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Press Release: WWPR Inducts 2022 Board of Directors

Post date January 18, 2022
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[et_pb_section][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text]WASHINGTON, January 18, 2022 – Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), a leading resource for female communications professionals in the nation’s capital, today announced its 2022 Board of Directors. In lieu of a vote at the organization’s Annual Meeting, all WWPR members were invited to vote online for the new board in January. The 2022 Board is as follows:

President: Jacqueline Wilson, Stratacomm
Vice President: Elynsey Price, Marriott International
Vice President: Zorie Valchev, Novartis
Past President: Christina Francisco, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
Treasurer: Aisha Johnson, U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission
Secretary: Suzanne Struglinski, Industry Dive
Sponsorship/Partnership Chair: Avelyn Austin, REQ
Content Co-Chair: Agatha Aramayo, Stratacomm
Design: Amber Lopez, Independent Lubricant Manufacturer Association (ILMA)
Digital Marketing: Florence Sumaray, Ethics & Compliance Initiative (ECI)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Chair: K. Kim Atterbury, Comcast NBCUniversal
Emerging Leaders Awards Co-Chair: Erika Dyer, Curley Company
Emerging Leaders Awards Co-Chair: Stephanie Wight, JPA Health
Membership Co-Chair: Ianthe Metzger, Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Membership Co-Chair: Stephanie Miceli, The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Pro Bono Co-Chair: Chelsea Echavarria, Edelman
Pro Bono Co-Chair: Kara Hauck, March of Dimes
Professional Development Co-Chair: Elissa Brooks, Ethics & Compliance Initiative (ECI)
Professional Development Co-Chair: Makini Nyanteh, American Institutes for Research
Social Media Chair: Alyssa Hackbarth, Liberty Hospitality Group
Woman of the Year Co-Chair: Jessica Brown, Conservation International
Woman of the Year Co-Chair: Colleen Gallagher, OnWrd & UpWrd

WWPR has cultivated and inspired female communicators to reach their full potential in the DC market and beyond for more than four decades. The organization is committed to providing leadership opportunities, professional development, mentorship, and industry networking and the Board of Directors accomplishes this by leading the charge throughout all of its programming. “We are excited for the exceptional group of communicators who comprise our 2022 WWPR Board of Directors,” said Jacqueline Wilson, 2022 WWPR President. “They bring a wealth of knowledge from all aspects of the communications industry and are passionate about providing WWPR members with a compelling line up of informative content and professional development opportunities for the year ahead.” Throughout the year, WWPR will continue to host its annual professional development and networking events for female communicators at every stage of their careers, including 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[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

President’s Letter: December 2021

Post date December 14, 2021
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Anyone else still wrapping their head around the fact that 2021 is almost over? Every year tends to fly by faster and faster, but this year in particular it’s hard for me to believe holiday season is already in full swing. 2021, like it’s predecessor 2020, brought unprecedented times in our world in many ways. I like to believe we were all better equipped with more tools in our toolboxes to adapt in 2021 to the ever changing landscape that the pandemic in particular brought our way. That’s not to say it’s made it any easier, but hopefully more manageable in certain aspects. I’m so proud of everything WWPR was able to accomplish in the past year while continuing to operate mostly virtual. We facilitated a wide range of events and member engagement opportunities throughout the year that included:

Offering an exciting line-up of speakers such as Ashley Etienne, former Communications Director for VP Kamala Harris; Dr. LeMia Jenkins Thompson, Global Head of Communications for Pinterest; Lisa Matthews, AP; and Lisa Osborne Ross, U.S. CEO of Edelman.
Launching a new online forum for members to actively engage with each other through the WWPR Google Group where members share job opportunities, seek out recommendations and share relevant industry information and best practices.
Facilitating a unique virtual pre-event networking opportunity to kick off the 2021 Emerging Leaders Award ceremony where a number of members participated in building their own terrariums.
Servicing our 2020-2021 pro bono client, Academy of Hope, with a core team of 10 WWPR members who provided support such as a comprehensive communications audit, developed brand messaging and style guide, and facilitated a spokesperson media training during our two year engagement.
Safely hosting an in-person gathering of WWPR past presidents and Woman of the Year honorees.
Virtually celebrating our 2021 Woman of the Year Susan Waldman, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Meals on Wheels America.

All of this and more was possible because of the dedication and collaboration of our 2021 board and their supporting committees. WWPR experienced an unprecedented year in its own right, with 5 sitting board members welcoming new babies in 2021! I witnessed the true spirit of teamwork as the board collectively stepped up to cover for fellow members while we rotated through maternity leaves, including my own. I continue to be in awe of the phenomenal women that make up the WWPR community, on both a professional and a personal level, and inspired daily to get to call you friends and colleagues. As we wrap up the year and look ahead to 2022, I’d like to extend a huge thank you to our members who continue to make WWPR a place to connect, collaborate and support each other as we navigate, lead and evolve the communications industry in the Washington, DC area together. On behalf of the 2021 WWPR board, we hope everyone has the opportunity to rest and recharge over the holidays and we look forward to seeing you in 2022! Happy Holidays, Jacqueline Wilson WWPR’s 2021 Vice President / 2022 President-elect[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Announcing the 2021 Woman of the Year and Top Takeaways from a Marketing Leader

Post date December 7, 2021
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On November 18, WWPR named Susan Waldman, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Meals on Wheels America, the 2021 Woman of the Year during a virtual ceremony.

Susan was selected for her dynamic and strong leadership, professionally and personally, amidst the challenging past year as well as her record of excellence and accomplishments in her career thus far. 2020 Woman of the Year honoree Jennifer Curley, President and CEO of Curley Company, had the honor of announcing the winner. Read more about Susan in our announcement press release.

“We’ve all been challenged this past year in so many ways. What a wonderful way to look up and be in celebration with an amazing group of women.” – 2021 Woman of the Year Susan Waldman, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Meals on Wheels America

During the ceremony, attendees heard from keynote speaker Shantel Goodman-Luckett, Chief Experience Officer of the National Association for College Admission Counseling and established marketing leader. Here were her top four pieces of advice:

Remember Why You Do This Work
Shantel described the best advice she received from her mentor. It was to always remember what you are here to do. She still uses that advice each day and encourages attendees to do the same whenever their confidence is shaken.
Set Boundaries
Only you can set your own boundaries. Also, don’t assume. Manage up to help your leaders lead you. If you don’t ask, the answer will always be “no.”
Make Sure You Are Aware and Understanding of Others
Especially as a leader, it is important to practice empathy and understanding. Especially with those you don’t interact with on a regular basis. Make sure you are regularly listening and actually hearing your employees, as well as regularly evaluating how well your organization is meeting their needs.
Go Where You Are Celebrated, Not Tolerate
You deserve a place where you can be passionate, innovative, and supported. As you find your voice and create boundaries, make sure you are in a place where that is valued. If you are a leader, create space for all associates to not only be celebrated, but also to take care of themselves. That starts with modeling healthy behavior.

The event opened with an address from the Woman of the Year chairs and a special message from 2021 WWPR President Christina Francisco. Brenda Foster, Senior Vice President of Vanguard Communications, and Carrie Fox, Founder and CEO of Mission Partners, Benefit LLC, were also honored as 2021 Woman of the Year finalists.

Member Spotlight: Amber Bentley, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, SRB Communications

Post date November 29, 2021
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Tell me about your background and what drew you to SRB Communications.
I’m a true “PR girl” at heart! I’ve been attracted to this industry since I was in high school and knew this field is where I would ultimately start and build my career.

After graduating from Hampton University with a degree in Public Relations and Marketing, I realized that, while I love PR, it wasn’t going to be enough for me. I had larger aspirations to become a business owner in this industry one day. I realized I needed to find a job that would allow me to become a well-rounded professional in the larger field of communications and marketing, while also getting to fuel my passion for PR—and that is what led me to SRB Communications.

Reading about Dr. Sheila Brooks, our President and CEO at SRB Communications, and the journey she took over the years to get the agency to where it was when I first started at the company in 2016 was beyond inspiring. The impactful client work and hundreds of awards for that work also caught my eye. This all instantly let me know the team was serious about their work and it was clearly leaving an impact on others.

What is a typical day like in your current role as Vice President of Marketing and Communications?
I always laugh when I get asked this question because there is truly no typical day. That’s the beauty of my job! I can’t ever get bored at SRB Communications.

My role is to work as the right-hand to the CEO by leading the agency’s account team and the day-to-day work with our clients. I drive a broad range of communications, PR and marketing strategies, both internally and externally, to help proactively meet and exceed our clients’ needs, while ensuring the SRB story is told at the same time. It’s so hard to think about yourself when you serve major clients each day. However, I make it a point to always put on my PR hat for a little each day to see how we can amplify SRB’s work or share agency milestones with our unique target audiences.

My day could include anything from leading client meetings, pitching our CEO or the agency to the media, planning a client event, conceptualizing paid, earned and owned media strategies, writing communications plans, assisting with business development efforts, supporting the team by reviewing or approving campaign assets, and more. Oh, and I can’t forget a routine trip to Starbucks in between!

What do you enjoy most about working at SRB Communications?
I love the fact that I get to wake up each day and go to work for a 31-year-old established minority- and women-owned business. As a black woman who aspires to be a CEO one day, what better experience than to be at a company where the Founder, President, and CEO is someone you can look up to, learn from and grow with? Being at an agency that puts diversity, equity and inclusion at the forefront is such a fulfilling feeling. Many agencies can say that they do multicultural marketing, but at SRB Communications it is a part of who we are. We are a fusion of creative and diverse talent and everyone has a seat at the table here.

What advice would you give to women looking to advance their careers in an agency?
Don’t pigeon-hole yourself into just one area of expertise. The more diverse your portfolio and career experience is, the better. It’s one thing to be extremely well-versed in public relations, but it’s another thing to be extremely well-versed in “public relations and…” (you insert the second, third or fourth skill). That’s what is attractive when you are coming to the agency world. It’s what can make you more marketable, along with the proven ability to multitask, be accountable, and thrive in fast paced environments. Believe me when I say, agency settings are like no other.

Also, this is a small additional piece of advice, but one that has been so impactful for me. Always seek ways to improve your skills. Join a new organization, attend a conference, take an online course, etc. Your learning doesn’t stop when you secure a new job. As my CEO always says, “you must be a lifelong learner.” Trends are always changing, and, in this industry, we all have to stay abreast of them to succeed.

What do you love about WWPR?
The things I love most about WWPR are the networking opportunities and the professional development events. WWPR allows me the opportunity to connect with and learn from so many influential leaders in this region and that knowledge is truly priceless. It’s a great feeling taking a strategy that I have learned from someone in WWPR and incorporating that into my work at SRB Communications.

Finally, but most importantly, it feels so good seeing such a diverse group of women—who come from all walks of life, who are in various levels of their careers—come together and are connected through our love for public relations. Women supporting women, that’s the way it should be.

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WASHINGTON WOMEN IN PUBLIC RELATIONS ANNOUNCES 2021 WOMAN OF THE YEAR WINNER

Post date November 18, 2021
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Woman of the Year recognizes the leading women who have been visionaries in our field paving the way for the future of our profession

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) named Susan Waldman, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Meals on Wheels America, the 2021 Woman of the Year. Established in 1990, this award program recognizes individuals who have raised the bar in the communications field and paved the way for the future of the profession.

Throughout her communications career, Waldman has been at the center of transformational decision making on behalf of her consulting clients and in her client-side roles. She has led strategic communications planning, branding, advertising, marketing and public relations initiatives for organizations like Discovery, Disney, Verizon, Northwest Airlines, NASA, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

In her current role, Waldman has driven national campaigns that forged significant increases in brand attributes and awareness; turned a federal budget threat into one of the largest budget increases ever awarded; recruited nearly 250,000 new volunteers and supporters; and most recently, raised unprecedented emergency relief funding in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger.

“We are thrilled to honor Susan for her dynamic and strong leadership, professionally and personally, amidst the challenging past year.” said Christina Francisco, WWPR President. “WWPR is proud to recognize the achievements of Susan and the other finalists and we look forward to what they will achieve in the future.”

Brenda Foster, Senior Vice President of Vanguard Communications, and Carrie Fox, Founder and CEO of Mission Partners, Benefit LLC, were also honored as 2021 Woman of the Year finalists.

A distinguished panel of judges selected the winner based on her record of excellence and accomplishments in her careers thus far, as well leadership qualities and ethical standards. The 2021 judges included Lauren Lawson-Zilai, Pattie Yu, Jennifer Curley and Stephenie Fu.

The Woman of the Year winner was announced at a virtual awards reception today, Thursday, November 18. Shantel Goodman-Luckett, Chief Experience Officer for the National Association for College Admission Counseling, gave the inspiring keynote address.

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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.

CONTACT:
woy@wwpr.org

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