An accomplished leader. A passionate advocate for public schools. An innovative communicator. A relationship builder. A mentor and friend.

This is how Danielle Clark, Harris County Department of Education’s (HCDE) chief communications officer, has been described by colleagues and school public relations professionals across the nation. This week at the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Conference in Washington, D.C., Clark added another descriptor to her impressive career in school PR.  

Clark was named the recipient of the 2025 Barry Gaskins Mentor Legacy Award for her dedication to mentorship and work to pave the way for future leaders in the field.

Named for NSPRA past-president Barry Gaskins, the Barry Gaskins Mentor Legacy Award recognizes one school public relations professional each year for outstanding efforts in mentoring colleagues new to school public relations.

While accepting the award on stage, Clark looked out at a standing ovation and gave an emotional and impassioned speech about the importance of mentorship in the school communications profession.

“Everyone in this room can be a mentor, you don’t need 26 years to do it,” said Clark. “Take the time to answer questions from those new to the profession. That is a magical moment and could forever change the trajectory of their career.”

Clark has more than two decades of experience in school communication across four states and has held leadership positions in three NSPRA state chapters. From California, to Colorado, Tennessee and Texas, she has become a trusted advisor and mentor to professionals at every stage of their careers, providing counsel and advice on job success and creating programs to assist leaders in their professional development.  

She served as the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) APR Chair for multiple years and currently co-chairs the association’s Professional Development Committee. Under her leadership this year, TSPRA launched its first-ever TSPRA Academy for early-career professionals. The chapter is also building an on-demand program to support early- to mid-career school PR practitioners across Texas.

In February 2025, her work with TSPRA Academy earned her the prestigious title of the organization’s “Most Valuable Member” award.

“Danielle has been unknowingly doing what HCDE does for public education for her profession—identifying blind spots and finding ways to support others,” said James Colbert, HCDE superintendent. “She is the standard to which others aspire.”

Perhaps one of her greatest strengths is Clark’s ability to build relationships, connect with others and develop their potential. She uses her connections to uplift and support the next generation of school PR professionals, who will soon take the reins and lead communications efforts in their communities.   

“It’s a blessing to have somebody like Danielle on your side who is never upset about the time you need from her,” said Jordan Ziemer, executive director of communications for Abilene Independent School District.

In addition to her formal mentor duties with aspiring APR professionals and the TSPRA Professional Development Committee, Clark is known for taking calls to guide professionals across the nation through personal and professional challenges. Her giving nature and natural willingness to guide others were on full display as she ended her speech to the full room of school communicators at the conference.

“If you can’t find someone to talk to…give me a call, I’ll talk to you,” she joked.

Clark added: “I’m just someone who loves their job and I want to help others love it too. I believe in the work we do. I believe it’s valuable and worthy, and I believe in public schools. That’s why I mentor – to ensure that the next generation of PR professionals coming up are successful.”