Melanie Van Dusen of Berk Communications Earns Prestigious PRWeek 40 Under 40 Honor

Melanie Van Dusen Recognized in PRWeek 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

On August 12, 2025, Berk Communications, a subsidiary of MikeWorldWide (MWW), celebrated a significant achievement with the announcement that Melanie Van Dusen, the Executive Vice President, has been named to the esteemed PRWeek 40 Under 40 list for the class of 2025. This accolade is awarded to exceptional leaders in the public relations field who are making waves through innovative strategies and impactful storytelling.

Melanie is no stranger to accolades in the industry, having previously been recognized as one of PRNEWS's Rising Stars 30 and Under and earning the title of Industry Champion at the 2025 PRNEWS Top Women Awards. With a robust background advising high-profile athletes, teams, and brands, she has cemented her position as a trusted authority in PR, particularly during crucial cultural moments.

With nearly a decade at the helm of Berk’s sports and entertainment division based out of Los Angeles, Melanie has facilitated a remarkable transformation within the practice, driving its growth by nearly 500% since she joined in 2017. Her impressive portfolio includes collaborations with notable organizations such as the NFL, MLS, Fanatics, and Tepper Sports Entertainment.

In addition to her work with major sports leagues, Melanie's dedication to boosting women's sports is particularly noteworthy. She has played an instrumental role in crafting successful campaigns for entities like Unrivaled Basketball, the NWSL, and the WNBA’s Portland Fire. Notably, the Unrivaled initiative was lauded by publications like TIME and Fast Company as one of the most impactful sports initiatives, leading to significant financial investments and skyrocketing fan engagement during its first season.

According to Ron Berkowitz, founder and CEO of Berk Communications, “Melanie brings unmatched strategy, integrity, and cultural fluency to everything she touches. She's shaping the future of this industry, especially in elevating women’s sports and using sports as a vehicle for social good.” This statement underscores the value Melanie contributes not only to her agency but to the broader sports community.

The recognition of Melanie reflects Berk’s continued commitment to promoting inclusive leadership and impact-driven initiatives. Her work extends beyond communications, defining what effective, purposeful dialogue looks like in an ever-evolving sports environment.

This honor caps a standout year for Berk Communications, which was recently named PR Agency of the Year at the 2025 Ad Age Small Agency Awards. Berk Communications is renowned for building and protecting brand reputations globally. Founded in 1999, the agency is celebrated for its creativity and strategy, which have allowed it to stay at the forefront of the PR industry.

Berk's approach encompasses a wide range of sectors, including sports, entertainment, and technology, showcasing their versatility and impact. Their motto, “Watch Us Work,” illustrates their boldness and dedication to making lasting impressions in the PR landscape.

As part of the MikeWorldWide group, Berk Communications continues to leverage its reputation-first, culturally relevant approach to deliver significant business results and foster meaningful engagements. By blending traditional PR strategies with modern tactics, they ensure their clients stay relevant in an increasingly digital age. For those interested in the latest developments at Berk, you can learn more via their website or follow them on social media channels including Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

With leaders like Melanie Van Dusen at the forefront, the future of PR in sports and entertainment looks incredibly bright.