From Rising Talent to Real Impact: Career Wisdom from WWPR’s 2026 Emerging Leaders Awards Finalists
Every year, the Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) highlights the brightest young minds (ages 25-35) navigating the high-stakes world of DC communications. The 16th Annual Emerging Leaders Awards (ELAs) finalists represent a masterclass in modern storytelling, crisis management, and strategic brand building across agencies, corporations, government, and nonprofit organizations.
But while these women are experts at shaping narratives for major global brands and critical policy initiatives, we wanted to pull back the curtain on how they shape their own careers. Their collective perspective offers something valuable for communicators at every stage of their careers: practical, hard-earned advice on how to grow, lead, and make an impact early.
Ahead of the awards ceremony on Thursday, June 25 from 6-8PM at the AT&T Forum where a winner in each category will be revealed, we asked our 2026 finalists to share their best piece of career advice for the next generation of leaders. Whether you are just getting started in communications or looking for a fresh perspective on your next career move, these insights serve as a reminder that leadership is built one opportunity, one challenge, and one thoughtful decision at a time.
Here’s what they shared:
Small/Boutique Agency
- Natalia Gonzalez, Account Director | Beekeeper Group
“Surround yourself with people who challenge you, push you to grow, and show up when it matters. The relationships you build will shape your career more than any title or credential. And stay flexible — this field changes constantly, and the professionals who thrive are the ones who adapt without losing sight of what they stand for.”
- Mary Lieb, Director | Signal Group DC
“The most effective communicators are always the most intentional listeners. Lead with curiosity and use understanding to shape your message.”
- Emily Tillet, Vice President | Jasper Advisors
“In PR and communications, your unique perspective is the very asset clients are paying for, so never let a junior title or a room full of high-profile people silence your insights. Own your seat at the table by speaking up with conviction, knowing that fresh, strategic thinking holds just as much weight as decades of experience in any boardroom, courtroom, or stadium.”
Mid-Sized Agency
- Elizabeth Brown, Associate Vice President | Precision
“Follow the people and causes that matter most to you. It will make the work of telling their stories that much more enjoyable.”
- Amanda Finney, Vice President, Reputation Management | Avoq
“Stay open to opportunities. The role or platform that ultimately shapes your career may not even exist yet — build genuine relationships, stay curious, and learn something from every role and every person you meet. Your network, your reputation, and your adaptability can open doors you never saw coming.”
- Hannah Rosichan, Senior Managing Director | PLUS Communications
“Stay curious, detailed, steady under pressure and never stop studying the people around you. There is something to learn from every smart person you work with. Maybe most importantly, read the news every single day — never underestimate the power of being the best-read person in the room.”
- Isabella Victorio, Strategic Communications Manager | Narrative Strategies
“While working in communications means you often need to work fast and efficiently, don't be afraid to speak up and provide insights that will strengthen the message or strategy. Some of the most valuable contributions you can make come from trusting your instincts and bringing a thoughtful, confident perspective to the table.”
Global/Large Agency
- Molly Mitzner, Vice President | Allison Worldwide
“You never know if you don't ask: making things happen starts with being brave! The worst thing that can happen is someone says no and moves on. Big impact comes from taking small steps.”
- Nia Page, Chief of Staff of National Geographic | National Geographic
“Do not underestimate the value of the work happening behind the scenes. Every task is part of a larger story, and every contribution helps move the work forward. Take pride in all of it, especially the parts that go unseen. More often than not, the moments that receive the applause are made possible by countless acts of excellence that happened quietly in the background.”
- Allison Starego Vice President | Edelman
“Remember that this industry is a team sport. The most impactful work comes from collaboration, mentorship, and mutual support — success in our field is rarely the result of one person's efforts alone, and investing in the growth and success of others naturally elevates teams, organizations and the profession as a whole.”
Government
- Casey Bell, U.S. Air Force Public Affairs Officer/Education with Industry Fellow | U.S. Air Force/Google
“As women, your best asset is your instinct. Absorb the knowledge, trust yourself in the messy experiences, and never let a mistake define you — let it refine you.”
- Brianna Klipp, Proposal Specialist | Cision US, Inc.
“Do not wait until you feel overqualified to pursue something meaningful. Some of the most transformative opportunities come from taking thoughtful risks, staying curious, and being willing to learn across disciplines. Resilience matters just as much as talent.”
- Jasmine Washington-Price, Media Relations & Internal Communications Coordinator | Alexandria City Public Schools
“Trying to break into the communications and public relations field can be challenging, but don't give up. Landing my first PR job after college wasn't easy, but I prioritized continuous learning, leaned on my network while continuing to expand it, and stayed committed to growing both personally and professionally.”
Nonprofit
- Aliza Bran, Director of Media Relations | International Spy Museum
“Consume the world around you with curiosity — read books, enjoy music, stay in touch with the cultural conversation, watch trending shows or niche movies, build your knowledge base — and find creative ways to connect your content with what you find. The one thing that technology will face the most difficulty replacing is the bizarre and innovative workings of your unique perspective.”
- Ariana Perez, Manager of Public Relations | Children’s National Hospital
“Work hard, stay curious, and believe in the mission behind your work. The most rewarding part of communications is uncovering stories that deserve to be told and helping them reach people who need to hear them. When you lead with purpose and passion, your work can make a meaningful impact far beyond the headlines.”
- Melissa Toufanian, Managing Director | Navigator Research
“Whether it's communications and PR or any other field, never be afraid to ask questions! Speak up in the meeting, reach out and ask someone you admire about their career, or simply ask the question that others are surely thinking but not saying. You won't regret it!”
Corporate
- Shannon Casey, PR Manager for AI & Machine Learning at AWS | Amazon
“Be loud and be curious. Build real relationships with reporters, your spokespeople, and your coworkers over coffee. Raise your hand for new opportunities and showcase your wins — advocate for yourself.”
- Meaghan Delaney, Manager, Corporate Affairs | KPMG US
“Stay current on high priority topics and external dynamics that can have an impact on your client or organization. Build a strong network both inside and outside your organization, and use where you live to find others with similar career interests.”
- Danesha Price, Director of Marketing and Events | Washingtonian Magazine
“Invest in your own growth, trust your instincts, and never stop pursuing the experiences and relationships that remind you of your worth.”
- Victoria Vinall, Senior Policy Communications Manager | Aurora Innovation
“Show up to every happy hour, write with brevity, and be reliable.”
Trade Association
- Dara Cohen, Senior Director, Strategic Communications & Media Relations | American Gaming Association
“Believe in yourself and don't be afraid to take up space, push for new ideas, and challenge the status quo. Some of the biggest opportunities come from being willing to take risks, speak up, and hold yourself accountable once you're in the room.”
- Julie Hirschhorn, Manager, Public Relations | American Academy of Family Physicians
“Nobody really has it all figured out, so trust your instincts, speak up and don't let uncertainty shake your confidence. And never underestimate the value of relationships — some of the best opportunities come from simply being thoughtful, dependable and staying connected to people over time.”
- Alexandria Kinsey, Digital Marketing and Communications Specialist | College of American Pathologists
"Don't be afraid to take up space in rooms where your presence was requested. Don't let anyone question your skills, knowledge, or instincts."
Their advice is a timely reminder that success in this field is not only about expertise, but also about resilience, generosity, curiosity, and a willingness to keep evolving. We look forward to spotlighting their voices, sharing their insights, and recognizing the remarkable contributions they are already making across the communications profession and hope you can join us.
