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WASHINGTON WOMEN IN PUBLIC RELATIONS ANNOUNCES 2023 WOMAN OF THE YEAR WINNER

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., Oct. 30, 2023 – On Friday, October 27, 2023, Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) recognized Alisa Valudes Whyte, CEO and Senior Partner at Merritt Group, as its 2023 Woman of the Year. Established in 1990, the Woman of the Year program recognizes individuals who have raised the bar in the communications field and raised the bar for the future of the profession.

Alisa Valudes Whyte joined Merritt Group in 1997 and helped to build and shape the agency since its founding. She led award-winning campaigns for clients in technology, healthcare and government that leverage the right mix of modern marketing, communications and PR strategies to move their businesses forward. In addition to launching dozens of technology and healthcare start-ups over the years, she also helped to reshape a number of established brands.

In 2019, Alisa was honored with a Silver Award for Female Executive of the Year in the annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. In 2015 and 2016, she was named a finalist for DC Inno’s “50 on Fire” and, in 2016, a finalist in Women In Technology’s (WIT) Annual Leadership Awards. Alisa is a champion of Merritt Group’s culture, recognized as a “Great Place to Work” by both Washingtonian and Washington Business Journal. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of several organizations, including the Northern Virginia Technology Council, Neighborhood Health, and the Democratic Business Council of Northern Virginia.

Susan Matthews Apgood, Executive Vice President, Client Engagement and Founder of News Generation Inc., and Lori Russo, President of Stanton Communications were also honored and recognized for their achievements. 2023 Emerging Leader honoree Jalisa Washington-Price formally presented the award.

“We are thrilled to name Alisa as WWPR’s 2023 Woman of the Year and honor her impressive background and accomplishments,” said Zorie Valchev, President, WWPR and Elynsey Price, President, WWPR. “WWPR is proud to recognize the achievements of all three finalists- Alisa, Susan and Lori. Their impressive accomplishments, leadership and contributions have made a meaningful impact on our industry and community at-large.”

The Woman of the Year honoree was announced at a luncheon held at The Eaton in Washington, D.C., the signature event’s second return to in-person format since 2019.

The event featured a fireside chat with Emily Teitelbaum, Chief Communications Officer of Libra Group.  Moderated by Gemma Puglisi, 2022 Woman of the Year and Assistant Professor at American University, their conversation highlighted important insights around today’s communications landscape. The event also highlighted WWPR’s commitment to serving the DC-area community with funds raised for the organization’s pro bono client, New Endeavors by Women (NEW), a DC-area non-profit organization that provides supportive services and housing to local women and children.


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 X, formerly Twitter, @WWPR and on Instagram @WWPRDC.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Jessica Brown
jessica.brown@wwpr.org

Member Spotlight: Kelsey Nelson, Director of Communications at the National Foster Youth Institute  (NFYI)

Kelsey Nelson is currently the  Director of Communications at the National Foster Youth Institute  (NFYI) and WWPR 2023 Emerging Leader Award Winner in the Non-Profit category

Kelsey Nelson, Director of Communications. National Foster Youth Institute  (NFYI)

Tell me about your background and what drew you to your new position.  

I have worked in a variety of industries, including nonprofits, education, sports, and politics. My background draws from an array of strategic marketing, digital media, communications, and public relations disciplines. I also have a strong background in broadcast media, having worked as an on-air journalist and media lecturer at George Washington University. Essentially, I’m a storyteller, helping to bring purpose and cause to the right audience. Prior to my current role, I worked as the Senior Manager of External Relations for Learning Heroes, where I led a partnerships team and co-led a communications team.

 In April of this year, I began my current role as the Director of Communications for the National Foster Youth Institute, a national youth development nonprofit with offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. I was drawn to this position because I am a huge proponent of using your platform for a purpose. I wanted to be part of the organizational change occurring within the organization to help them achieve an even greater positive impact for current and former foster youth and their families, helping to positively transform the child welfare system.

I also loved the challenge of starting as a one-person communications department with the opportunity to expand, cultivate, and build upon the organization’s current framework.

Previously, I have spoken to foster youth through the DC Child and Family Services Agency as well as worked as a mentor to foster children in DCPS and DC area public charter schools, but I wanted the opportunity to work with foster youth on a larger scale to be able to have more of a direct and positive influence on their growth, journey, and development not just here in the DMV but nationally.

What is the most exciting or rewarding project you’ve done recently or in your overall career?  

Most recently, a project I was very excited to work on with NFYI was our 2023 Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day program. From June 11–15, the 2023 Congressional Leadership Academy (CLA) class participated in the annual Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day Experience on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. This week-long event, which hosted current and former foster youth from across the country, provided 22 CLA delegates representing 20 states with the chance to directly impact policy and connect with members of Congress. Thirty members of Congress participated in this year’s Shadow Day programming. The week-long event included a congressional town hall, a gala, a congressional awards luncheon honoring members of the 118th Congress, a kickoff and opening session featuring Miss District of Columbia 2023 Cassie Baloue, and a congressional awards luncheon. Throughout the week, CLA participants also participated in a wide variety of workshops.

I’m also very excited to work on our #LostDaysJJ campaign, which will this year highlight the disproportionate number of Black and brown foster youth and their families who get torn apart due to being locked up due to minor drug offenses in the juvenile justice system. This will be the second year our organization runs the #LostDays campaign, and it will be my first time getting to be part of it.

We are also gearing up for the 3rd annual NFYI Virtual 5K, taking place October 6–8. The #NFYI5K is meant to bring awareness to issues and challenges that continue to plague the child welfare system. We have a goal to get individuals from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., to participate with a goal of raising $20,000. For this upcoming race weekend, I also just launched a newly created race ambassador program to highlight the stories of current and former foster youth to help uplift and amplify #FosterYouthVoices.

As an Emerging Leader Award Winner and member of WWPR, what have you gained from your experience? 

First off, let me say I am still so thankful to be named a 2023 Emerging Leader Award winner by WWPR. This accolade was so special to me and one I hold near and dear to my heart. It was an amazing opportunity to be amongst and recognized by some of the best in the industry, as well as to hear an inspiring keynote by Devi Thomas. From this experience, I have had the opportunity to become an official WWPR member, which has given me a great opportunity to further connect with my peers in the communications and public relations space. Attending in-person events and having a chance to support New Endeavors by Women has also been great.

What PR trends do you see happening in 2023 and what kind of influence has it had or will have on professionals in the industry?  

The PR field is always changing, always providing a challenge and new skills to learn, which is why I love working in it. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken the field by storm, while always leaving desired questions. How we use AI in a safe and effective way to help digital storytellers has been something I have been learning about to help run effective communications campaigns. Another trend to follow is social responsibility, especially as we continue to dive into a highly contested political election cycle. Some issues will require organizations to have a clear stance to not accept prejudice and bigotry, and publicly declaring that an intolerance of fairness will not be accepted. This trend will increase the need for public statements and op-eds. As trends change, I am excited to be able to lead a conversation with Meltwater on various topics in the industry on September 27th. 

Is there any particular book, podcast or influencer you would recommend? How has it impacted your life?  

The next book to read on my book list is “Belonging: A Daughter’s Search for Identity Through Loss and Love” book by Michelle Miller. I received a copy of the book this year during Essence Fest at the National Urban League’s Women in Harmony Awards. I believe so many of us are influenced by our families and how society views the construct of race. But before I read this book, what has truly captivated me was Coco Gauff’s U.S. Open win. I love quotes!

 “Speaking things into existence is real. I’ve been trying to speak more positively of myself and actually telling myself that I’m a great player.” — Coco Gauff

“The more experience you get being pushed to these limits, the further I guess those limits can go.” — Coco Gauff

Coco’s story of perseverance, following her dream led her to this moment of being a Grand Slam champion, who won her first major at the US Open.

For me, it’s always remembering the journey and knowing that by staying steadfast, working hard, and being consistent, you can achieve anything! Quotes from inspiring figures like Coco Gauff, who has achieved so much at the mere age of 19 as a pro athlete, provide motivation for me daily. She also knows what it is to play from behind and has the mental fortitude, toughness, and emotional maturity to push through any obstacle or battle, which is so important when working in this field. You can always bounce back from a bad day or bad time! Don’t rush your moment.

Member Spotlight: Falen Petros, Account Supervisor, Public Health at CURA Strategies

Falen Petros is an Account Supervisor, Public Health at CURA Strategies and WWPR 2023 Emerging Leader Award Winner in the Boutique Agency category

Tell me about your background and what drew you to your new position.  

Before joining CURA, I served as a Member Success Specialist at Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA), where I worked with public health thought leaders from across the country to address childcare system needs through an equity and public health lens. During my time at CCAoA, I was also able to receive my master’s degree in public health education and promotion. I was drawn to my current position because of its focus on public health communications and promotions.

What is the most exciting or rewarding project you’ve done recently or in your overall career?  

I would have to say my most exciting project was the Rockford Ready Health Literacy Poetry Series in which I led, developed and executed for my client. To reach one of the hardest-to-reach populations in Rockford—the younger Latinx population—I contacted the City of Rockford’s 2022 Youth Poet to seek her interest in partnering with Rockford Ready to educate the community on health literacy by highlighting her personal experiences navigating the health care system as a daughter of Spanish-speaking immigrants. She agreed and worked with me to develop a 5-part video poetry series. The series covered her all-too-familiar experience as a minor translating for her parents in health care settings, the taboo of discussing family medical history, and the use of emergency care for preventable health episodes. Since its launch in Nov. 2022, the series has attracted over 950 YouTube views and 8,500 Facebook views and was featured in the Chicago Tribune.

As an Emerging Leader Award Winner and member of WWPR, what have you gained from your experience? 

As a 2023 Emerging Leader, I was able to connect with my peers and learn more about what PR looks like across different industries and company sizes. This honor was also an opportunity to reflect on my definition of leadership and improve my daily practice of it. I’ll also note that I left inspired by our keynote speaker, Devi Thomas.

What PR trends do you see happening in 2023 and what kind of influence has it had or will have on professionals in the industry?  

I think the biggest trend I’ve seen in public health communications is the weariness audiences have experienced hearing from the CDC on COVID-related updates. We’ve found success in focusing on sharing information and updates through trusted community voices.

Is there any particular book, podcast or influencer you would recommend? How has it impacted your life?  While this book may be familiar to some, I would say Atomic Habits by James Clear. My performance as a public health and PR professional is simply a compilation of decision-making moments. Zooming out a bit, I feel that my sense of fulfillment and contentment relies on my everyday decisions. Strong habits fuel positive outcomes.

WWPR SEEKS NEW APPLICANTS FOR NEW PRO BONO CLIENT

WWPR Pro Bono Committee to Provide Communications Counsel and Support to Qualified Local Nonprofit Organization
Serving Women or Children

Washington, DC – June 26, 2023 – Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), announced that it is actively seeking a new pro-bono client for a two-year term commencing in January 2024. The professional organization is inviting nonprofit organizations serving women and/or families in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area to apply to work with WWPR, which has provided public relations support and strategy to local organizations since its inception in 1992.

As part of a 259-member strong organization dedicated to serving women in the public relations and communications fields, WWPR’s Pro Bono Committee is exclusively focused on helping its client achieve and amplify the impact of its key communications objectives during the two-year term. The scope of services varies depending on the pro bono client needs but may include strategic planning, branding, messaging, media training, media outreach and monitoring, event planning, digital communication and/or website support, social media engagement, or other communications-related services.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on Monday, July 31. Organizations interested in applying for this program must :

  • Be based or headquartered in the Washington, DC metro area
  • Focus on serving women and/or families
  • Have 501(c)3 status
  • Have been operating for at least 24 months 
  • A dedicated point person to liaise with WWPR 

Completed applications should be submitted via a form at https://forms.gle/Knw8EY5oRDXWqZPb9. 

You may also download a Word version of the form here to draft before submitting. Please note, all nominations must be submitted via the Google form, emailed submissions will not be accepted. 

“I loved working with the smart and highly capable WWPR women. They helped us develop a media strategy the first year that included lists and data that we’ll be using for years to come. During the second year, they performed a website audit that gave me so much brilliant information about how I can use our website smarter,” said Moira McLaughlin, Communications Manager for New Endeavors by Women. “But maybe my favorite part about the group was the way they showed up for us, at events, getting our name out there and even managing our social media at our annual fundraiser. They are talented but also committed and a joy to work with.”

“WWPR had the privilege to partner with New Endeavors by Women (NEW) to help transform the lives of women and end the cycle of homelessness. As public relations and communications professionals, we remain dedicated to telling the story of the countless women who have benefited from NEW’s bold mission. WWPR is committed to empowering women and we look forward to partnering with another inspiring local social impact driven organization for the 2024-2025 term,” said Zorie Valchev, WWPR President, and Elynsey Price, WWPR President.

Following an application review and interview process, WWPR will announce a new Pro Bono client in January 2024. For more information about WWPR, please visit www.wwpr.org. Specific questions about the application process, contact Anne Thomas and Maggie Moore at probono@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.

CONTACT
Name: Anne Thomas, Maggie Moore 
Title: WWPR Pro Bono Committee Co-Chairs 
Email: anne.thomas@wwpr.org; maggie.moore@wwpr.org

WASHINGTON WOMEN IN PUBLIC RELATIONS ANNOUNCES 2023 EMERGING LEADERS AWARDS WINNERS

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 20, 2023) — The Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), a professional society for female communicators in the greater capital area, named its 2023 class of Emerging Leaders Awards (ELAs). The six winners were selected from a diverse and impressive slate of rising stars, ages 25-35, who have excelled in public relations and related fields, and given back to the industry by contributing their skills and talents to innovative initiatives and projects. 

“We continue to celebrate the remarkable achievements of young women who are boldly challenging the status quo and fearlessly breaking down barriers in the rapidly changing landscape of public relations and communications,” said Zorie Valchev, President, WWPR and Elynsey Price, President, WWPR. “Congratulations to the finalists and the honorees who were selected from a record number of nominations. We look forward to following their careers and supporting them along the way.”

The 2023 WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards Winners are:

Corporate: Jordun Lawrence, Manager, Impact Communications at PayPal

Jordun is a key convener and collaborator who spearheads communications efforts that humanize the PayPal brand and highlight PayPal’s mission to improve financial health and expand economic opportunity. She brings over 10 years of experience to her role, having worked across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. She previously served as Communications and Strategic Engagement Director for the Public Religion Research Institute. She has also served as Deputy Press Secretary for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Senior Manager of Communications for the National Urban League Washington Bureau, Deputy Press Secretary for Hillary for America, and on Capitol Hill. 

Trade Association: Elleni Almandrez, Director, Advocacy and Communications at Children’s Hospital Association 

Elleni Almandrez is the Director of Advocacy and Communications for the Children’s Hospital Association. At CHA Elleni leads the external relations department where she manages a team of advocacy, communications and social media strategists. She brings a track record of media relations, public policy and crisis communications, grassroots advocacy and strategic communications planning. Elleni joined CHA after previously working as an Assistant Director of Communications for a materials and supply chain trade association where she led advocacy campaigns on recycling and sustainability. Her prior experience includes Fenton, a social change agency, time at Weiss Public Affairs and as a Finance PAC Consultant for Direct Consulting Group.

Non-Profit: Kelsey N. Nelson, Director of Communications at National Foster Youth Institute

Kelsey N. Nelson serves as the Director of Communications for the National Foster Youth Institute where she leads all communications for the youth development nonprofit. Kelsey is also the founder, president and CEO of KryptiaNN LLC, a media and communications consulting firm. She is an award-winning media personality, analyst and communications and marketing specialist. The DMV area native has an extensive background in PR, communications, journalism, marketing, and creating/facilitating high-powered community partnerships. She also works as a capstone advisor and an adjunct professor and serves on the board of the Washington Association of Black Journalists and the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame. She is also a Regional Advisory Board Member for the Tickets for Kids nonprofit. 

Medium and Large Agency: Jalisa Washington-Price, Managing Director at Subject Matter + Kivvit

Jalisa Washington Price serves as a Managing Director at Subject Matter + Kivvit, where she leads several of the firm’s strategic communications and paid media accounts, advising clients on strategy to optimize communication tactics and how to use creative assets to meet key audiences. She is a public affairs expert and decorated campaign strategist. She was born and raised in rural South Carolina where she gained her passion for organizing and strategic communication by working to turn out voters among students and rural voters. She kicked off her career in politics at Hillary for America as Regional Political Director where she helped develop South Carolina’s winning presidential primary strategy, as well as Ohio where she led the team in developing a political strategy for the 2016 presidential election. 

Boutique Agency: Falen Petros, Account Supervisor, Public Health at CURA Strategies

Falen Petros is skilled at health promotion, education and community engagement. She has a passion for health literacy as a means to advance health equity. At CURA Strategies, as a Director and Account Supervisor, Falen provides day-to-day project management and communications support for the City of Rockford’s Community-wide Health Literacy Initiative to fight COVID-19 and improve health literacy among racial and ethnic minority and vulnerable communities. This work continues to underscore the importance of trusted local voices in health messaging. Prior to joining CURA Strategies, Falen supported hundreds of Child Care Resource and Referral agencies across the country which in turn support children, families and child care providers in receiving and providing high quality child care. 

Government: Alaina Gertz, Lead Public Affairs Specialist at the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC.

Alaina serves as the Lead Public Information Officer in the Office of Communications for the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC. Within this position, Alaina takes proactive measures to publicize the activities and programs of the police department, while also overseeing media coordination for major city events, such as the Something in the Water Festival and Presidential Inaugurations. Alaina’s contributions were particularly significant as one of the key managers of developing media messaging and communications surrounding the unprecedented and distressing attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. She is also an active member of the National Information Officers Association.

A distinguished panel of judges selected the winners based on their record of excellence and accomplishments in their careers thus far, as well as their leadership qualities and ethical standards. 

The 2023 judges included:

  • Tina Anthony, Curley Company
  • Susan Apgood, 4media Group; WWPR Advisory Board Member
  • Sukhi Sahni, Wells Fargo; WWPR Advisory Board Member
  • Hillarie Turner, SpireCommunications; WWPR Advisory Board Member
  • Danielle Veira, Minerva’s Legacy Consulting Group, LLC; WWPR Advisory Board Member
  • Jacqueline Wilson, Stratacomm; WWPR Past President
  • Anne Woodbury, CURA Strategies; 2022 WWPR Woman of the Year Finalist

The ELA winners were announced at a special awards reception at LiUNA’s Rooftop in Black Lives Matter Plaza on Thursday, June 15. Devi Thomas, a non-profit go-to-market leader at Microsoft Philanthropies, gave the keynote address. Attendees also supported WWPR’s pro bono client, New Endeavours for Women (NEW). The complete list of 2023 WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards finalists can be found here: Washington Women in Public Relations Announces 2023 Emerging Leaders Finalists

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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:
Colleen Gallagher and Charmaine Riley
WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards Co-Chairs
ela@wwpr.org

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