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Introducing the 2019 WWPR Board of Directors

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”2019 Introduction” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

We are excited to introduce you to the 2019 WWPR Board of Directors slate. With these women at the helm, we know WWPR will be successful in reaching its mission to create a member-based professional society that cultivates and inspires female communicators to reach their full potential in the DC market and beyond. We’re looking forward to a momentous year full of programming and networking! 

The formal induction of the Board will occur on January 17, 2018 at the Hamilton in DC. Tickets include a seated two-course lunch. To secure your reservation, please register here.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”2019 WWPR BOARD SLATE” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

2019 WWPR BOARD SLATE

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”President” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

President

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Amanda Cate” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Amanda Cate

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Amanda Cate” src=”https://wwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Amanda-Ott.jpg” alt=”WWPR President – Amanda Cate” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandaott1/” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” disabled=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

American Society of Anesthesiologists
Senior Governmental and Political Outreach Manager

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Vice President” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Vice President

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Sarah Beth Cloar” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Sarah Beth Cloar

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Sarah Beth Cloar” src=”https://wwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Sarah-Beth-Cloar.jpg” alt=”Vice President – Sarah Beth Cloar” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-beth-cloar/” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” disabled=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Edelman
Senior Account Supervisor, Brand

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Past President” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Past President

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Danielle Veira” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Danielle Veira

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Danielle Veira” src=”https://wwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Danielle-Veira.jpg” alt=”Vice President – Danielle Veira” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielleveira/” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” disabled=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off” disabled_on=”off|off|”]

A Better Chicago
Director of Communications and Engagement

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Secretary” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Secretary

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Julie Malveaux” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Julie Malveaux

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Julie Malveaux” src=”https://wwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Photo-Coming-Soon.png” alt=”WWPR Secretary – Julie Malveaux” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-malveaux-864ba01/” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” disabled=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Communications Consultant [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Treasurer” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Treasurer

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Susan Matthews Apgood” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Susan Matthews Apgood

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Susan Matthews Apgood ” alt=”WWPR Treasurer – Susan Matthews Apgood” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-matthews-apgood-bab5441/” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” disabled=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” src=”https://wwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/apgood.jpg”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

News Generation, Inc
President & CEO

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”SPONSORSHIP/ PARTNERSHIP CHAIR” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Sponsorship/Partnership Chair

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Avelyn Austin” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Avelyn Austin

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Avelyn Austin” alt=”WWPR Sponsorship/Partnership Chair – Avelyn Austin” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/avelynaustin/” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” disabled=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” src=”https://wwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Avelyn-Austin.jpg”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

REQ
Vice President, Strategy & Development

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Content Marketing Chair” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Content Marketing Chair

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Jennifer Dunn” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Jennifer Dunn

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Jennifer Dunn” alt=”WWPR Content Chair – Jennifer Dunn” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenndunn/” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” disabled=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” src=”https://wwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Jennifer-Dunn.jpg”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Business Wire
Senior Account Manager

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Digital Engagement Chair” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Digital Engagement Chair

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Kasey Lum Condra” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Kasey Lum Condra

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Kasey Lum Condra” alt=”WWPR Digital Engagement Chair – Kasey Lum Condra” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaseylcondra/” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” disabled=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” src=”https://wwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/kasey-lum-condra.jpeg”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Social Media Manager

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Digital Strategy Chair” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Digital Strategy Chair

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Christina Francisco” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Christina Francisco

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Christina Francisco” alt=”WWPR Digital Strategy Chair – Christina Francisco” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafrancisco/” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” disabled=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” src=”https://wwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Christina-Francisco.jpg”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

ASHP
Director, Digital Marketing and Strategy

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Membership Co-Chairs” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Membership Co-Chairs

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Stacy ” alt=”WWPR Membership Co-Chair – Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-fitzgerald-redd-33181b1a/” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” disabled=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” src=”https://wwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/stacyfitzgeraldredd-e1534386545371.jpg”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

North American Insulation Manufacturers Association
Director, Marketing and Communications

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Zorie Valchev” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Zorie Valchev

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Zorie” alt=”WWPR Membership Co-Chair – Zorie Valchev” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/zorie-valchev/” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” disabled=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” src=”https://wwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Photo-Coming-Soon.png”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Novartis
PAC Manager

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Professional Development Co-Chairs” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Professional Development Co-Chairs

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Sarah Beccio” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Sarah Beccio

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Sarah Beccio” alt=”WWPR Professional Development Co-Chair – Sarah Beccio” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-beccio/” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” disabled=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” src=”https://wwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/image2.jpeg”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Indigecomms
Founder & CEO

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Katherine Hurd” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Katherine Hurd

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Katherine Hurd” alt=”WWPR Professional Development Co-Chairs – Katherine Hurd” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-hurd-876326b/” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” disabled=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” src=”https://wwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Photo-Coming-Soon.png”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Baltz & Company
Director

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Pro Bono Co-Chairs” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Pro Bono Co-Chairs

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Carrie Johnson” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Carrie Johnson

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Carrie Johnson” alt=”WWPR Pro Bono Co-Chair – Carrie Johnson” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-johnson-mktg/” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” disabled=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” src=”https://wwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/carrie-johnson.jpeg”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Association of American College and Universities
Communications Liaison

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Bonnie Piper” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Bonnie Piper

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Bonnie Piper” alt=”WWPR Pro Bono – Bonnie Piper” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonniepiper1/” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” disabled=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” src=”https://wwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Bonnie-Piper.jpg”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Senior Communications and Public Affairs Specialist

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Emerging Leader Awards Co-Chairs” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Emerging Leader Awards Co-Chairs

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Elynsey Price” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Elynsey Price

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Elynsey Price” alt=”WWPR Emerging Leader Awards Co-Chairs – Elynsey Price” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/elynseyprice/” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” disabled=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” src=”https://wwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/elynsey.jpg”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Pearson
Manager, US Media

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Sabrena Pringle” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Sabrena Pringle

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Sabrena Pringle” alt=”WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards Co-Chairs – Sabrena Pringle” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrena-pringle-ma-a4b94191/” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” disabled=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” src=”https://wwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Sabrena-Pringle.jpg”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

American Diabetes Association
Associate Director, External Communications

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”PR Woman of the Year Co-Chairs” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

PR Woman of the Year Co-Chairs

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Taylor Leaming” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Taylor Leaming

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Taylor Leaming” alt=”WWPR PR Woman of the Year Co-Chairs- Taylor Leaming” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylormleaming/” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” disabled=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” src=”https://wwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/taylor-leaming.jpeg”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Ketchum
Senior Account Executive

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Christin Lewis” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Christin Lewis

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Christin Lewis” alt=”WWPR PR Woman of the Year Co-Chairs – Christin Lewis” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinlewis/” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” disabled=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” src=”https://wwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ChristinLewis-2-e1533247268101.jpg”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Hilton
Senior Manager, Financial Partnerships Marketing

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Four Factors to Help You Find More Success in the PR Industry

It seems growth in the U.S. PR industry has slowed in the last two years. Worse, profitability appears to be declining as well, according to the Gould + Partners 2016 benchmarking survey.

PR is a tough business and many external factors have an impact on that line between failure and success. How can you ensure your profitability stays on the right side of the line? Yes, you need to keep a sharp eye on costs and beware the dangers of over-servicing, but a slight shift to more of a sales focus (hint, use your non-sales team) can help put your firm ahead of the curve.

On top of managing billable hours and utilization rates, what’s important to watch?

There are four factors that affect sales success and each one independently has an impact on revenue and profitability:

1. Increase the Number of Total Sales

This one is about marketing AND sales. How do you leverage your scarce resources to improve sales volumes consistently?

Increasing sales volume is quintessentially a numbers game; to have success you need more leads generated by marketing or the sheer sales persistence most PR firms don’t have.

What about marketing and selling to existing customers? When you’re looking at new business acquisition costs, winning new business from existing clients is, of course, significantly cheaper and much easier. And you can train your client facing team to initiate these sales. Now you have more opportunities and greater profitability.

2. Increase Average Sale Value

Opportunities for increased revenue growth abound when you apply some basic sales skills to any conversation with a client or a new prospect.

By taking the time to truly understand your customer’s needs you have the opportunity to craft the solution that is the most beneficial for your customer AND yields a greater return. It’s the difference between selling a hungry person a sandwich for lunch, or a full meal with a beverage and a dessert.

In this lunch scenario you’ve just increased your total sale by 30% simply by understanding your customer’s actual need, not what your customer has told you he needs. Now imagine how conversations with existing clients might go when this mindset is applied and your team know how to ask the right questions.

3. Increase Your Conversion Rates

You already know that conversions are happening all the time as a result of marketing and PR. Indeed, there are many mini conversions along the communications path that lead to the ultimate conversion – a sale. But what does that look like when you turn the focus towards your own firm?

When I talk about sales conversion rates, I mean the number of sales made from actual conversations with people. The sorts of conversations that can be influenced directly by your employees’ skills.

Increasing Your Sales Conversation Conversion Rate

Here’s where those of you who have embraced the mindset that selling is really about helping a customer solve a problem will rise to the top. Because this is where your ‘selling’ (listening and questioning) skills make the difference between a mediocre conversion rate and a very good conversion rate.

4. Decrease Sales Cycle Length

It’s surprising the number of people who seem to be unable to close sales to generate revenue for their businesses. And when margins are tight and ratios carefully controlled, spending time on deals that seem like great potential business only to have nothing come of them is tough to swallow.

When you think you have a sale in the bag, and then the days drag by. And then the weeks. What happened?

The reality is that sales cycle length is often out of your control. Business priorities change, employees move to other organizations, businesses are bought and sold. All of which impact potential purchasing. But all too often well-intentioned people let business fall through the cracks.

First, you need to have an understanding of your customer’s budget and purchasing cycle. But more critical is your follow up procedure. Which begins before you ask for the sale.

While you’re discovering what needs to happen for you to make the sale, you’ll be outlining your own procedures for implementation and onboarding. You and your prospect will both understand what you each need to do and when. These are the questions that can shorten the sales cycle.

And then, you’ll be following up. Multiple times. By phone. By email. In person, perhaps. Until you have a signed contract or a definitive ‘no’, your sales opportunity hasn’t gone away. And if you are diligent about this, you’ll find that your sales cycles will shorten.

Focus on The Numbers and Invest in Your People

You already know PR is not a glamorous game. Those who thrive and survive are the ones who do amazing work AND manage the numbers. Which becomes a little bit easier when you provide some basic sales skills to those on the front line.

Teach your people how to spot additional opportunities within existing accounts and how to ask the right sorts of questions. Support a culture of relationship development and consistent follow up. And keep your eye on your mini conversions. When you manage the four factors for sales success, you will find more success. 100%.

Kim Fredrich helps businesses grow sales revenues (and profit!) by helping ‘non-sales’ staff get comfortable with sales and selling. Her one-on-one sales coaching, consultancy and workshops focus on building relationships and having conversations with purpose. She has conducted workshops for Howard University’s In3 Incubator, Hera Hub and the Maryland Women’s Business Center in addition to her private clients.

Her enthusiasm about sales has proven to be infectious! Learn more at kimfredrich.com.

Co-President’s Note: December 2018

Thank you to each and every one of our members who made this year such a resounding success.  Whether you attended one of our professional development events, applied for one of our signature awards, served on a committee, or volunteered with our pro bono client – thank you. I’d be remiss if I didn’t also thank the amazing leaders on the WWPR Advisory Council, the women who serve on the WWPR Board of Directors, and this year’s awe-inspiring President Dani Veira.

Amanda Cate, Co-President, Washington Women in PR
Amanda Cate – WWPR 2018 Co-President, Senior Governmental and Political Outreach Manager, American Society of Anesthesiologists

Looking to next year, we’ve already got a few things planned that you can put into your schedule.  We will kick off 2019 with our WWPR Annual Media Luncheon and Induction (tickets are already available!), and will be partnering with SWEAT DC for a special WWPR class that will be free for members.

I know I have big shoes to fill in 2019, but I’m very excited and am already laying the groundwork for a momentous year.  In 2019, we get to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Emerging Leaders Awards and the 30th anniversary of the Woman of the Year Awards. We may also have a surprise or two up our sleeves, so rest up this winter and get ready for an exciting new year. Have a programming suggestion or feedback? Email me at amanda.cate@wwpr.org.

Now, in the spirit of the holidays, I wrote a wacky poem with a few things to share about WWPR.

On the twelfth month of the year, WWPR gave to me:

12 Months of Programming

11 WWPR Sponsors

10 Years of ELAs

9 WWPR Committees

8 Pro Bono Clients since 1993

7 Days a Week on Repeat of working with amazing female leaders

6 Honorees of ELAs

5 Weeks until Annual Meeting Luncheon

4 Advisory Council Members

3 WWPR Woman of the Year Finalists

2 Co-Presidents in 2018

1 Amazing year of WWPR

Thank you for all of your support, and see you in the new year!

-Amanda
2018 WWPR Co-President

Rising Star: Getting to Know a Sitar Arts Center Alumnus

WWPR chats with Sitar Arts Center alumnus, Israel Nuñez about where he’s headed and the role of Sitar in preparing him to walk his path.

A talented pianist and aspiring toxicologist, Israel Nuñez says he owes his life to Sitar Arts Center. Much as they did with Nuñez, Sitar sets more than 900 young people in D.C. up for success by providing a place for them to flourish through artistic education, personal growth, and professional development. That’s why WWPR is proud to have Sitar Arts Center as our nonprofit pro bono client through 2019.

On Friday, November 9, WWPR celebrated its 29th annual PR Woman of the Year Award luncheon. Nuñez played classical pieces on the Fairmont Georgetown Hotel’s baby grand piano. For those of you who missed his performance, watch this video of Nuñez performing Chopin back in 2012  at Sitar Arts Center. Established in 1990, the Woman of the Year event fosters camaraderie among women in the field and honors the achievements of those who have raised the bar in the profession; of three finalists, Wendy Hagen was chosen. During the luncheon event, Sitar Arts Center’s students’ artwork was on display, and available for purchase via bid in a silent auction. Sitar student-designed postcards were available for WWPR guests at each place setting at the event tables.

Nuñez graduated from Shepherd University with a B.S. in Biochemistry, with the goal of becoming a toxicologist. Israel credits his community of support at Sitar Arts Center with much of his success not only as an artist, but as a scientist as well. At Sitar Arts Center, Israel studied theater, playwriting and piano for more than 10 years. He still returns to Sitar to practice on the Steinway in the Center’s theater.

Read on to learn more about Nuñez’s gifts and experiences with Sitar.

Q&A with Israel Nuñez

How did you hear about Sitar Arts Center and what classes did you take when you were a student there?

My mom heard about Sitar from another mom and signed me up for afterschool arts classes when I was 6 or 7. When I saw all the classes offered, I thought this would be fun. I continued coming to Sitar all the way through high school.

I tried a little of everything: collage, dance, acting, percussion ensemble and private classes for piano. My mom wanted me to play the piano.

What kept you coming back to Sitar?

I was very invested in piano. I practiced so much, four or five days a week. Piano lessons can be expensive but not at Sitar. I think we paid $15 for five months.

Are there any special teachers who stood out to you?

Elizabeth Hochberg was my piano teacher. She pushed me the most to try new things, like pedal use, dynamics and trying to learn music by a variety of composers. Joe Link was my percussion teacher and we performed together during percussion ensemble. I grew up with them looking over me. Together they guided me in becoming the well-rounded musician I am today.

What did you like about coming to Sitar as a student?

Sitar allowed me to explore different interests. I saw so much art. It allowed me to develop a greater appreciation of art and become more than one-dimensional.

How did Sitar Arts Center impact you?

For me, Sitar was my happy place. It was a great stress reliever growing up. It gave me a place to smash a piano to get out my teenage angst. Sitar continues to reach out to me to play and keep my talent alive. It’s a reminder that I shouldn’t waste my gift. It’s a privilege to show off the talent they have given to me.

Did you go to college?

Yes, I attended Shepherd University in West Virginia and graduated with B.S. in Biochemistry in 2016. I thought about majoring in piano as well but that would have been a triple major since biochemistry is really two majors.

Any final thoughts?

Sitar is such a wonderful place. I owe them my life. Who I am today has been heavily influenced by my experiences there. I’m thankful for how they molded me.

About Sitar Arts Center

Sitar’s core mission is to offer multidisciplinary arts education to students from low-income families who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Sitar offers after-school, weekend and summer classes to more than 900 students a year. Read more about Sitar, and keep up with news and events on their website: www.sitarartscenter.org/.

What’s New at Sitar Arts Center? Sitar Café Series Demonstrates the Beauty in Young Potential

Carrie Johnson
Carrie Johnson, M.A., Communications Liaison, AAC&U, and Board of Directors Pro Bono Co-Chair, Washington Women in Public Relations

There’s something about music that invades the soul. Even when you don’t understand the lyrics or are unfamiliar with the melody, it has the capacity to move you.

Add to this scenario a young man expressing himself for one of the first times in a language not his own, in a room full of young people listening in support and reverence, all set in a community dedicated to connecting potential with opportunity, and you have the Sitar Café series.

As you know, Sitar Arts Center is WWPR’s Pro Bono client for 2018-2019. The Pro Bono committee members have spent several months getting to know the organization and supporting their work. An important part of that involves face time at the Center so we can see up close and personal the value of this community arts organization and help them communicate about it.

On October 2, the star from Sitar was 17-year-old Colin. Using recorded music as the backdrop, just steps away from the front door in a space formerly called the Sitar café, he eloquently performed a rendition of Selena’s “No Me Queda Más.” The 30 or so students and parents around him applauded enthusiastically after he completed the final verse.

Was it the music? Or was it the willingness to try? Perhaps both.

Colin only has been taking performing arts classes at Sitar for just over a year, but has quickly blossomed into a powerful vocalist, songwriter and leader. He is a part of the Center’s in-house band – the Saints Band – and studies alongside professional musicians from the DC Jazz Festival.

But that’s not all. He also participates in Sitar’s Emerging Arts Leaders program, which meets weekly to intensely focus on an art form and gain skills for continued study in the arts. His latest skill? Spanish.

At the performance on October 2, Colin showed no fear of performing in a new language, which is yet another one of the Center’s gifts — its focus on enhancing skills of all kinds, from academic performance to social skills such as confidence. Its goal is to create a community where its students of all backgrounds and socioeconomic situations feel welcomed and proud of what they contribute to the world around them.

The Sitar Café Series is a part of that equation.

A few times each semester, Sitar hosts the Café Series to give students the opportunity to perform what they have been working on at Sitar, from singing to music to a dramatic performance. These intimate and informal performances are a special community event. According to Paige Deckelbaum, development associate at Sitar, “Colin has developed a love for the arts and community of support at Sitar. He volunteers at the Center many afternoons each week, helping to make the Center welcoming to all students and families.”

The Sitar Café series: possibly the best kept (performing arts) secret in Washington.

Learn more about WWPR’s pro bono client Sitar Arts Center.

Your Gift this Giving Tuesday Can Make All the Difference: November 27th is Giving Tuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back and helping those in need in our community. WWPR chooses to support our pro bono client Sitar Arts Center this Giving Tuesday, to help open doors of opportunity to children and teens who learn and grow at Sitar each day.  By making a gift during this 24-hour day of giving, you will ensure that no child is turned away from the benefits of a high-quality arts education in a safe and nurturing community. Thank you for supporting the children at Sitar Arts Center this Giving Tuesday.

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