Mercy Chikowore is a public relations strategist and cultural curator and, as she puts it, “everyone’s biggest cheerleader,” but that’s only the surface. Based in Washington, D.C., Chikowore’s journey spans continents—she was born in Tokyo, raised in Zimbabwe and Switzerland, and has been rooted in the DMV for nearly two decades. That global lens shapes how she tells stories, builds brands, and amplifies voices.
“I carry a rich international perspective into everything I do, but always represent Zimbabwe,” she told MVEMNT.
Her love for storytelling started with dreams of becoming a journalist, but shifting tides in the media industry pushed her toward a field that felt just as natural—public relations (PR).
“PR was something that looked shiny and new, and very much matched my personality,” she explains. “What also drew me to PR was the ability to shape narratives, create impact, and help people and brands show up in their fullest, most authentic light. I love turning moments into movements.”
For Chikowore, the work is more than media hits—it’s soul work. She specializes in working with Black-owned brands, creatives, disruptors, and advocacy-driven campaigns, with a sweet spot in arts, entertainment, and social impact. Her audience? Culture-shifting women of color and millennial tastemakers. “I blend high-level strategy with soul. I don’t just chase press—I craft experiences, relationships, and cultural capital. My work is rooted in intuition, intention, and imagination. Plus, I make magic look easy (and it’s not).”
The road hasn’t been without challenges, something she’s very transparent about.
“Being underestimated and underfunded,” she says matter-of-factly. “As a publicist, sometimes we’re an afterthought in the overall creative process, and the last to be considered for opportunities or insight, yet the first to get cut from the budget. I’ve learned to lead with confidence while building community, because community is what sets people apart when it’s all said and done.”
That community—the decades of trust, relationships, and shared wins—is something no one can replicate. It’s what has made Chikowore the go-to publicist in the DMV region for Black excellence. From streaming giants to legacy spirit brands, Chikowore’s receipts are long and respected. When people come into the nation’s capital looking to amplify their work, she’s at the top of a short list of highly trained, well-vetted publicists who make the District go round. Her “I made it” moments aren’t tied to one big break, but to the accumulation of victories: ideas making it on TV, brands trusting her with their biggest campaigns, and those full-page spreads that still give her chills.
“When a campaign hits and a client finally sees themselves reflected in the media… when I get those thank-you texts after a full-circle moment… that’s when I feel most fulfilled. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve worked with people and they stop to tell me, ‘you get it, and you get me,’” explained Chikowore.
One of her proudest achievements is the respect she’s built in an industry that often overlooks people like her. “The fact that I get to do what I do in this moment is pretty amazing and so necessary,” she says. Looking ahead, Mercy sees her brand scaling into a full-service creative agency that leads with kindness and heart, hosting cultural events, representing global talent, and launching mentorship and scholarship programs for Black women entering PR and communications.
She hopes her journey shows that a career doesn’t have to be rigid to be impactful. “There’s so much magic in the twists and turns that have made me so much better,” she says. Her advice to other Black entrepreneurs is equal parts practical and motivational: “Get a great accountant before you go off on your own. Stay calm in the wildest of situations; that’s what people will remember years down the line when your paths meet again. If you don’t bet on yourself, no one else will. Stay rooted in your why, and protect your peace and your vision because the people will drive you crazy.”
And if there’s one final PSA she wants to leave you with? Never forget, “Respect your publicist.”
You can find Mercy behind the scenes of your favorite brands and campaigns, online at mercyc.com or on Instagram at @itsmercyc.
Cover photo: How Mercy Chikowore Became the Go-to Publicist for Black Excellence/Photo credit: Mercy Chikowore