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Author: Colleen Gallagher

President’s Letter: Building on a Legacy of Leadership in 2025

WWPR January 2025 President' Letter

Dear WWPR Community,

Happy New Year! (Can we still say that the last week of January?!) It’s an honor to kick off 2025 as your President, especially during this milestone year as we celebrate 45 years of Washington Women in Public Relations. For over four decades, WWPR has been a cornerstone for female communicators in the D.C. area, cultivating connections, leadership opportunities and professional growth. I’m thrilled to build on this incredible legacy alongside our incoming Board of Directors.

We’re coming into the year on such a high note after closing out 2024 with an incredible Woman of the Year event and launching a fresh, new website designed to create a much better platform and experience for both members and non-members alike.

We’ve already hit the ground running with exciting events to kickstart the year! On January 9, we hosted Recharge & Reconnect: A Guided Meditation for PR Pros, a virtual session that emphasized the importance of well-being in our fast-paced industry. Thank you to Kristi Duncan for guiding us through a calming meditation and equipping us with practical tools to prioritize mental health.

Later, on January 23, it was wonderful to see so many of you in person at Burson Global for Next-Gen Comms: Strategies for a Shifting Media Ecosystem. This insightful panel explored the challenges and opportunities of today’s decentralized media landscape. A huge thank you to Burson for hosting and to our incredible panelists for sharing their expertise. Seeing a packed room of communicators engaging in such a timely discussion reminds me of the power of our community.

Looking ahead, we have even more in store:

  • WWPR Annual Meeting Luncheon – Join us on February 13 at The Hamilton as we gather to thank our outgoing board, welcome the 2025 Board of Directors, and hear from our inspiring keynote speaker, Debbi Jarvis, whose journey and insights will set an exciting tone for the year ahead.
  • Policy Influence in a Shifting Landscape – Save the date for our February professional development event on February 25 at the Beekeeper Group. Stay tuned for details as we dive into how communicators can adapt to the priorities of a new administration.
  • Executive Communicators Series – We’ll soon announce dates for this exciting quarterly series, designed specifically for senior-level communicators to connect in-person, build community and share strategies on navigating today’s challenges.

This year, we are committed to providing even more meaningful opportunities for professional growth, thought leadership and connection. Whether you’re joining us virtually or in person, I hope to see you at an upcoming event as we continue to grow this amazing community.

Thank you for being part of WWPR’s legacy and future. Here’s to an inspiring 2025!

Best regards,
Colleen Lerro Gallagher
WWPR President

Washington Women in Public Relations Inducts 2025 Board of Directors

Welcome 2025 WWPR Board

For 45 years, the organization has provided unique networking and professional development opportunities for female communicators in D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 23, 2025) – Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), a leading membership group for female communications professionals in Washington D.C., today announced its 2025 Board of Directors. The newly elected Board is as follows: 

  • President: Colleen Gallagher, OnWrd & UpWrd
  • Past President: Chelsea Echavarria, CME Communications
  • Vice President: Charmaine Riley, American Beverage
  • Secretary: Lauren Tyler,  Adfero
  • Treasurer: Vanessa French, Vanessa French Consulting
  • Sponsorship/Partnership Co-Chair: Shalaya Crummie, GAP Solutions, Inc.
  • Sponsorship/Partnership Co-Chair: Aisha Johnson, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Pro Bono Co-Chair: Alicia Aebersold, American Psychological Association
  • Pro Bono Co-Chair: Christina Crawley, The Headfirst Companies 
  • Emerging Leaders Awards Co-Chair: Ranata Reeder, Reeder Communications
  • Emerging Leaders Awards Co-Chair: Ligia McEvoy, AT&T
  • Woman of the Year Co-Chair: Christine Blake, W2 Communications
  • Woman of the Year Co-Chair: Michelle Schafer, Merritt Group
  • Membership Co-Chair: Kate Urbach, Curley Company
  • Membership Co-Chair: Tiffanie Rosier, Hotwire & ROI DNA
  • Professional Development Co-Chair: Katarina Ellison, Burson Cohn & Wolfe (BCW) 
  • Professional Development Co-Chair: Kelsey Flora, SK Group
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Chair: Kristal Farmer
  • Content Co-Chair: Agatha Aramayo, Foundation for Total Recovery
  • Content Co-Chair: Andrea Sok, Sok Influencer
  • Design Chair: Kate Keverline, The Carlyle Group
  • Digital Marketing Chair: Derika Crowley, Skai Blue Media
  • Social Media Chair: Melanie Vynalek, Adfero

All WWPR members were invited to vote online for the new Board in January 2025.

For 45 years, WWPR has cultivated and inspired female communicators to reach their full potential in the D.C. market and beyond. The Board of Directors leads the charge and helps the organization to provide leadership opportunities, professional development, community partnerships, mentorship and industry networking.

“The 2025 WWPR Board of Directors represents an incredible group of leaders across the communications field,” said Colleen Gallagher, President, WWPR. “Their passion, expertise, and commitment to advancing women in our industry will drive WWPR’s mission forward. Together, we are focused on creating meaningful opportunities for professional growth, fostering connections, and continuing to make a lasting impact on our members and the D.C. communications community.”

Throughout the year, WWPR will continue to host professional development and networking events for female communicators at every stage of their careers, including the 2025 Annual Meeting Luncheon on February 13, and its two annual signature events: the Emerging Leaders Awards and the Woman of the Year Awards.

Learn more about WWPR and upcoming events at www.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: info@wwpr.org

Washington Women in Public Relations Announces 2024 Woman of The Year Winner

WWPR's 2024 Woman of the Year Finalists

Washington, D.C., Oct. 7, 2024 – On Friday, October 4, 2024, Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) recognized Aba Blankson, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for the NAACP as its 2024 Woman of the Year. Established in 1990, the Woman of the Year program recognizes individuals who have raised the bar in the communications field and raised the bar for the future of the profession.

Throughout her 25-year career, Aba Blankson has made significant contributions to public relations, all of which were distinguished by her creativity, management skills, and strategic leadership, and focused on driving organizational growth. In her role at the NAACP, Aba has been crucial in amplifying the voice of the nation’s largest civil rights organization, ensuring it remains a leading force in the modern civil rights movement. Aba’s creativity in public relations is evident in her ability to craft compelling narratives and innovative campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. Upon joining the NAACP seven years ago, she led a comprehensive brand evolution that strategically positioned the organization to address contemporary challenges while honoring its historic legacy.

Debbi Jarvis, a news reporter turned groundbreaking corporate communicator, and Linda Roth, Chief Communications Officer at World Central Kitchen, were also honored and recognized for their achievements. Kate Perrin, longtime WWPR supporter who is responsible for chairing the first ever Women of the Year (WOY) awards committee, formally presented the award.

“We are excited to name Aba Blankson as WWPR’s 2024 Woman of the Year and celebrate her remarkable achievements and contributions,” said Chelsea Echavarria, President of WWPR. “WWPR is also proud to recognize our other two incredible finalists—Linda and Debbi. Their leadership, dedication, and impact have made a lasting difference in our industry and in the community.”


The Woman of the Year honoree was announced at a luncheon held at The Salamander in Washington, D.C.

The event featured a keynote address from Sumi Somaskanda, Chief Presenter for the BBC, sponsored by AARP. Sumi has served as a senior news anchor and correspondent at DW News (Deutsche Welle), Germany’s international broadcaster. She has also reported in Germany for various international publications, including The Atlantic, Foreign Policy, Washington Post, Al Jazeera, Global Post, Newsweek, PRI, and USA Today. 

Her address highlighted her experience and expertise as a reporter, writer, and editor and important insights around today’s communications landscape. The event also highlighted WWPR’s commitment to serving the DC-area community with funds raised for the organization’s pro bono client, Running Start, a DC based nonpartisan nonprofit that trains young women to run for political office.


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 X, formerly Twitter, @WWPR and on Instagram @WWPRDC.

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