WWPR Names Finalists for PR Woman of the Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 9, 2012 – Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) has selected three finalists for the annual Washington PR Woman of the Year Award. This year’s finalists include a corporate communications executive, a public relations agency owner, and a social cause communications strategist.

The Woman of the Year ceremony, WWPR’s annual signature event, recognizes three women  who have reached a pinnacle in the public relations profession.  At the ceremony, to be held on November 15, WWPR will announce the woman selected as 2012 Washington PR Woman of the Year.

The Woman of the Year finalists are Debbi Jarvis, vice president Corporate Citizenship and Social Responsibility for Pepco Holdings, Inc. and a former NBC-4 TV news anchor and reporter; Gwen McKinney, president and founder of McKinney & Associates and former press secretary for the first congressional campaign of U.S. Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC); and Stephenie Fu, principal, SLF Strategies, and public relations strategist for the return of the AIDS Memorial Quilt to Washington this summer for the first time in 16 years.

The 23rd annual WWPR Washington Woman of the Year Luncheon will be held on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt, 1000 H St. NW,

Washington, D.C. Registration is currently open and tickets are available at a discount for WWPR and PRSA members.

The event’s keynote speaker will be advertising icon Charlotte Beers, former CEO of Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide, whose book I’d Rather Be in Charge gives women advice on how to achieve power, pride and joy at work and advance their careers all the way to the C-suite. Beers will be available to sign copies of her best-selling book after the luncheon.

In addition to honoring the achievements of the three nominees, the event raises funds for Thrive DC, a non-profit organization that works to prevent and end homelessness by providing vulnerable individuals with a comprehensive range of services to stabilize their lives.

About the WOY Selection Process

Each year, candidates are nominated through an open application process.  The applications are then reviewed and evaluated based on standard criteria, which include: accomplishments in the public relations field; contributions to the community; and industry leadership.  The final selection is made by a panel of five esteemed communications professionals based in the Washington, D.C. area.

About Washington Women in Public Relations

Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) is a vital resource for communications professionals in metropolitan Washington, D.C. 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/

NEWSLETTER: September 2012

In this issue:

WWPR Woman of the Year Event Registration Now Open
WOY Keynote Announced!
Event Recap
Engaging Industry
Technically Speaking
Thrive DC Gala
Member Spotlight
Articles of Interest
Upcoming Events
Jobs
Membership News
Sponsor Spotlight

 

Registration for WWPR’s Woman of the Year Event Now Open!

Registration for WWPR’s second signature event of the year is now open! Join us for the Washington PR Woman of the Year Award Luncheon on November 15, 2012, from 11:30AM -2:30PM, at the Grand Hyatt Washington.  REGISTER HERE

 

Charlotte Beers to Keynote Woman of the Year Event

Washington Women in Public Relations is proud to announce Charlotte Beers as the keynote speaker at the 2012 Washington PR Woman of the Year Award Luncheon. Advertising icon Beers’ storied rise through the ranks to become the first female CEO of Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide, branded her the most powerful woman in the industry. In her newest ventures-detailed in her book I’D Rather Be in Charge-Beers is dedicated to helping women achieve pride, power and joy at work.

The 23rd annual Woman of the Year event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt, 1000 H St. NW, Washington, D.C. This annual event celebrates the accomplishments of women who are raising the bar in public relations. The awards ceremony recognizes three finalists who have reached a pinnacle in the profession and selects one to become Washington PR Woman of the Year.

Beers will be available to sign copies of her best-selling book, I’d Rather Be in Charge, after the luncheon from 2-2:30 p.m. In addition to leading Ogilvy & Mather, Beers helmed advertising powerhouse Tatham-Laird & Kudner, chaired agency giant J. Walter Thompson, and served as Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy in President George W. Bush’s administration. In 1996, Beers was featured on the cover of Fortune magazine as one of the country’s most influential businesswomen.

Beers’ book offers advice to women who want to break through the glass ceiling to the C-Suite, and to all women who want to advance in their careers. Her counsel is culled from her years as an advertising executive and more recently as a leader of seminars for businesswomen. One of Beers’ themes is that while women excel at their work, they often drop the ball at the important task of building relationships in the office.

“It’s easy to be lulled into thinking that the way you work is measured by the results, the numbers, the expanding business, but an equally important measure is how you behave . . .” Beers notes in her book. She says “what we women are being commended for is what keeps us in subordinate positions,” such as being “communal, collaborative, nice to others, and peacemaking.”

Instead of those traditionally “womanly” traits, Beers urges women to nurture such qualities as demonstrating a willingness to lead, taking credit for their work and speaking out at meetings.

For now, please save the date for this celebratory occasion. Registration will open in mid-September.

 

Event Recap: Annual WWPR Speed Networking Event

“Its like speed dating for PR people!” On Tuesday, August 21, about 50 members and friends at all levels of PR gathered at Bar Louie in Chinatown for the annual WWPR speed networking event. Stationed at small cocktail tables, half of the attendees remained seated while the rest continually rotated for more than an hour. Chatting for about two minutes at each station, attendees connected and exchanged business cards with dozens of new contacts.

After the speedy rotations, the event adjourned to open networking and drinks for another hour to give everyone the chance to meet anyone they may have missed. Within hours of the event wrapping up, networking was in full force via LinkedIn. The dizzying stream of new connections the following day showed just how important WWPR is to its members and the PR and marketing community in DC in general, regardless of how new to or experienced in it you may be!

 

Engaging Industry

Engaging Industry is a monthly column written by Karin Bloomquist covering the impact of public relations in the corporate, education, government, and non-profit sectors.  It dives into industry trends and issues related to the development of public relations professionals.

Social media has transformed the way we think, behave, and communicate as working professionals. The diffusion of innovations theory-which explains how, why, and at what rate new technology and ideas spread-suggests that different types of industries, such as corporations and the federal government, understand the value of social media and its influence on its publics at different stages.

One of the more recent adopters of social media over the past several years has been the federal government. Through use of social media, the government has influenced public policy, engaged with media, and has sought to bolster each agency’s mission. Government use of social media has ranged from small-scale efforts to large-scale, agency-wide initiatives.

Most recently, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) within the Department of Homeland Security created eighteen new Twitter handles in an effort to combat the negative publicity the agency receives on a continual basis. By establishing these new Twitter handles, the agency hopes to better serve the public by making it easier to find up-to-date news and current events. The accounts aim to enable “the public to pinpoint specific regions to follow rather than just following one national account.” Interaction with Twitter users will also be a large part of this campaign.

A majority of the new accounts are conscious attempts by the agency at improving the online reputation and media representation of TSA. Spokespersons at the agency will oversee more than half of the accounts, and will disseminate information about TSA that challenges negative perceptions of the agency. By doing so, TSA may finally be able to shake its unsavory reputation and begin to transform itself from a monolithic entity to a transparent organization that is willing to listen to the concerns of and engage with the general public.

 

Save the Date: Thrive DC’s Inaugural Gala

Thrive DC’s is hosting their inaugural Thrive 365 GalaThrive 365 is a one-day brunch and charity auction that will provide 365 days of hope, opportunity, nourishment and compassion to our disenfranchised community members. The event is on Sunday, October 14 from 11:00 am-2:00 pm at the historic and newly renovated Howard Theatre.  Please encourage your company or organization to buy a table or make a donation to support this event.

Click here for more information and to reserve your tickets today!

 

Member Spotlight

WWPR recently held its 2012 Emerging Leaders Awards (ELA) and last month’s Member Spotlight featured three of the six finalists.  This month’s issue features one of the three ELA winners, Olivia Doherty of The Hatcher Group.  Stay tuned for future issues highlighting the other ELA award recipients.

As an undergrad at the University of Pennsylvania, Olivia Doherty had plans to embark on a career in journalism. With her bachelor’s in communication in toe and a year of print journalism under her belt, Doherty was ready for a change. When she was introduced to the world of public relations at The Hatcher Group, Doherty found the change she was looking for.

The idea of facilitating the communications efforts of nonprofit organizations was new to Doherty yet something she found a passion for.

“When I learned about how The Hatcher Group works only with nonprofit clients and groups with issues like poverty, education, environment, things I would call good causes, I thought this was comfortable for me and I’d like to make a difference in this way,” said Doherty.

Not only is Doherty making a difference professionally as Public Relations Strategist for The Hatcher Group but personally as an executive board member for FAIR Girls.  FAIR Girls, which stands for Free Aware Inspired Restored, works to prevent the exploitation of girls through empowerment and education. Doherty provides strategic communications guidance for the organization as well as advise the executive director on messaging and media relations.

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Articles of Interest

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Upcoming Events

For the latest information about our exciting events and programs, please visit our Events page.

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

Top

WWPR Job Board

In the market for a new job? Visit the WWPR job board to help you find your dream position!

View More Positions

To post an open position for free visit wwpr.org/jobs. Contact web@wwpr.org with questions.

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Membership News

August New Members:

Cornelia (Bonnie) Piper, US Environmental Protection Agency

Andrea Koslow, American Red Cross
Jennifer Gingery, Jones Public Affairs
Anne Ladewig, National Association of Home Builders
Amy Levey, Self-Employed
Maury Donahue, FedEx
Amy Betor, City of Falls Church, Va.
Susan Finarelli, City of Falls Church, Va.
Elise Simmons, Freelance
Alyssa Barnett, Society for American Archaeology

August Member Renewals:

Cynthia Martinez, ZGS Communications
Janiré Hopkins, Articulate Geek/Chic Geek Style
Jennifer Schleman, American Hospital Association
Lauren Werner, Hager Sharp, Inc
Deb Fiscella, Center Stage Marketing
Margaret Ferry, MAF Global Communications
Elizabeth Stuckle, Consultant
Lauren Anderson, Fifth Estate

Interested in joining or renewed your membership? Simply complete the online membership form.

To learn more, please contact Leslie Rutledge, Membership Chair, at membership@wwpr.org.

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Sponsor Spotlight: Go Back to School with Central Michigan University’s Global Campus in D.C.

September means back-to-school time. Keep your professional career going by signing up for adult classes at Central Michigan University, located in the Metro DC/Baltimore area. No matter where you are in the Metro DC/Baltimore area, CMU has onsite and online programs to fit your busy lifestyle. All of their degrees, whether at the bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral level, are quality, career-focused programs that can help you earn the credentials you need to succeed in these hard economic times. Classes are:

  • Designed for adult students
  • Evening and weekend classes
  • Compressed terms so you finish in less time
  • Seven local centers for face-to-face classes
  • Online options for many degrees
  • Quality degrees taught by distinguished faculty
  • CMU even offers an online Undergraduate Certificate in Social Media!

For over 40 years, CMU has been serving the needs of the military and DoD civilian community in the Metro DC area through its centers at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Ft Belvoir, Ft Meade, Joint Base Andrews, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and The Pentagon. Security and military installation access issues often preclude private sector, non-DoD public sector and non-profit agency employees from accessing classes on military installations. The newest CMU Global Campus civilian center in Alexandria resolves the military installation access issue and was chosen for its friendly community atmosphere and convenient location across from the King Street Metro Station, with easy access for those who want to take face-to-face classes and meet with their academic advisor.

 

WWPR Accepting Applications for New Pro Bono Client

Pro Bono Committee to Provide Communications Counsel and Support to Qualified
Area Nonprofit Organization Serving Women and Children

Washington, DC – Sept. 19, 2012 – Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) today announced that the professional organization is actively seeking a new pro bono client for a two-year term commencing in January 2013. Nonprofit organizations serving women and children in the Washington, DC metropolitan area are invited to apply to work with WWPR’s pro bono committee, which has provided public relations support and strategy to local organizations since its formation in 1992.

As part of a 350-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 pro-bono client to achieve key objectives and amplify the impact of its communications during the two-year term. The scope of services varies depending on an organization’s needs, and may include strategic planning, branding, messaging, media training, media outreach and monitoring, event planning, social media engagement, or other communications related services.

Applications must be received no later than October 16, 2012. Organizations interested in applying for this program must demonstrate the following:

  • A mission dedicated to serving women and families in the Metro D.C. area
  • 501(c) 3 status
  • At least 24 months in operation prior to submitting nomination
  • A dedicated point person to serve as liaison with WWPR pro bono committee

Completed applications may be submitted electronically to probono@wwpr.org. To submit a hard-copy application, please mail three copies of the completed application along with any existing printed or promotional materials to:

Washington Women in Public Relations
Attn: Pro Bono Search
Washington Square
P.O. Box 65297
Washington, DC 20035-5297

Following an application review and interview process, WWPR will announce a new pro bono client in January 2013. For more information about WWPR, please visit www.wwpr.org. Specific questions about the application process and the pro bono committee may be directed to committee co-chairs Kate Barrett and Maria Ibañez at probono@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/

 

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NEWSLETTER: August 2012

In this issue:

PR Woman of the Year
Emerging Leaders Awards Recap
Engaging Industry
Speed Networking
Member Spotlight
Articles of Interest
Upcoming Events
Jobs
Membership News
Sponsor Spotlight

PR Woman of the Year: Nominations Deadline is September 7

With its 23rd annual Washington PR Woman of the Year luncheon approaching quickly, WWPR is seeking nominations of women who have impacted the profession through their leadership abilities, integrity, and creativity. This is your chance to honor a mentor, colleague or boss by nominating her for Washington PR Woman of the Year, WWPR’s prestigious annual award that recognizes and promotes leading women in public relations. The deadline for nominations is midnight (EDT) on Friday, August 31. Complete a nomination packet and submit it to woy@wwpr.org.

Eligibility requirements are:

  • Nominee must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in the public relations field, at least three of which have been in the DC metro area;
  • Nominee must currently live in the DC metro area; and
  • Nominee must demonstrate characteristics of a leader in the public relations field as a standout representative of a company or organization who strategically links programs and/or campaigns to meaningful results

The 23rd Woman of the Year Luncheon will be held November 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H St. NW, Washington, DC. The awards ceremony recognizes three finalists and selects one to become PR Woman of the Year.

To nominate a candidate for Woman of the Year, complete the nomination form and email it, along with any questions you may have, to Susie Tappouni or Amy Malerba Hemingway, WWPR’s PR Woman of the Year Co-Chairs, at woy@wwpr.org.

Save the Date:
Thursday, November 15, 2012
11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Grand Hyatt Washington

Emerging Leaders Awards Event Recap

The 2012 WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards (ELA) awardees were announced at a cocktail reception on Tuesday, July 17 at the National Press Club. WWPR named Olivia Doherty, Laura Hornbuckle and Jennifer Myers winners of the 2012 Emerging Leaders Awards.  NBC 4’s anchor Angie Goff was the keynote speaker.  For photos of the event, visit WWPR’s Flickr page.

The third annual ELA honors rising stars, ages 23-30, in the public relations and communications field for their professional accomplishments.

2012 WWPR Emerging Leader Awards Winners:

Olivia Doherty, The Hatcher Group, Director of Communications

Doherty provides comprehensive strategic communications expertise to nonprofit clients working to advance social change. She previously worked with the Pew Center on the States, where she oversaw the planning and execution of major report releases that earned media coverage in hundreds of media outlets, including top-tier outlets such as The New York Times, NPR, Reuters and The Associated Press. Doherty also serves as an executive board member of FAIR Girls, providing strategic communications guidance for the international nonprofit that helps girls avoid and escape trafficking.

Laura Hornbuckle, Edelman Public Relations, Account Supervisor

Hornbuckle manages influencer and industry outreach efforts, executes speaking engagements and implements media outreach plans in key markets for clients such as American Petroleum Institute (API), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Royal Dutch Shell. In addition to her client work, she serves on the Washington office’s Editorial Services Team and is the philanthropy chair of the Living in Color initiative, organizing the office’s community outreach activities. In June 2012, Hornbuckle was honored with the Chairman’s Quality Award for an Initiative by Edelman Public Relations.

Jennifer Myers, StrategyOne , Research Director

Myers provides strategic analysis and communications guidance and manages the firm’s overall research design and execution of primary research programs. She manages both quantitative and qualitative research programs for clients such as Walmart, Boeing, GE, Anheuser-Busch, Shell and Chase. She is also recognized as an agency expert in public affairs, messaging and crisis management.

READ MORE

Engaging Industry

By Karin Bloomquist

Engaging Industry is a monthly column written by Karin Bloomquist covering the impact of public relations in the corporate, education, government and non-profit sectors, industry trends and issues related to the development of public relations professionals

One of the most important aspects of public relations is to address the needs of clients and raise public awareness of the issue at hand, which is exactly what was exhibited ten years ago by Korey, Kay, and Partners, a New York based advertising agency. They addressed a need so great that it remains a topic of interest to public perception debates and a relevant aspect for security measures implemented by our government today.

Shortly after the events of 9/11, the Department of Homeland Security launched a national public awareness campaign entitled “If You See Something, Say Something” to raise awareness of indicators of terrorism, crime, and the reporting of suspicious activities to the proper authorities. Korey, Kay, and Partners pitched the idea to the Department of State, Department of Justice, and then the newly created Department of Homeland Security as a way to restore a sense of security. Initially, the government agencies expressed very little interest in using the idea.

After contemplating the idea of mixing communication with public policy efforts, the Department of Homeland Security eventually changed their minds. The campaign was issued in conjunction with the National Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative, which both emphasized that homeland security began with hometown security making sure the public stays alert to their immediate and extended surroundings.

READ MORE

WWPR Speed Networking Event

Back by popular demand. This is speed-dating for professionals! Come prepared with lots of business cards as you will get a chance meet each person in the room. Plenty of time for open mingling, too.  This event is a unique way to meet folks across the industry. Join us on Tuesday, August 21 for networking, light appetizers, and a complimentary drink.

Details below:

WHERE:
Bar Louie
701 7th St NW
WHEN:
Tuesday, August 21
6:30 PM -8:30 PM EST

PRICE:
Pre-Registration WWPR and PRSA Members: $10
Non-members: $20
At the door registration: $25
The contacts you will meet at the event: Priceless

Member Spotlight

By Beth Stewart

As you know WWPR held its 2012 Emerging Leaders Awards recently so this month’s Member Spotlight features three of the six finalists: Samantha Reho, Jessica Stone and Liz Bryan.

Samantha Reho

Reho now serves as the Public Affairs Strategist for the US Army. It is her responsibility to ensure a unified message across all facets of the US Army. Working closely with the military is not just Reho’s day job. She also volunteers for TAPS, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, an organization dedicated to providing aid to those individuals who have suffered the loss of a loved one in the military.

Jessica Stone

As the Digital Media Specialist for Gibraltar Associates, Jessica Stone has built a solid career in digital communications but did not always know this would be her path. Through several communication courses at American University, Stone developed a liking for the field and graduated with a bachelor’s in public communication. Stone did not stop her education there and honed her skills at The Johns Hopkins University graduating with master’s in communications.

When Stone is not managing numerous online campaigns or completing digital research, she volunteers for Yachad United, an organization dedicated to young professionals networking through hands-on community work. Her advice for communications professionals is to mentor and to be mentored. Stone finds it imperative to seek as much information as possible from those mentors in your field in order to grow professionally.

Liz Bryan
As account director for Spectrum, Liz Bryan plays a key role in spearheading the communications efforts of various healthcare entities. Bryan has made her mark in shaping the message of each account including managing advocacy relations for the lupus community and promoting clinical trial results.

In addition to her work at Spectrum, Bryan volunteers for the Chron’s and Colitis Foundation of America. Her latest efforts included running Virginia Wine Country’s half marathon to raise funds for Chron’s and Colitis research. Her advice for those eager to break into communications, is to be willing to work hard and play close attention to detail.

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Articles of Interest

Top

 

Upcoming Events

For the latest information about our exciting events and programs, please visit our Events page.

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

Top

WWPR Job Board

In the market for a new job? Visit the WWPR job board to help you find your dream position!

View More Positions

To post an open position for free visit wwpr.org/jobs. Contact web@wwpr.org with questions.

Top

Membership News

July New Members:

Laura Frederick- Business Wire
Diana Barris- New Enterprise Associates
Anastasia Dellaccio- UN Foundation/Dolci Gelati
Alicia Sellitti- iostudio
Penny Lee- Venn Strategies
Erin Smith- Adfero Group
Tangela Richardson- Social Security Administration
Issara Pimpawathin- Steptoe & Johnson LLP
Jenna Alsayegh- Dewey Square Group
Jonathan Halpin- KCCT Architects
Lillian Cruz- U.S. House of Representatives

July Member Renewals:

Mary Fletcher Jones- Fletcher Prince
Joan Coyle- American Chemical Society
Kari Hudnell- Gibraltar Associates
Amber Sheridan- Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers
Erica Hiar- Environics Communications
Kharma Finley-Wallace- AAA Mid-Atlantic
Melinda Semandeni- ASPPA
Arlene Corbin Lewis- Habitat for Humanity International

Interested in joining or renewed your membership? Simply complete the online membership form.

To learn more, please contact Leslie Rutledge, Membership Chair, at membership@wwpr.org.

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Sponsor Spotlight

Celebrating 17 years of excellence in 2012 and 137 years of cumulative staff experience, Strauss Radio Strategies, Inc. is the nation’s leading communications, public relations, consulting and strategy firm specializing in radio and television broadcast media relations services. These services include radio media tours, television satellite media tours, audio news releases, public service announcements, radio actuality distribution, live remote broadcast support and on-site event booking support.

A proud and active sponsor of WWPR, Strauss Radio Strategies prides itself in creating and implementing radio and television outreach programs and services that conform to the specific needs of their clients. They have worked closely with radio and television outlets at all levels, from national networks and top-rated major market stations, to targeted stations in small towns and rural areas across the country.

Contact Richard Strauss at rstrauss@straussradio.com or Caroline Rana at crana@straussradio.com on how to use the power of radio and television to help with your client or brand.

NEWSLETTER: August 2012

In this issue:

PR Woman of the Year
Engaging Industry
Emerging Leaders Awards
Speed Networking
Member Spotlight
Articles of Interest
Upcoming Events
Jobs
Membership News
Sponsor Spotlight


PR Woman of the Year: Nominations Deadline is September 7

With its 23rd annual Washington PR Woman of the Year luncheon approaching quickly, WWPR is seeking nominations of women who have impacted the profession through their leadership abilities, integrity, and creativity.   This is your chance to honor a mentor, colleague or boss by nominating her for Washington PR Woman of the Year, WWPR’s prestigious annual award that recognizes and promotes leading women in public relations. The deadline for nominations is midnight (EDT) on Friday, September 7.  Complete a nomination packet and submit it to woy@wwpr.org.

Eligibility requirements are:

  • Nominee must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in the public relations field, at least three of which have been in the DC metro area;
  • Nominee must currently live in the DC metro area; and
  • Nominee must demonstrate characteristics of a leader in the public relations field as a standout representative of a company or organization who strategically links programs and/or campaigns to meaningful results

The 23rd Woman of the Year Luncheon will be held November 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H St. NW, Washington, DC. The awards ceremony recognizes three finalists and selects one to become PR Woman of the Year.

To nominate a candidate for Woman of the Year, complete the nomination form and email it, along with any questions you may have, to Susie Tappouni or Amy Malerba Hemingway, WWPR’s PR Woman of the Year Co-Chairs, at woy@wwpr.org.

Save the Date:
Thursday, November 15, 2012
11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Grand Hyatt Washington

Emerging Leaders Awards Event Recap
The 2012 WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards (ELA) awardees were announced at a cocktail reception on Tuesday, July 17 at the National Press Club. WWPR named Olivia Doherty, Laura Hornbuckle and Jennifer Myers winners of the 2012 Emerging Leaders Awards.  NBC 4’s anchor Angie Goff was the keynote speaker.  For photos of the event, visit WWPR’s Flickr page.

The third annual ELA honors rising stars, ages 23-30, in the public relations and communications field for their professional accomplishments.

2012 WWPR Emerging Leader Awards Winners:

Olivia Doherty, The Hatcher Group, Director of Communications

Doherty provides comprehensive strategic communications expertise to nonprofit clients working to advance social change. She previously worked with the Pew Center on the States, where she oversaw the planning and execution of major report releases that earned media coverage in hundreds of media outlets, including top-tier outlets such as The New York Times, NPR, Reuters and The Associated Press. Doherty also serves as an executive board member of FAIR Girls, providing strategic communications guidance for the international nonprofit that helps girls avoid and escape trafficking.

Laura Hornbuckle, Edelman Public Relations, Account Supervisor

Hornbuckle manages influencer and industry outreach efforts, executes speaking engagements and implements media outreach plans in key markets for clients such as American Petroleum Institute (API), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Royal Dutch Shell. In addition to her client work, she serves on the Washington office’s Editorial Services Team and is the philanthropy chair of the Living in Color initiative, organizing the office’s community outreach activities. In June 2012, Hornbuckle was honored with the Chairman’s Quality Award for an Initiative by Edelman Public Relations.

Jennifer Myers, StrategyOne , Research Director

Myers provides strategic analysis and communications guidance and manages the firm’s overall research design and execution of primary research programs. She manages both quantitative and qualitative research programs for clients such as Walmart, Boeing, GE, Anheuser-Busch, Shell and Chase. She is also recognized as an agency expert in public affairs, messaging and crisis management
READ MORE

Engaging Industry

By Karin Bloomquist

Engaging Industry is a monthly column written by Karin Bloomquist covering the impact of public relations in the corporate, education, government and non-profit sectors, industry trends and issues related to the development of public relations professionals

One of the most important aspects of public relations is to address the needs of clients and raise public awareness of the issue at hand, which is exactly what was exhibited ten years ago by Korey, Kay, and Partners, a New York based advertising agency. They addressed a need so great that it remains a topic of interest to public perception debates and a relevant aspect for security measures implemented by our government today.

Shortly after the events of 9/11, the Department of Homeland Security launched a national public awareness campaign entitled “If You See Something, Say Something” to raise awareness of indicators of terrorism, crime, and the reporting of suspicious activities to the proper authorities. Korey, Kay, and Partners pitched the idea to the Department of State, Department of Justice, and then the newly created Department of Homeland Security as a way to restore a sense of security. Initially, the government agencies expressed very little interest in using the idea.

After contemplating the idea of mixing communication with public policy efforts, the Department of Homeland Security eventually changed their minds. The campaign was issued in conjunction with the National Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative, which both emphasized that homeland security began with hometown security making sure the public stays alert to their immediate and extended surroundings.

READ MORE

WWPR Speed Networking Event

Back by popular demand. This is speed-dating for professionals! Come prepared with lots of business cards as you will get a chance meet each person in the room. Plenty of time  for open mingling, too.  This event is a unique way to meet folks across the industry.  Join us on Tuesday, August 21 for networking, light appetizers, and a complimentary drink.

Details below:

WHERE:

Bar Louie

701 7th St NW

Washington, DC 20001

WHEN:

Tuesday, August 21

6:30 PM -8:30 PM EST

PRICE:

Pre-Registration WWPR and PRSA Members: $10

Non-members: $20

At the door registration: $25

The contacts you will meet at the event: Priceless

Member Spotlight

By Beth Stewart

As you know WWPR held its 2012 Emerging Leaders Awards recently so this month’s Member Spotlight features three of the six finalists: Samantha Reho, Jessica Stone and Liz Bryan.

Samantha Reho

Samantha Reho has always known communications would play a large role in her life. From a young age, Reho garnered a fascination for how communications professionals were able to tailor the same message for different audiences. Reho took this fascination and studied public relations at the University of Florida.

Reho now serves as the Public Affairs Strategist for the US Army. It is her responsibility to ensure a unified message across all facets of the US Army. Working closely with the military is not just Reho’s day job. She also volunteers for TAPS, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, an organization dedicated to providing aid to those individuals who have suffered the loss of a loved one in the military.

Jessica Stone

As the Digital Media Specialist for Gibraltar Associates, Jessica Stone has built a solid career in digital communications but did not always know this would be her path. Through several communication courses at American University, Stone developed a liking for the field and graduated with a bachelor’s in public communication. Stone did not stop her education there and honed her skills at The Johns Hopkins University graduating with master’s in communications.

When Stone is not managing numerous online campaigns or completing digital research, she volunteers for Yachad United, an organization dedicated to young professionals networking through hands-on community work. Her advice for communications professionals is to mentor and to be mentored. Stone finds it imperative to seek as much information as possible from those mentors in your field in order to grow professionally.

Liz Bryan

As account director for Spectrum, Liz Bryan plays a key role in spearheading the communications efforts of various healthcare entities. Bryan has made her mark in shaping the message of each account including managing advocacy relations for the lupus community and promoting clinical trial results.

In addition to her work at Spectrum, Bryan volunteers for the Chron’s and Colitis Foundation of America. Her latest efforts included running Virginia Wine Country’s half marathon to raise funds for Chron’s and Colitis research. Her advice for those eager to break into communications, is to be willing to work hard and play close attention to detail.

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

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To post an open position for free visit wwpr.org/jobs. Contact web@wwpr.org with questions.

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Membership News

July New Members:

Laura Frederick- Business Wire

Diana Barris- New Enterprise Associates

Anastasia Dellaccio- UN Foundation/Dolci Gelati

Alicia Sellitti- iostudio

Penny Lee- Venn Strategies

Erin Smith- Adfero Group

Tangela Richardson- Social Security Administration

Issara Pimpawathin- Steptoe & Johnson LLP

Jenna Alsayegh- Dewey Square Group

Jonathan Halpin- KCCT Architects

Lillian Cruz- U.S. House of Representatives

July Member Renewals:

Mary Fletcher Jones- Fletcher Prince

Joan Coyle- American Chemical Society

Kari Hudnell- Gibraltar Associates

Amber Sheridan- Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers

Erica Hiar- Environics Communications

Kharma Finley-Wallace- AAA Mid-Atlantic

Melinda Semandeni- ASPPA

Arlene Corbin Lewis- Habitat for Humanity International

Interested in joining or renewed your membership? Simply complete the online membership form.

To learn more, please contact Leslie Rutledge, Membership Chair, at membership@wwpr.org.

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Sponsor Spotlight

Strauss Radio Strategies, Inc.

Celebrating 17 years of excellence in 2012 and 137 years of cumulative staff experience, Strauss Radio Strategies, Inc. is the nation’s leading communications, public relations, consulting and strategy firm specializing in radio and television broadcast media relations services. These services include radio media tours, television satellite media tours, audio news releases, public service announcements, radio actuality distribution, live remote broadcast support and on-site event booking support.

A proud and active sponsor of WWPR, Strauss Radio Strategies prides itself in creating and implementing radio and television outreach programs and services that conform to the specific needs of their clients. They have worked closely with radio and television outlets at all levels, from national networks and top-rated major market stations, to targeted stations in small towns and rural areas across the country.

Contact Richard Strauss at rstrauss@straussradio.com or Caroline Rana at crana@straussradio.com on how to use the power of radio and television to help with your client or brand.

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