THE EMERGING LEADERS AWARDS NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!
WWPR is excited to share that the call for nominations for the 2026 Washington Women in PR Emerging Leaders Awards is now open! We hope you’ll consider nominating DC’s top young talent for this prestigious award. The nominations are open for seven categories including: Boutique, midsize, and large/global agencies, non-profit, and government, corporate and trade associations!
The ELAs recognize outstanding young women in public relations who are making a significant impact early in their careers. This year, we are celebrating young women in the DC area who leverage innovation to push through key messages in the rapidly changing PR and communications landscape we are a part of. Finalists will be honored and winners named at our signature evening celebration in June during a special ceremony in Washington, DC.
More details on how to nominate can be found here. Nominations are due April 24. 2026. Please share with your networks and help spread the word!
For more information, contact: Janae Washington and Isabel Aldunate, WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards Co-Chairs ela@wwpr.org
The ELAs recognize rising stars in the communications industry, and showcase the field’s most talented young women (ages 25-35) for their professional accomplishments. These honorees implement innovative communications strategies that go above and beyond – achieving impressive and extraordinary results.
The ELAs were created in 2010 as a special accolade for young women active within the communications field that were making a significant impact on the industry but were not being recognized due to age or years of experience. The Emerging Leaders Awards ceremony is an opportunity to hear from these up-and-coming leaders that will inspire and educate, and celebrate the value of public relations. The honorees will be promoted in WWPR materials and on the website. Honorees will be named at the awards ceremony based on their contributions as well as their potential to contribute to the industry for many years to come, making them truly emerging leaders.
The honorees will span from different industries and will be honored in the following categories: boutique agency ELA honoree, mid-sized agency ELA honoree, large/global agency ELA honoree, nonprofit ELA honoree, corporate ELA honoree, association ELA honoree, and government ELA honoree.
Eligibility requirements and nomination instructions are detailed below. Please direct questions about nominations to Janae Washington and Isabel Aldunate, WWPR board members and Emerging Leaders Awards co-chairs, at ela@wwpr.org.
Nominate a friend, a mentee, a mentor or a colleague today by April 24, 2026.
- Nominations must be submitted by April 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
- Nominee must be no younger than age 25 and no older than age 35 on June 18, 2026 and reside in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
- Nominee cannot be a current WWPR board member.
- Nominee must have demonstrated leadership, including contributions to the field, post-college.
- Nominees must work in one of the following disciplines: media relations, crisis communications, event planning, social media, digital media, website communications, strategic communications, community relations, internal communications, speech writing, public affairs, public relations, marketing communications, government communications, investor relations communications, consumer/lifestyle communications, branding, and writing/editing.
Wondering where you or your nominee fit in? Here’s a breakdown of each category:
Small Boutique Agency: A public relations/communications professional who is employed at an agency with less than 50 full time employees
Mid-size Agency: A public relations/communications professional who is employed at an agency with 50 to 250 full time employees
Large/Global Agency: A public relations/communications professional who is employed at an agency with more than 250 full time employees
Government: A public relations/communications professional who is employed by a local, state, federal, or tribal government entity, or any other public employer, such as a school district or transportation agency
Corporate: A public relations/communications professional who is employed by a corporation or entity with the purpose of operating for a profit, that is not considered a nonprofit or government agency
Trade Association: A public relations/communications professional who is employed by a trade association made up of a collection of companies and/or individuals with common interests or who work in the same industry
Non-Profit: A public relations/communications professional who is employed by a nonprofit organization that qualifies for tax-exempt status by the IRS because its mission and purpose are to further a social cause and provide a public benefit
Check out last year’s winners.
WWPR extends beyond the District of Columbia, offering women throughout the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region opportunities to network and connect. Since joining, I’ve been impressed by the remarkable women I’ve met and have enjoyed hearing their unique insights and perspectives.ictumst risus.
—Abigail Hillerich, Communications & Public Affairs Manager, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority
