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Advancing Women in Communications

We are dedicated to advancing women in communications by providing opportunities for professional development, leadership, and networking. Whether you’re here to learn, connect, or grow your career, WWPR offers the resources and support you need to thrive. Join or renew your membership today.

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Featured Event

WWPR Announces 2026 Board of Directors and Advisory Council

For more than four decades, WWPR has cultivated and inspired female communicators to reach their full potential in the D.C. market and beyond. The Board of Directors plays a central role in guiding the organization and delivering leadership opportunities, professional development, mentoring, community partnerships, and industry networking.

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Upcoming Events

Jan 21
2026 Annual Meeting Luncheon Jan 21, 2026 The Hamilton D.C.
Jan 22
The One Party: Brought to you by AMADC, AAF, PRSA, IABC, and WWPR Jan 22, 2026 Royal Sands Social Club

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Job Listings

Looking for your next career opportunity? We feature the latest openings in communications, public relations, marketing, and related fields. Whether you’re just starting out or advancing your career, our job board connects talented women communicators with top employers looking to hire.

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Committees

Maximize your WWPR membership by joining a committee. As a member, you’ll work alongside like-minded professionals to plan events, support pro bono clients, and contribute to key initiatives. It’s a great way to grow your skills, expand your network, and make a meaningful impact within our community. Get involved today!

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Member Benefits

Membership with WWPR offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, networking, and leadership development.

Professional Development Events

Our professional development events are designed for communicators at all career levels and offer valuable insights and skills to help you grow and succeed in the industry.

Networking and Relationship Building

Connect with like-minded professionals in the DC area through our networking events, designed to foster meaningful relationships and expand your industry connections.

Community Engagement

Through our community engagement initiatives, members have the opportunity to collaborate with pro bono clients, using their communication skills to make a meaningful impact while supporting important causes.

Leadership Positions

WWPR offers leadership opportunities that empower members to take on key roles, develop their leadership skills, and influence the direction of our programs and initiatives.

WWPR offers leadership opportunities that empower members to take on key roles, develop their leadership skills, and influence the direction of our programs and initiatives.
—Maria Papakonstantinou-Spero, Public Relations Director, CapitalHQ

Become a Member

Becoming a WWPR member gives you access to a wealth of professional development resources, networking opportunities, and leadership roles tailored to help you thrive in the communications industry in the Washington D.C. area. Join our vibrant community and unlock the full potential of your career while making a meaningful impact.

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WWPR Board Members

President

Colleen Gallagher

OnWrd & UpWrd

Vice President

Charmaine Riley

American Beverage

Past President

Chelsea Echavarria

CME Communications

Secretary

Lauren Tyler

Adfero

Operations

Vanessa French

Vanessa French Consulting

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Read the Latest Blog Posts

Member Spotlight: Lisa Chensvold, WWPR Communicator Turned Founder of a Thriving Communications Firm

Nov 19, 2025

by Elisa O’Halloran Q1. Tell us about your background—where you’re from, your education, etc., including your career background. I’m a California girl who’s been on the East Coast since graduate school. I love where I’m from, but I’ve always said I’m a little too Type A for the West Coast. The East Coast pace and […]

From Pitch to Post: Four Ways AI Can Strengthen Communications

Oct 16, 2025

By: Allison Gross, associate director, Vanguard Communications Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to speak about artificial intelligence (AI) in communications at the National Disability Rights Network Annual Conference. In a Zoom room filled with advocates, attorneys and communicators, the questions were less about the technology itself and more about its purpose. How can […]

President’s Letter: Reflecting on a Dynamic Summer & Looking Ahead

Aug 25, 2025

Dear WWPR Community, As summer winds down, I’m filled with deep gratitude for the incredible moments we’ve shared and the inspiring events still to come. From rooftop panels to trail meetups and sold-out signature events, it’s been a season of connection, celebration, and growth… and there is so much more to come. A Summer to […]

Author and AI: The Perfect Pair for Advocacy Communications

Jul 24, 2025

By LeAnne DeFrancesco, vice president at Vanguard Communications When I joined my company’s AI Task Force in early 2024, I knew I was going to be the skeptic on the team. I had an open mind about AI tools for other tasks, but for writing? I was not enthused, mostly because I assumed AI outputs […]

Member Spotlight: Thy-Ann Nguyen

Jul 24, 2025

Could you tell me about your background and what drew you to your current position?I started my career as an administrative assistant at a health care PR firm and have spent the past 14+ years working in healthcare strategic communications—nine of which have been at CURA Strategies, where I’ve operated at the intersection of communications […]

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