WWPR Honors Rising Communications Leaders

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 17, 2015) - Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) proudly announced three inspiring communications professionals as the 2015 Emerging Leaders Awards honorees: Sarah Coppersmith, Emily Rasowsky and Shannon Toher. The Emerging Leaders Awards is an annual awards and cocktail reception that recognizes leaders in public relations and communications, among young women (aged 23-30) who have significantly impacted the communications field and DC community. The honorees were named at a reception held at Ketchum, and selected from a distinguished group of finalists that also included Cecily Naron, Account Supervisor at Hager Sharp, Elaine Seward, Video Producer at the American Chemical Society, and Jamie Nolan, Communications Director at Stratacomm. The awards ceremony featured keynote speaker Laura Howe, North America Vice President of Media and Communities at Pearson Education. Learn more about the 2015 Emerging Leaders Awards Honorees below. Sarah Coppersmith, Vice President, Scott Circle Communications Sarah Coppersmith is an award-winning communications professional. She worked for the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA), an independent non-profit created in conjunction with, but independent from, First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign. Sarah also served as press secretary for Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-Ariz.) and assisted Women’s Campaign International with work in emerging democracies and post-conflict regions that advanced opportunities for women to actively participate in public advocacy and political processes. Emily Rasowsky, Managing Strategist, Social Driver Emily Rasowsky is a leading presenter, digital strategist and trainer. She leads full-scale, integrated digital and social media campaigns for Fortune 100 companies, nonprofits and associations. She is also the Founder of the Women in Tech Campaign, which uses storytelling and community building events to expand the definition of women in tech to be more inclusive of all roles that make up the industry. Shannon Toher, Communications and Digital Strategist, The Yu Crew, LLC Shannon leads efforts on a global health awareness campaign involving more than 200 organizations in 60 countries. She also provides communications counsel for the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Foundation, All Points North Foundation and the National Guard Youth Foundation’s ChalleNGe Program. Shannon has participated in several award-winning campaigns and received several honors. The Public Relations Society of America selected her as a finalist for the Silver Anvil Award, and the American Society of Association Executives honored her with a Gold Circle Award. “WWPR is proud to recognize the accomplishments of these extraordinary young women,” said Avelyn Austin, WWPR president. “Their excellent work within the communications industry and commitment to helping women truly reflects the goal of our organization, which is to inspire women to reach their full potential. These emerging young leaders are an inspiration to all of us.” 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 and find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn