Author: WWPR

In this issue:

Emerging Leaders Awards
Upcoming Events
WWPR Blog
Pro Bono
Get Involved
Member Spotlight
Articles of Interest
Membership News
Job Board

Emerging Leaders Awards
Join us next Tuesday to discover Washington’s next generation of leaders in Public Relations…

Second Annual WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards (ELA)
Tuesday, July 26, at 6:30 p.m.
The Darlington House
1610 20th Street NW, Washington, DC

ELA honors rising stars, ages 21 to 35, in the public relations and communications industry.

A distinguished panel of judges made the selections based on each nominee’s demonstration of excellence and accomplishments in the communications field, and of leadership qualities and high ethical standards. Judges included Carrie Fox, Kendra Kojcsich, Jennifer Laudano, Lauren Lawson-Zilai and Adam Shapiro.

2011 WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards Finalists
Veronica Brown, Gibraltar Associates
Jennifer Mastin Giglio, Ogilvy Washington
Katie Lilley, Hillenby
Amanda Miller Littlejohn, Mopwater PR
Judy Lubin, Public Square Communications
Tara Chantal Silver, SilverStrategy

Our three 2011 ELA winners will be announced at the July 26 reception. Debra Silimeo, Senior Vice President at Hager Sharp, Inc. and 2010 Washington PR Woman of the Year will emcee. ABC7/WJLA-TV reporter Jennifer Donelan will be a featured speaker. Follow it all on Twitter: #ELA2011

Communication Intern Happy Hour: An hour before the Emerging Leaders Awards, WWPR is helping communication interns meet up at the Darlington House Cantina Pub and Patio. If you are currently an intern in communications, come join other interns for a drink and then head to the event together! For more info email WWPRinterns@gmail.com.

The 2011 Emerging Leaders Awards is made possible by the following local businesses:

Gold Partners: Boss Women Mean Business, Central Michigan University Off-Campus Programs, Gibraltar Associates , Vocus, 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

It’s not too late for your organization to get involved! Just contact sponsorships at sponsorships@wwpr.org or call Lisa Newman at 301-233-7677.

To purchase tickets or for more information on the ELA finalists, visit: https://wwpr.org/events/emerging-leaders-awards.

We look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday, July 26 as we celebrate the best and brightest communication professionals!

Top

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.

– August 3: WWPR Executive Communicators- Summer Idea Swap: Discovering Solutions to Your Biggest Challenges

– August 6 & 13: Cronkite New Media Academy: Videojournalism for the Web

– August 9: PRSA-NCC:   Putting it All Together – Top Tech Trends PR Professionals Need to Consider

– August 10: Burson-AWC Breakfast – Monitoring & Analytics

– August 24: Workshop: Be an Expert on Working with Experts

– August 26: WWPR Professional Development Brown Bag

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

Top

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:

•    Perspectives on how one new grad made the grade
•    Leverage your preferred communication style for success
•    Thoughts on social media enchantment

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

Top

Pro Bono Update

Thrive DC collecting socks in July

Currently the most requested item from Thrive DC is socks. People struggling with homelessness do not have frequent access to washing machines, and often need to replace their socks as these get worn out and dirty. Thrive DC is running a sock drive through August 15 to replenish its supplies.

Here are some ways you can help:
•    Sponsor a drive in your workplace or neighborhood
•    Purchase socks wholesale or when you are out shopping
•    Donate to Thrive DC ($10 will provide 17 pairs of socks)
•    Share this information with your social media network – contact @ThriveDC and @WWPR on Twitter for additional information

Contributions can be dropped off at Thrive DC at 1525 Newton Street NW (Columbia Heights) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information please visit www.thrivedc.org.

We love our partners and sponsors! If you’re interested in learning more about the great benefits from partnering with WWPR, please visit our Partners page.

Top

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.
• Love media relations and want to do some pitching for an upcoming Thrive DC event? For more information, please email probono@wwpr.org.
• We love our partners and sponsors! If you’re interested in learning more about the great benefits from partnering with WWPR, please visit our Partners page.
• Interested in writing for the WWPR Blog? Members can send submissions to debbie@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.

Top

Member Spotlight

Member Spotlight: Carrie Fox, 2010 Emerging Leaders Honoree
by Rebecca Noel

Carrie Fox, founder and president of C.Fox Communications, knew right at the start of her college career that she wanted to be in the public relations field. She held internships at a variety of agencies and in-house at Seventeen Magazine before landing her first full-time PR job as director of communications for Cal Ripken, Jr. After three years working in sports PR, Carrie joined Prism Public Affairs, where she supported clients in the nonprofit sector as well as on Capitol Hill. In 2004, Carrie started C.Fox Communications, with a very clear focus on mission-driven organizations – those that can say “what we do, we do for the good of others.”

Under Carrie’s leadership, C.Fox Communications has won an array of national and international clients including AARP, the U.S. Department of Commerce and CHF International. The agency has sustained growth year after year in staff, clients and revenue, including doubling its office space in Silver Spring and adding a newly-opened second office in DC.

Carrie thrives on telling stories through strategic communications that are thought-provoking, issues-based, and that people notice. “To make your mark on this industry, you must be persistent, creative and detail-oriented, yes, but you must also be genuine, and you must never burn a bridge,” says Fox. “But what my mom first instilled in me, and what college and mentors reinforced, is that there’s a story in every person around us-even in the most unlikely of places.”

Fox has been a WWPR member since 2006 and was recognized as an Emerging Leader in 2010.

Top

Articles of Interest “Pitch Edition”

•    5 Reasons a reporter will delete your press release (Ragan’s PR Daily)
•    How to craft a guest blogging pitch that gets noticed (eReleases)
•    The key to catching a reporter’s eye? Pitch like one (Ragan’s PR Daily)

Top

Membership News

New Members
– Christine Deerin, DS Simon Productions
– Sarah Boison, Racepoint Group
– Melissa Mills, Reading Is Fundamental
– Nancy Singer, USDOT / Federal Highway Administration
– Caroline Rana, Strauss Radio Strategies
– Dawn Jakutowicz, URS Corporation
– Katie Goldberg, Zcomm
– Latasha Houston, iPubliclyRelate
– Patricia Watson, Census in Schools
– Jennifer Scungio, Financial Services Forum

Renewals
– Lisa Newman, Independent Media Consultant
– Joan Carrese Sineni, Zcomm
– Sandra Cutts, U.S. Postal Service
– Carrie Fox, C. Fox Communications
– Bonnie Friedman, Friedman Strategic Communications
-Shannon Andrea, Natl. Parks Conservation Assoc.
– Robin Lane, Zcomm
– Jessie Spielvogel
– Amber DuMont, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers

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.

Top

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.

Top

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) today announced six finalists for its second annual Emerging Leaders Awards (ELA). The Awards honors rising stars, ages 21-35, in the public relations and communications industry.

A distinguished panel of judges made the selection based on the nominees’ demonstration of excellence and accomplishments in the communications field as well as leadership qualities and high ethical standards.

The 2011 WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards finalists are:

Veronica Brown, Vice President, Gibraltar Associates
Jennifer Mastin Giglio, Vice President, External Relations, Ogilvy Washington
Katie Lilley, Partner, Hillenby
Amanda Miller Littlejohn, CEO, MopWater PR
Judy Lubin, President, Public Square Communications
Tara Silver, Managing Director, SilverStrategy

“WWPR believes it is critical to honor talented professionals who are leaving a significant mark on the public relations industry so early in their careers,” said Kendra Kojcsich, WWPR President. “We are thrilled to see the way this event has grown in only its second year. Once again, the caliber of honorees is simply outstanding.”

Created in celebration of WWPR’s 30th anniversary, the Emerging Leaders Awards debuted in 2010 to great success, honoring Carrie Fox, C. Fox Communications; Lauren Musiol, GYMR; and the U.S. Army’s Stefanie Pidgeon.

The three 2011 ELA winners will be announced at a cocktail reception on Tuesday, July 26 at 6:30 p.m. at The Darlington House, located at 1610 20th Street NW, Washington, D.C. Event tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. Twitter event hashtag: #ELA2011.

Debra Silimeo, Senior Vice President at Hager Sharp Inc. and 2010 Washington PR Woman of the Year will emcee. ABC7/WJLA-TV reporter Jennifer Donelan will be a featured speaker.

The 2011 Emerging Leaders Awards is made possible by the following local businesses:

Gold Partners: Central Michigan University Off-Campus Programs; Gibraltar Associates; The Capital Buzz; and Vocus
Program Sponsors: C.Fox Communications; Cobert Communications Group; Hager Sharp; Ogilvy PR, National Press Club; and Strauss Radio Strategies
Event Supporters: Sprinkles Cupcakes and ABC7/WJLA

To learn more about WWPR partnership opportunities, please email: sponsorships@wwpr.org.

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, find us on Facebook.com/WashingtonWomeninPR and follow us on Twitter @WWPR.

Newsroom:
https://wwpr.org/newsroom/

Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26564507@N06/5373367881/in/pool-wwpr/

Part 1
By Pattie Yu, Co-founding partner, GYMR Public Relations

The resume came through a referral…three days too late. The new crop of interns had already settled into their workspaces and were busy learning the PR agency ropes. They were among the lucky few in a sea of hundreds of resumes from newly minted college grads. “Would you mind just spending a few minutes by phone and giving her some advice?” the referral asked. “No problem,” I replied, knowing full well my in box, voicemails, emails, linked in requests and grocery lists were growing longer by the minute. When I finished dispensing PR advice in rapid fire, the young woman said, “I wish I could shadow you for a day.” I looked at my calendar. “Well, I’ll be giving a presentation in Atlanta in mid July.” She said she would drive the hour to meet with me. A few short days later, she called and said, “I can get on a plane from South Carolina and shadow you in DC.” I liked her spunk. Her resume spoke volumes – 3.9 GPA, four year journalism scholarship, three internships, two annual reports to her credit, articulate etc. etc. Sold. We were short staffed with a significant event looming and put her to work. She blended quickly with my crackerjack team…down to slipping on the flats after a 2 am flight to DC, after a 7 am set up in the hotel, after a long day manning the event of corporations and patient and health professional groups — just one day in the life of a PR agency account executive. I know she’s a keeper.

Part 2
By Abby Rouen, South Carolina

My resume came through a referral… three days too late. The rain fell steadily on my post-graduate parade as I held onto the receiver as tightly as I held on to my tenuous hope. “I’ll be down in Atlanta sometime in July,” said Pattie, unaware of the train of determination barreling her way. “Sounds great,” I replied while the wheels continued to turn upstairs. “I can come to Georgia when you are there but I wish I could shadow you for a day.” And with that wistful remark, Pattie distractedly agreed. Her first mistake. I ran downstairs to find my parents, excitedly recounting each pearl of wisdom, stringing them on the necklace I planned to wear with my fresh interview suit. By the end of the story, flights had been reserved, emails were sent and a pink crocodile laptop sleeve was headed for our front door. I looked down, Cloud Nine was hovering thousands of feet below.

• 2:00 a.m. Kiss my poodle good bye, pull out of the driveway and nervously chatter while my mother takes us farther away from the South Carolina state line.
• 6:30 a.m. Sit in the Charlotte-Douglas airport, curse my parents’ insistence on arriving everywhere two hours early and stare at my untoasted Asiago bagel.
• 8:30 a.m. Plane departs, impatiently wait for the beverage cart and balk at the $5 bag of almonds.
• 10:00 a.m. Hail my first single cab, attempt to engage the driver in polite conversation and resolve myself to sitting silently in the back, staring out of the window and lessening my chances of being abducted. 10:20 a.m. Walk into GYMR, get escorted to my desk (!) for a debriefing seconds before a soon to be outdated media list is placed into my hands- so it begins.
• 10:20 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Media lists, cold calls, introductions, attempts to find the bathroom, the kitchen and rubber bands along with a consistent slew of “Would you mind if I asked a question?” sweetened by the saccharine twang of a slight southern accent. Follow up with a quick change in the company bathroom, a mascara wand stuck in my eye and a mad dash to attend my first event: The PRSA Hall of Fame Senior Leaders Series featuring the associate administrator of NASA communication, David Weaver. Not too shabby.
• 7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. Stare in awe at the room full of industry giants, shake hands while discussing my background and career, subversively make my way towards the enticing cheese display and stand at rapt attention while listening to David Weaver, associate administrator for the Office of NASA Communications.
• 9:00 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. Dinner at Rolls and Rice, staring at the ceiling of the beautiful home of my new mentor while replaying the day in my head, over and over, like a two-star Lifetime movie. Not bad for my first day.

In this issue:

Emerging Leaders
Sponsorship
Upcoming Events
WWPR Blog
WWPR around the Town
Get Involved
Member Spotlight
Articles of Interest
Membership News
Job Board

Emerging Leaders

Would you like to catch a glimpse of the next generation of leaders in Public Relations?

Next month, Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) will announce its top finalists for the second annual Emerging Leaders Awards, which honors three outstanding young women (ages 21-35) in the Washington, D.C., area who have excelled in public relations and related fields.

Honorees will be recognized at a cocktail reception and awards ceremony on Tuesday, July 26 at Darlington House. To purchase tickets please visit  www.wwpr.org/events/. We look forward to seeing everyone on July 26 as we celebrate the best and brightest emerging communication professionals!

Interested in sponsorship or partnership opportunities for ELA?  Please contact Lisa Newman at sponsorships@wwpr.org.

Top

Sponsorship and Partnership

Are you looking for the perfect opportunity to promote your business and connect with Washington communicators? Whether your goal is to increase your customer base, develop new partnerships, or align your company with industry leaders WWPR and its two widely anticipated events – Emerging Leaders Awards reception and PR Woman of the Year – will provide unparalleled exposure and help you reach your company’s outreach goals. Year-long involvement with WWPR will provide ongoing exposure, greatly increase your brand presence, drive web traffic, and generate qualified leads. Please join us in partnership along with influential movers and shakers..

We invite you to sponsor WWPR industry events and showcase your company in partnership with WWPR. For more information, please email us at sponsorships@wwpr.org. We look forward to helping you meet your business goals!

Top

Upcoming Events

WWPR Intern Event: Calling All Interns (Soon to be announced!)
Attention communication interns!  During the month of July, Porter Novelli summer interns Kelly Dumke, Parnia Ghazanfari and Rachel Krasnow will be planning fun, exclusive events just for you in collaboration with WWPR. Join us for networking, socializing, and learning in a relaxed environment. If you are interested in helping plan email us at WWPRinterns@gmail.com. We hope you can join us!

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.

– July 13: Burson-AWC Breakfast – Unleashing the Twittersphere

– July 20: PRSA-NCC – When Crisis Strikes: Scenario-Based Training to Avoid Communication Regrets Before, During and After a High Stakes Event

– July 26: WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards

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

Top

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:

– Making the most of networking events

– Who needs newspapers? A report on the status of newspapers in America

– Social Media and Crisis Communications: A Recap of the May Professional Development Event

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

Top

WWPR Around the Town

WWPR Helps Thrive DC to Publicize New Partnership with Zipcar DC
The Pro Bono Committee did a great job reaching out to the press regarding Thrive DC Day, which took place May 26 at the Freshfarm Market near the White House. Thrive DC receives food donations from various sources including the Freshfarm market, but has trouble getting them back to their location in Columbia Heights. As part of the partnership, Zipcar DC will be encouraging its members to use their cars to pick up and deliver food for Thrive DC.

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo with Capitol Communicators
Capitol Communicators hosted their annual Cinco de Mayo event at Local 16 restaurant on U Street, N.W. For a second year, WWPR was an event sponsor. It was a stellar event with great networking, and we all loved the MingleStick – a small keychain-like device that keeps a digital record of each person’s event connections. Thank you Capitol Communicator and WWPR members!

We love our partners and sponsors! If you’re interested in learning more about the great benefits from partnering with WWPR, please visit our Partners page.

Top

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.
• Love media relations and want to do some pitching for an upcoming Thrive DC event? For more information, please email probono@wwpr.org.
• We love our partners and sponsors! If you’re interested in learning more about the great benefits from partnering with WWPR, please visit our Partners page.
• Interested in writing for the WWPR Blog? Members can send submissions to debbie@wwpr.org.
• Attend the next Woman of the Year Committee meeting. For more information, please email woy@wwpr.org.

Top

Member Spotlight

Member Spotlight: Kate Connors

Kate Connors, associate at Chlopak, Leonard, Schechter and Associates (CLS), was drawn to Washington for its thriving political environment, the wealth of historical information and educational sites, and of course – the amazing restaurant scene. And like many Washingtonians, Kate has a deep interest in history – it was her major at the George Washington University. Her interests progressed as she realized her love for research, communications, marketing and media outreach at several internships at organizations including the Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project; Sapers and Wallack; National Public Radio; and, most recently, CLS.

At CLS, Kate’s primary work has been on the agency’s wine accounts. She has assisted in the re-design of several websites and blogs, which helped with search engine optimization (SEO) increased user traffic. Kate also initiated several digital campaigns to help increase the number of followers and online engagement.

Kate joined WWPR and right away became involved with the Woman of the Year committee, where she is able to contribute her event planning experience. She worked with graphic designer, Alziro Braga Graphic Design, to create the digital Save the Date. She is always working to garner sponsorship opportunities for the event.

Top

Articles of Interest

Five Myths PR Pros Have About the Media (Ragan’s PR Daily)

How Google’s Larry Page Thinks about Search (Business Insider)

PR Industry Sets Top Four Measurement Priorities (AMEC)

Nick Kristof: Making a Difference with Tweets (Social Times)

Top

Membership News

New Members
– Theresa Harrison
– Michelle Cragle
– Christine Mitchell
– Candice Mackel
– Jennifer Bernisderfer
– Marilyn Stackhouse
– Pam Fielding

Renewals
– Stefanie Pidgeon
– Allison Zemanski
– Michelle Lancaster
– Donna Savarese

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.

Top

Job Board: DC Employment & Volunteer Opportunities
Post a job with WWPR to connect with outstanding communications professionals in our area! The posting is free and will run for 30 days. You can visit
www.wwpr.org/jobs today and click on the “Post a Job” button.

Please contact web@wwpr.org with questions or feedback on this new feature.

Top