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CLAREMONT, Calif. — PRNEWS has named Valerie Martinez-Bencomo, founder and president of public affairs firm VMA Communications, to its prestigious list of Top Women in PR & Communications. The honor recognizes Martinez-Bencomo's 30 years of leadership in the public relations industry, her commitment to equity-centered storytelling, and her sustained investment in mentoring the next generation of communications professionals. Through this honor, she sits among executives from corporate powerhouses, including Forbes, Sotheby’s International, Citi, and NBC Universal.

The PRNEWS Top Women in PR & Communications program recognizes leaders who demonstrate exceptional vision, measurable impact, and a commitment to advancing the profession and the people within it. Martinez-Bencomo will be celebrated alongside other honorees during an event in New York City in June. The honor comes as VMA Communications is celebrating 30 years in business, providing critical community outreach for large public agencies across California, and branding and marketing services for impactful corporations throughout the U.S.

Since founding VMA, Martinez-Bencomo has built the firm into a highly sought, results-driven organization serving public agencies, educational institutions, and organizations in the clean-tech, non-profit, and corporate sectors. Under her leadership, VMA has produced award-winning multimedia campaigns, digital strategies, and large-scale community engagement initiatives that translate complex policies and programs into clear, compelling narratives that inform and inspire.

Among her most consequential work, Martinez-Bencomo has led high-stakes, multi-faceted communications and stakeholder engagement strategies supporting large infrastructure programs, including California’s ambitious high-speed rail program, intercity rail expansion, public utility modernization, and water transport and storage projects. Her firm provides strategic guidance and program implementation through environmental review, design, and construction phases, helping to advance critical project milestones and allowing complex projects to come to fruition. She has led efforts to elevate dialogue surrounding instructional programs and school district infrastructure in support of public schools throughout Southern California. And she has created award-winning marketing communications programs for iconic corporations and clean-tech startups that have been recognized for engaging digital campaigns, crisp graphic design concepts, and innovative outreach and marketing platforms.

Martinez-Bencomo has also intentionally cultivated a diverse, inclusive workplace: VMA's executive team is 100% female, 80% of its overall staff are women, and 60% represent diverse backgrounds. She dedicates particular attention to mentoring young professionals entering the communications field, sharing practical guidance, expanding professional networks, and modeling what leadership looks like at the highest levels of the industry. Her community service includes board posts with several nonprofits that advocate for youth services, the arts, and the news industry.  

"Being named a Top Woman in PR recognizes the efforts of those who do community-focused PR; speaks to the fact one firm can both serve the community and support hard-charging, for-profit businesses; and validates the importance of public affairs work within the industry,” Martinez-Bencomo said.

Martinez-Bencomo's recognition by PRNEWS adds to a distinguished record of honors for VMA Communications and its talented team, including a Platinum AVA Digital Award from the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals, and multiple California and National School Public Relations Association Awards of Excellence and Golden Achievement Awards.

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About VMA Communications
‍VMA Communications is a Southern California-based public relations and communications firm specializing in strategic storytelling for public agencies, educational institutions, and corporate clients in clean-tech and other industries. Founded by Valerie Martinez-Bencomo, VMA is known for mission-driven campaigns, inclusive community engagement, and award-winning multimedia work.