Michigan’s Leading Black Woman-Owned PR Firm Expands with Industry Veteran, New Talent, and Key Promotions
In a strategic effort to increase its impact and reinforce its management team, 98Forward, a prominent PR and communications agency in Michigan that is not only the largest Black-owned but also women-led, has made significant changes. The agency has appointed Ernest Wilkins, a content strategist with a strong national reputation, to the position of Senior Director while also recognizing the talent of Cydney Foster by promoting her to the role of Manager. These carefully selected appointments highlight the agency’s commitment to promoting creativity and equipping the next generation of professionals to achieve outstanding client results.
Wilkins has over 14 years of experience in editorial work, content strategy, and campaign leadership. Throughout his career, he has spearheaded various initiatives for renowned brands, including Nike, X (previously known as Twitter), Twitch, and Jordan Brand. His content curation expertise has established industry benchmarks and positioned him as a mentor for upcoming marketers. Beyond his contributions to campaign execution, Wilkins is widely recognized for his inclination to challenge conventional models and push the boundaries of creativity.
Wilkins expresses his excitement about joining 98Forward and helping create and enhance narratives that connect with clients regionally and nationwide.
“The team’s dedication to authenticity and purpose aligns perfectly with how I approach storytelling. I look forward to contributing to the agency’s growth and impact,” Wilkins says.
At just 23 years old, Foster has already built an impressive portfolio, excelling in community engagement, strategic planning, and storytelling for clients ranging from non-profit to corporate entities. Her promotion to Manager showcases her ability to deliver results and lead initiatives with insight and expertise. Since joining 98Forward, Foster’s contributions have been instrumental in driving client success, demonstrating that youth is no barrier to impact.
(L) Blake Withers, (R) Cydney Foster- Images Courtesy of 98Forward
98Forward has expanded its team by welcoming three new professionals: Miranda Bryant, who brings expertise in marketing and client relations; Blake Withers, a seasoned graphic designer; and Cheri Hollie, with a strong background in project management. These additions complement the existing team of Wilkins and Foster, enhancing the agency’s capabilities and bringing a diverse set of skills to the table.
Marilyn Horn, the President and CFO of 98Forward, is excited to announce the addition of Ernest, Miranda, Blake, and Cheri to the team.
“Their expertise and passion align perfectly with our mission to provide top-tier PR, marketing, and communications services. As an agency, we remain committed to fostering growth and creating opportunities for professionals in the industry,” Horn said.
(L) Cheri Hollie, (R) Miranda Bryant-Images Courtesy of 98Forward
Antonice Strickland, Vice President of Public Relations and Business Development, believes that thoughtfully growing the team is a strategic achievement highlighting 98Forward’s dedication to expansion and creativity.
“We’re enhancing the services, capabilities, and perspectives that we offer our current and future clients while reinforcing our legacy of excellence and authenticity. I’m excited that we are actively contributing to a broader movement of empowerment and representation in our industry and can’t wait to continue the great work with this team,” Strickland said.
98Forward was established in 1998 by Georgella Muirhead and the late Bob Berg as Berg Muirhead and Associates. Over the years, 98Forward has become one of the region’s leading public relations agencies, providing tailored communications campaigns for over 200 clients across diverse industries. In 2016, Horn took over as the agency’s president and CFO; since 2022, she has been the sole owner. Despite the change, Muirhead has continued to be actively involved with the agency and its clients.
As 98Forward expands, the agency remains deeply rooted in its mission to amplify diverse voices and tell authentic stories. From national expertise to young, dynamic talent, these new additions and promotions align seamlessly with the agency’s ongoing commitment to excellence.
Georgella Muirhead, CEO and Co-Founder of 98Forward mentioned that when she and Bob Berg established the agency, their goal was to build a diverse firm that authentically represents the lively diversity of the city and the surrounding area they serve.
“Our journey from those early days to where we stand today has been marked by resilience, creativity, and an unrelenting drive to exceed expectations. The future of 98Forward is bright, and I am confident that our continued success will be built on our unwavering commitment to telling the powerful stories of Detroit,” Murihead said.