Mahalia

 Johnson

Head of Marketing & Communications,

The Zoo XYZ

"

known for building clear, effective marketing and
communications frameworks

Mahalia is a creative, commercially savvy, and socially conscious marketing and communications leader, driven by the power of storytelling to shape culture, elevate brands, and create meaningful impact. With over ten years’ experience across global organisations, agencies, and grassroots communities, she works at the intersection of strategy, creativity, and purpose.

Her career spans the global events, logistics, tech, and cultural sectors, where she’s led communications strategies, brand development, and campaigns in fast-moving, often complex environments. She’s known for building clear, effective marketing and
communications frameworks, bringing teams together across disciplines, and delivering work that builds trust, visibility, and growth.

As Head of Marketing and Communications at The Zoo XYZ, Mahalia leads the organisation’s story, brand, and communications across both the agency and its CIC. Alongside this, she delivers marketing and communications workshops for grassroots groups and emerging leaders, taking a people-first approach that builds confidence, clarity, and impactful storytelling.

q&a

Why did you sign up to be a judge for The Pros Awards 2026?

I’m signing up as a judge for The Pro Awards 2026 because I’m always keen to be involved in anything Elizabeth is doing or driving. I’ve attended two PR Pros Award shows and met inspiring Black and ethnic minority communications professionals doing amazing and impactful work. The Pro Awards shine a vital light on this talent. Being a judge would be a privilege, allowing me to celebrate excellence and help elevate stories that deserve wider recognition.

What Insta/LinkedIn/Tik Tok account should every comms pro follow and why?

Charlotte Mair Founder and MD of The Fitting Room’s TikTok account @tfrcharlotte is an account every comms pro should follow. As my career increasingly centres community and culture, Charlotte is a voice I consistently learn from. Her commentary blends cultural insight with industry expertise, often exploring women and the Black experience in ways that feel both validating and thought-provoking. She affirms what many of us already know, while pushing the conversation forward with fresh, timely perspectives. Her influence even led me to order The Tanning of America (have yet to read), a testament to how effectively she connects cultural history with modern brand thinking.

What was your favourite PR/comms campaign from 2025 and why?

The Notting Hill Carnival 2025 R.E.S.P.E.C.T campaign was a standout for me. As someone who is an avid participant in the culture, it made me feel seen. The campaign honoured Carnival’s roots while clearly reinforcing the importance of community and safeguarding to protect such a historic celebration. It struck the perfect balance between informative, fun, and relatable, using trusted community voices and user-generated content to amplify the message.

Alexa, play Mighty Sparrow: Doh Stop De Carnival

As always, we’ve got a great DJ booked for The Pros Awards award ceremony in September – what’s your dance floor filler request?

Fully Blown – Respectfully Yours
My favourite soca song of the 2026 season so far.