Where Are They Now? Catching Up with Washington Women in Public Relation (WWPR) ’s Women of the Year Recipients
by Elisa O’Halloran
Wendy Hagen was honored as WWPR’s Woman of the Year in 2018 when she was running her own branding consultancy, which she founded in 2009. Wendy continued to lead her work until 2024, when she stepped into retirement.
Wendy’s Career
Wendy’s career spanned over 45 years. She moved from Washington, D.C. to Southern California in 2021 and consulted full-time until early 2024, when she decided to slow down. Wendy says, “I feel extremely fortunate that I could set my own pace for this transition and take on select assignments with clients and colleagues whom I respected, admired and had fun working with.”
Women of the Year Awards’ Impact
Looking back, Wendy sees her Woman of the Year recognition as an integral point of her career. “Being honored by WWPR gave me a tremendous sense of pride, accomplishment and gratitude,” she recalls. It also provided an opportunity to reflect on her career and focus on the importance of giving back to the PR community.
The award brought Wendy exposure with new clients, expanded her professional circle, and strengthened relationships with other leaders in the industry.
Paying It Forward
Mentorship has always been important to Wendy, and it became even more so after receiving the award. Inspired by other Women of the Year nominees and winners, she made it a priority to advise and support emerging PR professionals.
When asked what advice she’d share with emerging women in communications Wendy’s advice is to evolve, expand, and continually tap into your network. She adds, “You should give back, sharing your time and experiences and challenges with others. Be bold and have fun- get out of your comfort zone and learn from your mistakes.” She also emphasizes to generously give credit and be confident enough to claim it when it is due.
Life In Retirement
Wendy has not slowed down since closing the chapter on full-time consulting. Her current goals in retirement are the same as they were during her professional career. She continues to live by what she calls the “5 Cs”: courage, curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and community.
Wendy spends her time with her two toddler grandchildren, practicing yoga five days a week, traveling, volunteering with an animal rescue group, and keeping in touch with the colleagues and friends she’s built over her career.
“After a fascinating, fulfilling, and at times totally crazy 45+ year career in communications, it wasn’t easy to embrace the notion of retirement,” Wendy adds. She found purpose in family, community and continuous learning, and she inspires others with the same energy that defined her career.
