Author: Derika Crowley

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.

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.”