Since 2009, the firm has partnered with over 100 organizations and companies throughout Southern California and beyond—spanning the nonprofit, healthcare, and education sectors—that positively impact the community, aligning their values with projects that drive meaningful change. In addition, the firm provides nonprofit clients in-kind support valued at over $100,000 annually to illustrate its commitment to the community.
“We just celebrated our 15th anniversary as a firm, and there’s no better way to ring in that milestone than with these award wins,” said Arika. “Being recognized for what you do is great, but the real reward of our work is knowing we are furthering the message and supporting the mission of impactful community organizations that affect so many lives.”
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