Honoring Outstanding Leaders in Communications
Celebrate the Excellence of Women in PR.
Some women don’t just work in communications. They shape it.
Washington Women in Public Relations is proud to celebrate them.
The 2026 Woman of the Year Award Celebration honors exceptional women who have moved the communications industry forward through leadership, bold thinking, and lasting impact.
Join us on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Salamander DC.
Our theme this year is: The Trust Gap: Leadership, Influence, and Truth in a Fragmented World.
Our keynote speaker is Karen Finney, CNN political commentator, veteran communications strategist, and former Democratic National Committee spokeswoman. She will bring the theme to life in a conversation that is timely, honest, and built for the moment we are in.
Come ready to celebrate. Come ready to connect.
Sponsorships are also available. Please contact sponsorships@wwpr.org for more information.
Meet the 2026 Finalists
Carrie Fox, Founder and CEO, Mission Partners
An inaugural WWPR Emerging Leader of the Year, Carrie built a Certified B Corp communications firm, authored the best-selling book More Than Words, and has guided hundreds of purpose-driven leaders since 2004.
Shakirah A. Hill Taylor, Head of Innovation, Fenton Communications
With more than 20 years in digital strategy, Shakirah led Fenton’s digital practice to PR Daily’s Digital Team of the Year and has driven campaigns for the NAACP, Team USA, and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Dr. Sheila Brooks, Founder, President and CEO, SRB Communications. An Emmy Award-winning journalist turned entrepreneur, Dr. Brooks built one of Washington’s leading full-service marketing and PR agencies and was inducted into the PRSA National Capital Chapter Hall of Fame in 2025.
A Look Back at 2025
Last year’s celebration honored Natalie Adler, Vice President of Public Impact and Resilience Communications at Fors Marsh, as the 2025 Woman of the Year.
Natalie Adler is a nationally recognized communications leader and trusted advisor with over 25 years of experience shaping campaigns that drive behavior change and strengthen communities. She has guided campaigns for federal agencies, national nonprofits, and corporations across issues ranging from public health and public safety to education, climate resilience, and social impact.
Read the full press release to learn more about the 2025 finalists and the impact of last year’s event.
Meet the 2025 Finalists
Natalie Adler, Vice President of Public Impact and Resilience Communications at Fors Marsh, is a nationally recognized changemaker in public health and social impact communications. She has spent her career advancing campaigns that improve lives and strengthen communities—from launching Michelle Obama’s Let Girls Learn initiative to leading national efforts around climate resilience and cancer prevention.
Rachel Caggiano, Strategic Advisor at Shadow Search, is a force in brand transformation and organizational strategy. Whether helping Fortune 100 CEOs navigate reputational challenges or launching a bold new phase of her career as an entrepreneur this year, Rachel has always stood at the intersection of strategy, creativity, and courage.
Julie Murphy, President of Sage Communications, is a trailblazer in technology and public sector PR. She’s not only elevating major brands in cybersecurity and AI—she’s mentoring the next generation, advocating for newborn health, and shaping the voice of women in tech through leadership roles, podcasts, and speaking engagements across the region.
More about WWPR Woman of the Year Awards
