Q&A with WWPR Annual Meeting Keynote Speaker Erica Loewe
WWPR’s Annual Meeting keynote speaker, Erica Loewe, is a nationally recognized communications strategist. Recognized by The Root 100 as one of the Most Influential Black Americans, Essence Magazine’s Power 40, ColorComm’s 28 Black Women in Communications Making History, the U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce’s 50 Under 40, and the Washington Association of Black Journalists for Excellence in Communications, Erica brings more than a decade of experience at the intersection of media, politics, and entertainment.
In this conversation, Erica shares her perspective on communications in Washington, D.C., navigating challenges, and how women communicators can use our voices and influence for good.
Q&A
Can you share your current role and what a “typical” day looks like for you?
I advise clients across media, tech, politics and philanthropy on communications and social impact strategies. A “typical” day involves more calls than I’d like, managing fast-moving moments, and a lot of reading.
Which communications or leadership accomplishment do you feel made the greatest impact, and what did that experience teach you?
Any opportunity to create access. Some of my proudest moments include bringing Black media outlets to the White House who had never been invited and mentoring younger women finding their professional footing.
Are there any defining moments or projects that shaped your communications or leadership style?
When headlines like "President Biden defunds HBCUs" or "Biden-Harris Administration is Disseminating Crack Pipes" went viral, it became clear that disinformation is now an unavoidable reality. We no longer live in an era where we can rely on journalistic integrity and story corrections to catch up. We have to move faster, push back aggressively, and be proactive with our narrative.
Your career spans media, politics, and social impact. How has navigating those spaces influenced your approach to storytelling and strategy?
It’s made me bilingual. I've learned how to speak to audiences and institutions. Strategy without storytelling falls flat and storytelling without strategy is soon forgotten.
What advice would you give to emerging communications professionals?
Dress up. Show up. Never give up. Pull others up. The skills come with time and experience, but what sets you apart is how you show up and treat others.
In 2024, you were featured in The Sixth, chronicling your experience during January 6th. What was that experience like?
It was deeply personal. Sharing that story was less about reliving the trauma and more about preserving truth. I'm proud to have been part of an Emmy-award-winning project that will shape how history remembers that day because we told it honestly.
How do you define impactful leadership in today’s communications landscape?
Impactful communications leaders know when to respond quickly and when to shut up. Both require thoughtfulness, clarity and restraint.
In a 24-hour news cycle, what does taking care of yourself look like and how has that changed?
Early in my career, self-care meant pushing through, whether caregiving for my mom with Alzheimer’s or working around the clock. Now it still means those things but with boundaries, rest, and perspective. You can't pour from an empty cup.
Register now for the WWPR Annual Meeting on Wednesday, January 21 to hear Erica Loewe’s keynote and be part of this important conversation.
