Arts & Entertainment
Powerhouse PR firm launches new multicultural division, taps Stephen Macias to lead
Entertainment PR powerhouse Rogers & Cowan PMK have announced its first major move since their merger just over seven months ago.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the firm has launched a new multicultural communications division, to be headed by veteran executive Stephen Macias, as a means toward offering its talent and brand clients an expanded outreach to “LGBTQ+ communities, communities of color and female-driven initiatives.”
The new division will create and execute partnerships and programs with multicultural communities, as well as targeting placements in traditional, earned, digital and social media, and coming up with integrated marketing – as well as offering crisis communications, a service that has become increasingly valuable as clients, particularly “legacy brands,” navigate the adjustment to a new, demographically audience.
Macias, who was hired by Roger & Cowan PMK to lead the new practice, was most recently senior vice president, diversity and inclusion practice lead at MWWPR, overseeing a team working with companies like Comcast, FX, Netflix, Amazon Studios, Kellogg’s, and Hilton Worldwide. Before that, he was the founder of Macias Media Group LLP, which became one of the leading “boutique” PR firms focused on LGBTQ+ markets. He has worked as executive vice president and GM for Here Media Inc., and as entertainment media director for GLAAD, as well as for nonprofits like the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Outfest, the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Equality California, the U.N. and the Global Equality Fund. He serves on the Board of Directors for Equality California.
His role at R&C PMK will be as an Executive Vice President of Entertainment, reporting to both entertainment division chair Alan Nierob and brands president Shirley Hughes.
In a statement, Macias said, “I’m thrilled to join Rogers & Cowan PMK and help grow this next evolution of the agency’s capabilities and expertise. Rogers & Cowan PMK has a strong track record of leading the industry on many levels, in who they represent and how they serve their clients. The industry and our country are changing and wisely becoming more inclusive and strategic in reaching new segments and diverse communities. As such, smart companies are understanding that communicating with all audiences is not just the right thing to do, but the only way to do business.”
The firm’s CEO, Mark Owens, said in a statement, “With the expansion of R&C PMK over the last three years, and our continuing growth into new capabilities, adding Stephen to our already strong management team – and launching a multicultural communications division – is an important next step in our business and who we are as an agency. Stephen has a reputation for designing innovative campaigns and strategies, and with his expertise this new division will help our clients reach important and growing audiences, and transform the next generation of their businesses.”
Rogers & Cowan PMK, among other recent work in the multicultural space, served as agency of record for the LA Pride Festival. They also helping to promote the 2019 Cannes Lions award-winning documentary “5B,” about the nurses and caregivers who opened the first AIDS ward at San Francisco General Hospital, and work with such prominent clients such as Elton John, Michael B. Jordan, Rosalia, J Balvin, Caitlyn Jenner and Eugenio Derbez.
Out & About
Love board games and looking for love?
Quirk Events will host “Board Game Speed Dating for Gay Men” on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at KBird DC.
Searching for a partner can be challenging. But board games are always fun. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?
Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you’ve never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment.
At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you’d like to date and a list of those you met that you’d like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other’s e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.
Tickets cost $31.80 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Friday, January 16
Friday Tea Time will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Bring your beverage of choice. For more information, contact Mac ([email protected]).
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, January 17
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center and SMYAL will host a free film screening of “Mama Bears” celebrating queer youth, resilience, and the power of living authentically. Whether you’re a movie lover, looking to make new friends, or simply want a safe, affirming space to relax, this event is for you. Click this link to RSVP.
LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ people of color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, January 18
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community and Conversation” at noon at As You Are. This event is for those looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ+ community. Look for the Go Gay DC sign on the long table near the front window. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, January 19
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, January 20
Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
Tae Kwon Do Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, January 21
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, January 22
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
The Washington Capitals will host Pride Night on Saturday, Jan. 17, when they host the Florida Panthers at Capital One Arena. A special ticket offer featuring a Pride-themed Capitals rainbow jersey is available at washcaps.com.
Fans are invited to a pre-game Block Party at District E beginning at 5 p.m. The event will feature a performance by the band NovaKane. Specialty happy hour food and beverages will be available, as well as giveaways. There will also be a presence by several local LGBTQ+ community organizations.
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