Leading Through Change: Insights from a Former Emerging Leaders Award (ELA)  Winner

By Elisa O’Halloran

Jennifer Min, Lead at Foretell, a communications advisory and former Emerging Leaders Awards (ELA) winner has been helping brands, organizations, and CEOs move faster, think differently, and build for what’s next.

“It’s been incredible to be a part of Foretell’s growth,” she shares. “I’m thrilled to be working alongside the founders, former Shopify alumnus Erin Pelton and Nicole Flotteron.”

For Jennifer, this role represents a shift from her government background. As Director of Digital Media at the Department of Defense, she found working with creators and social media O’influencers to be a fascinating and important part of digital media strategy—an area she views as an essential part of modern communications.

“I joined Foretell because I wanted to push boundaries in this space and become a leader in this field alongside the team,” she says. 

Being recognized by WWPR and ELA was incredibly meaningful,” she reflects. Winning the ELA award in the government category remains a milestone in her career. “It was inspiring to be surrounded in a room full of brilliant women in communications. I felt honored to be part of such a powerful community.”

Over the years, the WWPR and ELA network has remained an important resource. “It’s a supportive and inclusive group,” she says. “Whether you’re looking to discuss new trends in digital media strategy or curious about trends at a big tech company, there is a strong chance that someone in the WWPR community will share insights and advice.”

For women rising in public relations and communications today, Jennifer’s advice is simple: “Stay curious, stay agile, and embrace new strategies as the landscape shifts.” Adaptability, she believes, is one of the most valuable qualities in a fast-changing profession.

A Builder, An Innovator, and Future Ready voice for the Next Generation

By Elisa O’Halloran

“I am a storyteller at heart,” says Sukhi Sahni, who brings her passion for building, innovating, and creating to everything she does. Whether she’s building a new team from the ground up to support a start-up or a transformational brand shift for a seasoned company; strengthening an organization’s foundation using modern integrated communications tool kits, she leads with vision.

As an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, Sukhi teaches Modern-Day PR Storytelling—equipping the next generation of communicators with skills to thrive in a digital-first, AI-augmented landscape.

Outside the corporate world, Sukhi also serves on several nonprofit boards, including her favorite, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), where she advocates for mental health awareness and stigma reduction (NAMI). “I truly believe mental health is the foundation of happiness and success,” she shares. “I’m looking forward to helping reduce the stigma and make a lasting impact in our communities.” 

Outside of work, she and her husband are discussing launching a lighthearted podcast about the ups and downs of 20+ years of marriage. Sukhi adds, “We want to laugh a little, share a little and remind people that marriage takes work, but you can have fun at the same time.”

As a past Emerging Leaders Award (ELA) judge, Sukhi says the experience was an honor and a great opportunity to witness tremendous young talent, meet new people, and expand her perspective. “I highly recommend MarComm professionals to participate in judging such awards when possible—it helps diversify your thinking and introduces you to a strong pipeline of talent.”

WWPR and ELA have also given her a platform to pay it forward. “I firmly believe that we get better, together and the opportunity allowed me to turn that belief into action,” Sukhi says. Serving as a WWPR advisory council member allows her to give back while continuing to learn from peers.

When asked what advice she would offer rising women in public relations, Sukhi said, “Be proud of everything that makes you different—your culture, your upbringing, your values, your faith. What sets you apart is your greatest superpower, not your weakness.” As she noted in her op-ed in the Washington Business Journal a few years ago, “Being brown is advantageous.”

Sukhi also encourages young women in public relations to think beyond tactics and become business- first communicators, and future proof themselves by always learning and staying curious. She guides young leaders to understand how companies make money, how to pitch for influence and build for impact. She adds, “strategic communications and public relations is about driving real outcomes and earning a seat at the table.”

A standout moment from her WWPR experience? “All of the events have been great—very thoughtful and they really foster a sense of community within WWPR,” she shares. One highlight was a fireside chat with Axios’ Eleanor Hawkins. “It was a dynamic conversation, and we’ve stayed in touch since. Her newsletter has become a must-read for every MarComm pro looking to stay sharp and informed.” Learn more about Sukhi Sahni on LinkedIn.

Leading Through Change: Lessons from an ELA Alumna

By Elisa O’Halloran

Over the past several years, Rosemary Girard has grown and scaled her role—both in the number of people and remits she oversees, and in the breadth of the subject matter. Now a Senior Vice President at Edelman, she leads corporate and executive communications for a large tech company that plays a significant role on the global stage and in AI innovation.

“Diving deeper into my learning on AI has been a fun and challenging project to sink my teeth into,” Rosemary says. “It’s also a necessary one, given it’s a focal point of the thought leadership being driven by the executives I support.”

Outside of work, she makes it a point to fuel her passions—traveling, hiking, photographing, scuba diving, and flower arranging. “I believe that fueling my passions outside of work makes me a better professional,” she adds.

Looking back on her Emerging Leaders Awards experience, Rosemary says, “It was truly an honor and something I think back on very fondly. While I always strive to do my best work with or without recognition, I’m so grateful that my leadership stood out and that I was able to represent Edelman in this way.”

Although she’s since moved to California, she credits WWPR and the DC PR community for shaping her career: “It reinforced for me the power of community in this industry, especially in the Washington, DC area. The DC community is a special network and will always feel like home to me.”

When asked what advice she’d give to up-and-coming women in PR—or future ELA winners—Rosemary says, “Don’t compare your own blooper reel to someone else’s highlight reel. Especially under pressure, it’s easy to convince yourself that other people you admire haven’t made the same mistakes you have. But it’s important to fail fast, train your resilience muscle, and keep moving forward. The more senior I’ve become, the more I’ve found that the highs are higher and the lows are lower, so it’s important for me to maintain perspective and focus on making the next best decision with the information I have at the time and to trust my instincts.”

A standout moment from her ELA experience? “Learning about the work of the other nominees,” she says. “Communications professionals are often doing quiet work behind the scenes, so it was wonderful to hear so many women get the praise they deserve.”

WASHINGTON WOMEN IN PUBLIC RELATIONS ANNOUNCES 2025 EMERGING LEADERS FINALISTS

21 DC-area female communicators will be recognized on June 11, 2025, at the 15th annual awards ceremony; Seven winners will be revealed during the awards event

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2025 – Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), a professional development and networking organization for female communicators in the nation’s capital, today announces the finalists for its 15th Annual Emerging Leaders Awards (ELAs).

The ELAs honor outstanding rising stars, ages 25-35, in the Washington, D.C. metro area who have excelled in communications and related fields. The 21 finalists are grouped into the following categories, Small/Boutique Agency, Mid-Size Agency, Large/Global Agency, Government, Non-Profit, Corporate and Trade Association. One winner from each category will be revealed on Wednesday, June 11, at the annual awards ceremony.

This year’s finalists represent the top three candidates in each of the seven categories, as determined by a distinguished panel of judges. The 2025 ELA finalists are: 

Small/Boutique Agency

  • Janessa Sambola-Harris, Account Director, Meraki Communications Group
  • Asma Amani, Founder, Asma Amani PR
  • Erika Dyer, Owner, Daylit Consulting

Mid-Sized Agency

  • Charlotte Freeman, Senior Manager, Narrative Strategies 
  • Rebecca Walker, Account Supervisor, Adfero 
  • Katherine Nanney, Director, Government Practice, Merritt Group 

Global & Large Agency

  • Bridgette Dodge, Vice President, Health, Edelman 
  • Mackenzie Trumbull, Account Director, We. Communications 
  • Megan Reilly, Senior Account Executive, Edelman

Government

  • Rita Clark-Sandino, Communications Specialist, US Environmental Protection Agency 
  • Kemi Giwa, Communications Director, House Financial Service Committee, Ranking Member Maxine Waters (CA-43)
  • Tejah Robinson, Creative Director, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries

Nonprofit 

  • Hannah Huntt, Head of Strategic Communications, Hope For The Warriors 
  • Ianthe Metzger, Senior Director of Advocacy Communications, Planned Parenthood
  • Troi Barnes, Director of Media Relations, Legal Defense Fund

Corporate

  • Courtney Bailey, Global Large Advertiser Marketing Lead, Meta Platforms, Inc. 
  • Miki Carver, External Relations Lead, U.S. Public Policy, IBM 
  • Laura Clifford, Senior Communications Manager, BAE Systems, Inc.

Trade Association 

  • Emily Ekshian, Communications Lead, Crypto Council for Innovation
  • Janae Washington, Senior Director of Communications, Information Technology Industry Council 
  • Katie Shoaf, Senior Manager of Public Affairs, Edison Electric Institute 

“As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Emerging Leaders Awards, it is clear: Women in the D.C.-area have been, and continue to, lead the way in communications and public relations,” said Colleen Gallagher, President, WWPR. “This year’s finalists exemplify the strength and diversity of our local communications field and we are proud to honor these exceptional women who continue to reshape the industry, uplift their communities and inspire fellow professionals. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements.”

Renowned communications executive Kathy Baird will serve as the keynote speaker for this year’s event. The awards celebration will be held at 601 New Jersey Avenue, 5th Floor, Washington, D.C., on June 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Reserve your spot today

Sponsorship opportunities can be found here or by contacting sponsorships@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.
For more information, Contact Emerging Leaders Awards Co-Chairs Ranata Reeder and Ligia McEvoy at ela@wwpr.org.

President’s Letter: Celebrating Growth and Looking Ahead

Dear WWPR Community,

Spring is in full bloom, and so is the momentum within our WWPR network! 🌸 I continue to be inspired by the strength of this community and the incredible energy we’ve seen at every turn this year.

Last month, we hosted a dynamic professional development event and happy hour, and we were blown away by the response—over 100 RSVPs, with registration closing early due to demand! It’s clear that our community is eager to connect, share, and grow together, and we’re thrilled to keep building on that excitement.

A Few Important Updates and Upcoming Events:

Emerging Leaders Awards – June 11
We are officially counting down to our 15th Annual Emerging Leaders Awards! Nominations are still open through May 9, and I encourage you to nominate a rising star in your network and know that we love seeing self-nominations as well! This event is such a powerful celebration of young women who are making an incredible impact in our field, and we can’t wait to honor them this June in Washington, D.C.

Woman of the Year – October 3
Mark your calendars for our next signature event of the year—our annual Woman of the Year celebration returns to the beautiful Salamander DC this fall. Stay tuned for more details in the months ahead!

Upcoming Programming
Stay tuned for some exciting updates about our professional development programming coming in May! And don’t miss the next dinner in our Executive Communicator Series on June 12 at Café Riggs. Registration is open now, and these dinners have been a huge success for building real community among senior communicators. A big thank you to MiQ for making this series possible!

New Peer Mentoring Program: WWPR LINK
We’re thrilled to be launching WWPR LINK: A Peer Mentoring Network this summer! LINK will connect members through small, curated groups focused on shared learning, candid conversations, and career growth. Applications are open now for the pilot cohort running July–December 2025.

👉 Apply here by June 1!

Member Scholarships Coming Soon
In the spirit of community support, I’m excited to share that we’ll soon be offering a limited number of scholarships for WWPR members who have recently been laid off, thanks to a generous donation from a past Woman of the Year honoree. Stay tuned for more details soon.

Finally, I want to take a moment to highlight the incredible work our Pro Bono Committee is doing alongside our 2024-2025 pro bono client, Running Start. It’s inspiring to see how our members are making a difference by supporting young women in their journey toward leadership. You can learn more about the partnership and ways to get involved here.

Thank you for being part of WWPR’s vibrant community—and for everything you do to lift one another up. I can’t wait to see what we continue to accomplish together this year!

With gratitude,
Colleen Lerro Gallagher
WWPR President

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