Author: Derika Crowley

Alisa Valudes Whyte, CEO, Senior Partner at Merritt Group, was named WWPR’s Woman of the Year in 2023. The award gave her a new avenue to connect with amazing women who are communications leaders. “The annual dinner for past Woman of the Year winners and Board members is a unique and rewarding experience to connect with incredible women leaders in a smaller, more intimate setting,” she says.

Since winning the award, Alisa’s career and agency have continued to thrive. She was named a finalist for the upcoming March of Dimes “Heroines of Washington” awards to take place in November 2025, honoring professional women in the D.C. metro area who give back to their community through extensive volunteer service. Her firm, Merritt Group, has also earned national recognition, including Bulldog PR’s B2B Agency of the Year (2025), PRNews’ Agency Elite ranking of the top 120 U.S. agencies (2025), CyberMarketingCon PR Firm of the Year (2024), and a Viddy Gold Award for Samsung’s DeX-in-Vehicle video.

Her leadership extends beyond client work. Alisa serves on the Democratic Business Council of Northern Virginia and will begin her term as President-Elect in 2026. She has also encouraged Merritt Group colleagues to engage with WWPR. “My colleague and partner, Michelle Schafer joined the WWPR Board in 2025. Also, we had two agency leaders being recognized as Emerging Leaders: Katherine Nanney (winner in 2025 in mid-size agency category) and Kelly Finneran (finalist in 2023 in mid-size agency category).

For women rising in communications, Alisa offers clear advice: “Always show intellectual curiosity. There’s an opportunity to learn throughout every phase of your career. Couple career success with community service. Giving back is a responsibility we all have as professionals.”

Looking ahead, she’s excited about innovation. Alisa adds, “Merritt Group is committed to focusing on how AI is impacting our field.  We launched MG Labs, dedicated to experimenting with AI tools, and expanded into B2B influencer and partner marketing services. Merritt Group’s work in AI led to our agency being named a silver winner as “Most AI Ready Agency” in 2024 by Bulldog PR Awards “ 

From industry accolades to mentoring the next generation, Alisa’s journey reflects the spirit of the Woman of the Year award – leading with vision, generosity, and impact.

by Elisa OHalloran

For Gemma Puglisi, Assistant Professor in the School of Communication at American University and Director of Teaching in the Center for Faculty Excellence, receiving the WWPR Woman of the Year Award in 2022 was a professional milestone. A native Washingtonian and daughter of Italian immigrants, Gemma’s father worked as a barber at the Harrington Hotel and her mother took her and her sisters to see the city’s monuments and department stores. Gemma was knighted by the Republic of Italy years ago –  Cavaleri — is the title of the knighthood.  

The WWPR award ceremony was held in one of those department stores, bringing her childhood full circle. “It was very moving and powerful,” Gemma reflects. “Washington is such an important city, and where I spent my youth, so this honor award was very special. Also, winning this award was impactful because it meant that my colleagues honored and appreciated my career.”

Gemma spent her career working in newsrooms, agencies, companies, and now academia. At American University, she was recently recognized with the Outstanding Teaching Award in a Continuing Appointment and named Director of Teaching for the Center for Faculty Excellence. Gemma says, “The recognition was such an honor because I have been teaching for over 20 years. “ 

The Woman of the Year recognition reinforced Gemma’s passion for mentorship. She actively supports emerging leaders, often reminding them that success is built not only on hard work and passion but also on kindness and generosity. Gemma adds, “People always remember who smiled, who helped, who welcomed them. One of my goals is to leave the world a better place after I am not around. That’s mentoring the next generation and being involved in organizations that do great work.As Faculty Adviser for American University’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PPRSSA) chapter and National Faculty Adviser for the organization, Gemma is helping co-host the International PRSA/PRSSA Conference this October in Washington, D.C. She also continues her work with the National Press Club, recording podcasts and contributing to the broadcast committee.  Gemma adds, “I have recorded many podcasts, so please connect and hear some of my past ones.”

By Elisa OHalloran 

Every year, Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) honors an exceptional woman with the Woman of the Year Award, a recognition of professional excellence, mentorship, and community impact. If you know a woman whose influence deserves the spotlight, a thoughtful nomination can make all the difference.

Here are some tips to help your nomination rise above the rest:

The Basics

Make sure the nomination form is fully completed. Ensure you get all the details to complete the application by collaborating with a friend, colleague or mentee who knows the nominee if needed.

Go Beyond the Resume

Resumes and job titles only tell part of the story.  What should we know about the nominee that is not on their resume or LinkedIn account? For example, did they champion a new policy or project at their company or in their personal life.

Tell a Leadership Story 

Highlight how the nominee served as a mentor. How has she mentored young professionals, through formal or informal guidance? Show how she has helped others grow, or step into leadership positions themselves.

Highlight Community Contributions

Community impact matters, so show her broader impact through church involvement, volunteering, pro bono work, or board positions. Share these stories, even if they are not tied to communications. 

Stories Matters

The most memorable nominations include specific, personal stories. Share how the nominee has impacted the industry, their company, their community, or an individual. Use concrete examples with measurable outcomes rather than generic praise.

The Woman of the Year Award is about celebrating women who lead with purpose, elevate others, and leave a lasting mark on their profession and community. By going beyond the basics and sharing both facts and stories, you can help ensure your nominee’s influence is fully recognized.

Ready to submit? Visit the WWPR Women of the Year Award for details and deadlines. https://wwpr.org/events/woman-of-the-year-award-celebration/