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The Art of Fall 2011

Tara Luizzi, Tara Styles DC

Art is a huge influence this fall season, especially modern art.  Many of the designers took their looks straight from the walls of MOMA.  I see influences from artists like Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, Roy Lichtenstein and even Alexander Calder.  Key trends this season include: primary colors, mod silhouettes, graphic prints and an updated menswear look for women.

This seasons use of vibrant colors and prints can be seen everywhere from Barneys to Target. My must have picks for the fall this year are a statement coat, a colored jean or corduroy pant, a wide leg pant, a 40’s inspired dress, a chunky sweater and a printed silk blouse.  In the shoe department the ankle bootie in suede can be seen everywhere, as well as the kitten heel which is making a comeback.

I am so looking forward to meeting everyone at the upcoming event at Madewell on September 29 at 6 p.m. It is a great opportunity to see the looks for fall and I will be on hand to help you put looks together.

To register for the Tara Styles WWPR Fall Fashion Preview, go to the WWPR Events page.

NEWSLETTER: August 2011

In this issue:

PR Woman of the Year
2011 ELA Honorees
Upcoming Events
WWPR Blog
Get Involved
Member Spotlight
Articles of Interest
Job Board
Sponsor Spotlight

PR Woman of the Year Call for Nominations

Washington PR Woman of the Year is the prestigious honor of a senior-level female PR practitioner celebrating the accomplishments of women in the public relations field, as well as community involvement.

WWPR invites nominations of female public relations professional for consideration for the 2011 Washington PR Woman of the Year award, which will be presented at the 22nd annual award luncheon, to be held at the Capital Hilton on Tuesday, November 15, 2011, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Please view the complete nomination and submission details here.

Nomination materials must be received no later than midnight on Friday, September 30, 2011. Email your information or questions to PR Woman of the Year Co-Chairs, Laura Cilmi and Emily Hughes at woy@wwpr.org.

Is your organization interested in sponsorship or partnership of the event? Contact Lisa Newman at sponsorships@wwpr.org.

Congratulations to the 2011 ELA Honorees

WWPR’s second annual Emerging Leaders Awards were a great success thanks to fantastic nominations and great partners and sponsors. The Darlington House was filled to capacity with more than 100 partners, colleagues and friends who joined to recognize commendable professionals in the communications industry. We even made the 11:00 p.m. newscast on ABC7/WJLA!

A special thanks to our 2011 ELA Sponsors!

Gold Partners: Central Michigan University Off-Campus Programs, Gibraltar Associates, Vocus, Boss Ladies Mean Business, and Strauss Radio Strategies

Program Sponsors: C.Fox Communications, Cobert Communications Group, Hager Sharp, Ogilvy Washington, and National Press Club

Event Supporters: Sprinkles Cupcakes and ABC7/WJLA

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Upcoming Events
For full information about our exciting events and programs, please visit our Events page.

WWPR members receive member rates for PRSA-NCC and AWC events.

– September: WWPR Professional Development Brown Bag – Tracy Gordon

– September 14: Burson-AWC Breakfast – Digital Issues & Crisis Communications

– September 22: PRSA-NCC – 43d Annual Thoth Awards Gala

– September 19-23: DC Ad Week

If you’re coming to a WWPR event, why not bring travel-size toiletries for donation to our pro bono client Thrive DC!

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WWPR Blog

Have you checked-out the WWPR Blog recently? You will find recaps of the monthly professional development seminars, news of upcoming events, and communications insights.

Here’s what you’ll find on the blog this month:

All members are invited and encouraged to contribute to the WWPR Blog. Please send submissions to debbie@wwpr.org.

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Get Involved with WWPR Today!

Here are a number of great ways to get involved with the premier organization for women in communications in Washington D.C.

  • Join a WWPR committee today and make the most out of your membership. For more information visit our Committees page.
  • Looking to showcase your graphic or web skills? Join our website committee and leave your mark on the WWPR website. Volunteers would help manage the WWPR website, contribute content, and plan for future website enhancements. Knowledge of WordPress, HTML and photo editing software would be helpful but not required. For more information, please email Kate Barrett, website chair, at website@wwpr.org.
  • Want to do some good for a deserving DC nonprofit while using your PR/media relations skills? Get involved with the Pro Bono Committee. Please email probono@wwpr.org.
  • Help plan a high profile event by attending the next Woman of the Year Committee meeting. For more information, please email woy@wwpr.org.

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Member Spotlight

Member Spotlight: Lauren Smith, WWPR Pro Bono Committee
By Pheniece Jones

Lauren Smith, senior associate at Rational 360, caught the PR bug while studying Communications and Media Studies at Fordham University. She spent two summers interning with Goddard Claussen Porter Novelli in Washington, D.C., where she fell in love with media relations and helping clients shape their messages. Her intern experience led to a job at Porter Novelli, where she worked on public affairs campaigns for various accounts, including a large health care client. It was this client that stirred her interest in health communications.

A self-proclaimed “healthcare nerd,” Lauren works to support her clients’ legislative and policy goals through traditional PR, public affairs, and social media channels that reach various audiences, including patients, the general public, political figures and policy makers.  For Lauren, these communications campaigns have been challenging yet exciting, especially during health care reform.

Lauren joined WWPR in 2009 and currently  works with the WWPR Pro Bono Committee to give back to the community by providing communications and marketing support to Thrive DC, a local nonprofit focused on women’s and family issues.

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Articles of Interest “Pitch Edition”

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Membership News

New Members

– Nina Bailey, University of Nevada Las Vegas

– Kharma Finley-Wallace, AAA Mid-Atlantic

– Erin Hawkinson, Hillenby

– Gayle Fishel, USO

– Lidija Gnjatic (Student), Miami University

– Kami Nash Cleary (Student), Georgetown University/ Consultant

– Joyce Donohue, HESS Construction + Engineering Services

– Allison Brown, Ogilvy Public Relations

– Caroline Barker, Embassy of Canada

– Amy Scarlett, American University

– Colleen Kearns, Chandler Chicco Agency

– Anugraha Palan, Women Thrive Worldwide

– Jennifer McLellan, Core Association Services, Inc.

– Kari Hudnell, CommunicationWorks

– Cate O’Gorman, Ketchum

– Lydia Baugh, (Grad Student), George Washington University

– Laura Meditz, 720 Strategies

– Diane Quest, Pew Charitable Trusts

– Susan Pitman, FoodMinds, LLC

– Lesley Ridge, k-global

– Ayo Fashola, Ayo Fashola Lifestyle Consulting

– Emily Passini, Howard Consulting Group

– Eileen Vaughan, Mac Mannes Inc.

– Erica Hiar, Howard Consulting Group

– Meghaan Evans (Student), George Washington University

Renewals

– Maurisa Potts, Spotted MP (Marketing + Public Relations)

– Melinda Semadeni, ASPPA

– Lauren Smith, Rational 360

– Joan Coyle, EEI Communications

– Heidi Schoenberger-Cobert, Cobert Communications Group

Membership has its benefits! Members do not pay for most WWPR monthly professional development brown bag lunches. To learn more, please contact Leslie Rutledge, Membership Chair, at membership@wwpr.org.

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Job Board: DC Employment & Volunteer Opportunities
Our Jobs section offers WWPR members and website visitors a central location to see who’s hiring in PR, communications and related disciplines in the DC metropolitan area.  Positions will remain active on the site for 30 days unless removed by the poster, ensuring the list includes only active job openings.

Post an open position by visiting www.wwpr.org/jobs. It’s easy and free to connect with outstanding communications professionals in our area!

Please contact web@wwpr.org with questions or feedback.

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Sponsor Spotlight (NEW!)
Hager Sharp is an independent, employee-owned communications firm in Washington, D.C. known for outstanding client service. Since 1973, they’ve built a reputation for national public education and social marketing campaigns that help people live healthier, safer and smarter lives. Learn more about Hager Sharp here.

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“And the Washington PR Woman of the Year is….”

WWPR’s Woman of the Year (WOY) award ceremony is designed to keep you in suspense. There are three honorees, and each gets a moment in the spotlight to speak to the colleagues, friends, clients and families who are gathered.  It’s WWPR’s annual event to celebrate women leaders in public relations. You hear terrific stories of accomplishment, as well as the challenges we’ve faced – and overcome! – along the way. 

Elizabeth Oliver-Farrow, WOY 1992, will always remember: “It was a priceless moment for a Puerto Rican “kid” from the South Bronx.”   

I have to admit, as a “kid” with South Philly roots, my “moment” was also a remarkable. None of us set out with the purpose of winning these awards, but when they come, it is so wonderful to have your work recognized by your profession.  It is also a source of inspiration and opportunity. 

What makes the award so special, I think, is that it recognizes a combination of traits: leadership, integrity and community involvement. It’s meant to showcase smart, confident women who can serve as positive role models and mentors for the next generation. 

So, I was honored to join an amazing group that believes in paying it forward: Pattie Yu, WOY 1998, speaks often of the value of mentors in her own life; and Susan Hager, WOY 2004, whose passion was leveling the playing field for women. 

Debra Silimeo, Elizabeth Oliver-Farrow and Pattie Yu

Washington PR Women of the Year at a recent gathering – Debra Silimeo, Elizabeth Oliver-Farrow and Pattie Yu

For most of us, it comes at a point where we have pretty lengthy resumes. But it’s more than that: statues, titles and the corner offices don’t really tell the story of your character. Or the mental muscles you’ve earned through trial and error.  

It’s a big tickle to be called, if even for a moment, the “best.”  Apparently this is true even when you are beyond amazingly famous. Halle Berry was dubbed the “world’s sexiest woman” at age 42. At first she wondered why this was happening long after her Bond girl days and after becoming a mom. Then she said she realized that over the years, she’d learned a few things, including how to be more comfortable in her own skin. So yes, this was the right time. 

So, once you have the “tiara,” what’s next?  First, show up more.   

WOY 2002 Denise Graveline says there is real value in participating. “Because I kept showing up, people felt they could ask me all sorts of tough questions, and that’s an important part of what we all can be doing for one another.”

This year, I had the opportunity to participate in WWPR and PRSA panels, and to emcee WWPR’s Emerging Leaders Awards.  Now that was inspiring! These events are filled with young women who are paying their dues every day, taking delight in their achievements, and energizing each other. 

It’s also been a pretty intense year at Hager Sharp, where “communications that make a difference,” is our mission.  We’ve danced on the White House lawn with the First Lady to promote bone health; alerted women to the signs of a heart attack; promoted educational access and fairness; and told important stories about children in poverty.  No matter how busy we get supporting our clients, there still has to be time to make a difference for our colleagues and friends and families. 

When Lady Gaga was named MTVs Woman of the Year, she said it meant she needed to work harder. OK, she was wearing meat.  But, she’s actually right. 

Getting the award means that it’s time to step up your game! 

So when I look back on the year so far, I am grateful for the inspiration provided by the WOY club and WWPR members.  I’m glad to have had the opportunity to play a role representing our profession and to be part of network of professionals, who support each other in our careers and lives. And it will continue!

I’m really looking forward to seeing who joins the Washington PR Woman of the Year club this year. 

For information on nominating yourself or another deserving woman for the 2011 Washington PR Woman of the Year, please check out the event’s page on the WWPR website.

When Online Messages Create Offline Action

WWPR Vice president, Tina McCormack Beaty

The best PR and marketing tactics engage a key audience and disseminate information to shape a belief or behavior. Messages are typically pushed from one voice to the masses – but PR at its best utilizes two-way communication to truly interact with the audience. 

Spreading a message to create a behavior is the strategy behind event marketing. The requested behavior is for the target market to come to the event.  C.Fox Communications recently planned, marketed, and hosted a two-part event for the Maryland-based nonprofit Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC).  Since 1976, AHCMC has been Montgomery County’s designated local arts agency. Through their programs and services, AHCMC provides the infrastructure and support necessary to maintain a robust creative community that includes over 350 cultural organizations and 1,200 artists and scholars. 

The two-part event series “Bootcamp: Kicking Up Your Social Media” and “Blogger Brunch” aimed to provide social media and online media tools to individual artists, cultural organizations, production houses, and festival organizers so they can self-promote more effectively and efficiently.  The goal was not just to engage in-person attendees, but allow people to tune in via social media, and easily track the conversation from wherever their location.

Campaign impact started online through social media channels and cumulated in-person.  Majority of the outreach was conducted online due to a tight budget and association members spread out over a large geographical footprint.  Only the digital channels AHCMC already had in place were utilized which were email, website, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.  Each served established networks to engage attendees with tips such as the ones included in this event recap.

The measurable impact on AHCMC’s Facebook page was a 30% increase in post views and a 31% increase in post feedback during the campaign timeframe. Compared to the average, AHCMC’s Facebook page received 55 more likes during the event marketing campaign. 

To complement Facebook, specific and shorter messages were pushed out on Twitter in addition to establishing a hashtag for the campaign.  AHCMC’s Twitter handle had a 12% increase in followers during this time.

With a mix of pre-drafted and original content, the outreach drove followers to creativemoco.com, which reported an increase of traffic during the campaign.  The information page about the two events had the highest average time spent on the site at 4:54 minutes – quite an impressive length of stay considering today’s fast-paced world.

Within the outreach, impact was felt not just with the 20% of members that typically does 80% of the listening, but instead the repetitive and targeted messages prompted action from a wider group than AHCMC had ever seen.  46% of attendees to the “Kicking Up Your Social Media” workshop were not “regulars” at AHCMC educational seminars, and 59% of attendees to the “Blogger Brunch” were not “regulars”.   Many of them were attending their first AHCMC event, representing industries outside of the arts.  The wider audience at these events gave AHCMC an unexpected opportunity to expand its reach.

With the right message and targeted digital channels, online outreach can and does create offline action.   To make this possible it is all about the plan – a written plan featuring a day by day timeline and specific messages for each social media network is key.   And remember, social media is a two-way channel, so listen, speak, and interact if you want to gain offline results. 

To see a full review of the two events, check out creativemoco.com/bootcamp.  Once the Blogger Brunch got started we kept the in-person event alive online through a live stream of Tweets.  Review the Twitter Chat featuring the live comments made by USA, Washington City Paper, TBD, Patch, Greg’s List, A Parent in Silver Spring, and the Washington Post. 

Do you have a great example of online outreach creating offline action – share it below or tweet me at @TMStrategy.

PRESS RELEASE: WWPR Opens Call for 2011 PR Woman of the Year Nominations

WASHINGTON, D.C.— August 19, 2011 — Public relations professionals in the Washington, D.C. area who exemplify true integrity and leadership characteristics will have the opportunity to be honored by the prestigious industry group Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), thanks to the 22nd annual Washington PR Woman of the Year Award Luncheon.

Today WWPR, the leading professional organization advancing women in the communications industry, opens the official call for nominations for the 2011 Washington PR Woman of the Year. The award will be presented on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 from 12:00 to 2:00p.m at the Capital Hilton.

“This year we are more eager than ever to see the talent and innovation from the top women in the public relations field,” says Kendra Kojcsich, WWPR President. “This award has gained momentum and prestige in recent years, making it the ultimate platform for PR professionals in the D.C. area to be celebrated.”

Since its inception in 1990, WWPR’s signature PR Woman of the Year Award Luncheon has honored the most talented women in the public relations, communications and journalism professions. The event provides the D.C. communications industry an opportunity to hear from pioneers and leaders who inspire and educate. In addition to honoring the achievements of the nominees and winner, partial proceeds from the event will be donated to Thrive DC, WWPR’s pro bono client.

Nominees must be public relations professionals who have at least ten years of experience, remarkably represent their company and have the perseverance to face almost any challenge. They do not have to be WWPR members.
Entries will be judged by the current WWPR president, vice president and a panel of senior public relations and media professionals on their demonstrated ability in the public relations field, contributions to the community, and industry leadership qualities.

Nomination and supporting materials must be received no later than midnight on Friday, September 30, 2011. For further details on nomination criteria and entry directions, download the information here.

ABOUT WASHINGTON WOMEN IN PUBLIC RELATIONS
Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) is the first and only D.C. based professional organization advancing women in the communications industry. WWPR is committed to delivering outstanding professional development, networking, marketplace positioning, and leadership opportunities to area communicators. Visit us at wwpr.org, “Like” us on Facebook.com/WashingtonWomeninPR, and follow us on Twitter @WWPR.

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