2025 Winners
Reylyn Labrador:
Reylyn was described as a spark—bringing positive energy, thoughtful curiosity, and genuine care to every project.
She challenges the status quo, goes above and beyond for clients, supports emerging talent, and strengthens her community.
Her leadership was especially evident following the Lapu Lapu tragedy, when she helped secure $100,000 in earned media and raise $1 million for relief efforts. She consistently shows up for her team, makes an impact, and embodies the connection and compassion that strengthen our industry.
Rebecca Jolley:
Rebecca is truly loved by colleagues, clients, and vendors alike. She demonstrates leadership, resilience, and maturity well beyond her years, earning such deep client trust that some specifically request her on their business.
She is a thoughtful and supportive colleague, an exceptional problem-solver, and an active contributor to both her agency and the broader media community. Through her compassion, collaboration, and willingness to lead by example, she embodies everything this award represents—and is already inspiring the next generation of rising stars.
About The Joe Balango Rising Star Award
The Joe Balango Rising Star Award is given to a member of the BC media industry with 5 years or less experience, who stands out as a potential future leader by:
- Naturally assuming a role as both a collaborator and mentor to peers and within their team(s)
- Demonstrating a flair for innovation and insights that help build effective solutions
- Challenging the status quo for the betterment of the industry and the work undertaken for clients
- Demonstrating an affinity for being involved and acting as an influencer within the media community
ABCOM aims to keep the BC media industry dynamic, collaborative and forward thinking while fostering a sense of community among its members. A primary mandate of the Association is to nurture the health and growth of the industry. To this end, the Rising Star Award recognizes the value provided by the industry’s best and brightest junior members, and the roles they will play in continuing the health of the industry in the future.
How to Make a Nomination
If you wish to nominate someone in the BC media industry as per the above criteria, please submit a brief, written nomination that outlines, with examples, why your nominee should be the recipient of the award in 2026. Creative submissions are encourage! Presentation slides and endorsement are welcomed and recommended. Show us why your colleague should be our industry’s next Rising Star!
Please address all nominations to: The ABCOM Board: [email protected]
