WASHINGTON WOMEN IN PUBLIC RELATIONS ANNOUNCES 2025 EMERGING LEADERS FINALISTS
21 DC-area female communicators will be recognized on June 11, 2025, at the 15th annual awards ceremony; Seven winners will be revealed during the awards event
WASHINGTON, May 27, 2025 – Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), a professional development and networking organization for female communicators in the nation’s capital, today announces the finalists for its 15th Annual Emerging Leaders Awards (ELAs).
The ELAs honor outstanding rising stars, ages 25-35, in the Washington, D.C. metro area who have excelled in communications and related fields. The 21 finalists are grouped into the following categories, Small/Boutique Agency, Mid-Size Agency, Large/Global Agency, Government, Non-Profit, Corporate and Trade Association. One winner from each category will be revealed on Wednesday, June 11, at the annual awards ceremony.
This year’s finalists represent the top three candidates in each of the seven categories, as determined by a distinguished panel of judges. The 2025 ELA finalists are:
Small/Boutique Agency
- Janessa Sambola-Harris, Account Director, Meraki Communications Group
- Asma Amani, Founder, Asma Amani PR
- Erika Dyer, Owner, Daylit Consulting
Mid-Sized Agency
- Charlotte Freeman, Senior Manager, Narrative Strategies
- Rebecca Walker, Account Supervisor, Adfero
- Katherine Nanney, Director, Government Practice, Merritt Group
Global & Large Agency
- Bridgette Dodge, Vice President, Health, Edelman
- Mackenzie Trumbull, Account Director, We. Communications
- Megan Reilly, Senior Account Executive, Edelman
Government
- Rita Clark-Sandino, Communications Specialist, US Environmental Protection Agency
- Kemi Giwa, Communications Director, House Financial Service Committee, Ranking Member Maxine Waters (CA-43)
- Tejah Robinson, Creative Director, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries
Nonprofit
- Hannah Huntt, Head of Strategic Communications, Hope For The Warriors
- Ianthe Metzger, Senior Director of Advocacy Communications, Planned Parenthood
- Troi Barnes, Director of Media Relations, Legal Defense Fund
Corporate
- Courtney Bailey, Global Large Advertiser Marketing Lead, Meta Platforms, Inc.
- Miki Carver, External Relations Lead, U.S. Public Policy, IBM
- Laura Clifford, Senior Communications Manager, BAE Systems, Inc.
Trade Association
- Emily Ekshian, Communications Lead, Crypto Council for Innovation
- Janae Washington, Senior Director of Communications, Information Technology Industry Council
- Katie Shoaf, Senior Manager of Public Affairs, Edison Electric Institute
“As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Emerging Leaders Awards, it is clear: Women in the D.C.-area have been, and continue to, lead the way in communications and public relations," said Colleen Gallagher, President, WWPR. “This year’s finalists exemplify the strength and diversity of our local communications field and we are proud to honor these exceptional women who continue to reshape the industry, uplift their communities and inspire fellow professionals. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements.”
Renowned communications executive Kathy Baird will serve as the keynote speaker for this year’s event. The awards celebration will be held at 601 New Jersey Avenue, 5th Floor, Washington, D.C., on June 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Reserve your spot today.
Sponsorship opportunities can be found here or by contacting sponsorships@wwpr.org.
ABOUT WASHINGTON WOMEN IN PUBLIC RELATIONS
Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) is a member-based professional society cultivating and inspiring female communicators to reach their full potential in the DC market and beyond. The organization is committed to providing leadership opportunities, professional development, mentorship, and industry networking. Visit us at wwpr.org, connect with us on LinkedIn and Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @WWPR and on Instagram @WWPRDC.
For more information, Contact Emerging Leaders Awards Co-Chairs Ranata Reeder and Ligia McEvoy at ela@wwpr.org.
