Washington Women in Public Relations names Carrie Fox 2026 Woman of the Year
Fox honored at WWPR’s 37th annual Woman of the Year celebration for leadership, mentorship and service to the communications profession
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 23, 2026) – Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) today named Carrie Fox, founder and CEO of Mission Partners, its 2026 Woman of the Year. The award was presented by 2025 Woman of the Year Natalie Adler during WWPR’s 37th annual Woman of the Year celebration at The Potomac Hotel (formerly the Salamander Hotel) in Washington, D.C.
“On behalf of Washington Women in Public Relations, I am proud to congratulate Carrie Fox on being named the 2026 Woman of the Year, along with fellow finalists Dr. Sheila Brooks and Shakirah Hill Taylor,” said Charmaine Riley, WWPR president. “These remarkable women represent the very best of our profession through their leadership, innovation and commitment to mentorship and social impact. Each is building on WWPR’s legacy while paving the way for the next generation of communications leaders. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and continue WWPR’s mission of empowering communicators at every stage of their careers.”
Fox was selected from a field of three finalists chosen by WWPR’s Advisory Board. The 2026 Woman of the Year finalists were:
- Sheila Brooks, Ph.D., founder, president and CEO, SRB Communications
- Carrie Fox, founder and CEO, Mission Partners
- Shakirah A. Hill Taylor, head of innovation and chief digital officer, Fenton
This year’s program, “The Trust Gap: Leadership, Influence, and Truth in a Fragmented World,” brought together communications leaders to examine how trust, credibility and influence are being rebuilt. Keynote speaker Karen Finney, CNN political commentator and communications strategist, spoke to how influence is changing and why women leaders are positioned to help organizations navigate this moment. Finney then led a fireside chat with Ashley Allison, founder and CEO of Watering Hole Media and publisher of The Root, on building trust with audiences and leading a legacy media brand into its next chapter.
Established in 1990, the Woman of the Year Award recognizes senior-level communicators in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area who have demonstrated exceptional industry leadership, integrity, and mentorship.
Members of the media interested in speaking with WWPR or requesting an interview may speak with WWPR President Charmaine Riley, who is available for interviews.
About Washington Women in Public Relations
Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) is a leading professional organization dedicated to advancing women in communications through leadership opportunities, professional development, mentorship, and industry networking. Founded in 1980, WWPR serves communications professionals throughout the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. To learn more about WWPR, visit: wwpr.org.
Media Contacts
Adiya Mobley, adiya.mobley@wwpr.org
