Tag: Emerging Leaders Awards

We are excited to celebrate the 14th anniversary of the ELAs, where we will honor emerging leaders in seven categories: Small/boutique agencies, mid-sized agencies, large/global agencies, government, non-profit, corporate and trade associations. 

Ahead of this signature event, we connected with the finalists to hear about their journeys and career advice and helpful insights on how they got to where they are today. 

Learn more about the 2024 ELA finalists below and register to attend the awards ceremony on Tuesday, June 18 to help us celebrate all of their successes!

Corporate

Brooklyn Bass, senior public affairs associate, JPMorgan Chase 

“Get comfortable with rejection and trying new things. Have the audacity to reach out to that new contact, pitch that bold idea, and reach as high as you can. The worst that anyone can say is “no.” You might experience failure in the process, but there will be days where you get that “yes,” which makes it all worth it.

Brooklyn Bass is a public affairs specialist at JPMorgan Chase, helping to drive the firm’s public policy priorities with strategic PR and communications expertise. In her role, she also regularly partners with the firm’s legal team to provide communications support for sensitive legal matters. 

Prior to her role at JPMorgan Chase, Brooklyn has had public affairs and traditional PR and media relations experiences across a wide range of industry segments, including technology, education, international development, art and luxury fashion. Her clientele has been diverse, from bigger clients in the Big Tech sector to developing and implementing smaller public affairs campaigns for nonprofits and coalitions. 

On a part-time basis, she also provides freelance consulting services to small businesses and startups, including agetech startup Kinumi, which is helping to solve the aging crisis and has received funding and acknowledgements from Melinda French Gates, Comcast LiftLabs and others. 

Brooklyn is a graduate of Duke University’s Trinity School with a major in Cultural Anthropology. She is a former member of the Steering Committee for the Duke DC Women of Color Coalition and a 2023 fellow of the Public Affairs Council’s Hogans Fellowship.

Courtney Bailey, global public sector marketing lead, Meta Platforms, Inc.

“My biggest piece of advice for women is to advocate for yourself and your career. Don’t hesitate to put career conversations on your manager’s calendar and be direct in those conversations. Let your manager know what you want out of your career, what your 5- or 10-year plan is and what their expectations are for your next promotion. After all, it is your career so go after what you want!”

Courtney is a seasoned marketing professional with a decade of strategic marketing experience. In her role as the Global Public Sector Marketing Lead at Meta Platforms, Courtney is dedicated to driving innovation, promoting thought leadership, and advancing Meta’s mission. With a keen understanding of government structures and policies on a global scale, Courtney has consistently demonstrated an ability to craft compelling marketing strategies that resonate with global audiences and drive impactful results.

Throughout her career, Courtney has been instrumental in developing and executing innovative marketing campaigns tailored to the unique needs and challenges of the public sector. Her deep expertise spans a wide range of areas including government organizations, candidates for office and elected officials.

As a visionary leader, Courtney excels in guiding cross-functional teams to collaborate effectively and deliver integrated marketing solutions that address complex societal issues. Her strategic insights and analytical prowess enable her to identify emerging trends, anticipate market shifts, and capitalize on untapped opportunities to achieve organizational objectives.

Prior to her current role, Courtney held key marketing positions where she successfully led initiatives to enhance brand visibility, drive stakeholder engagement, and foster strategic partnerships with policy makers and international associations.

Courtney holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She also obtained her master of business administration from The George Washington University.

Michelle Byamugisha, senior manager, communications, PwC

“It’s important to have mentors and sponsors who champion your long-term goals, and just as important to build trust with the many people who help empower your day-to-day work. Those relationships are invaluable – from the business leaders who help inform your strategy, to the designers making campaign collateral, to the reporters you are pitching stories to.”

Michelle Byamugisha is a leader with global experience in public relations and stakeholder engagement across multiple sectors. At Chemonics International, she coordinated corporate communications in DC and led health and agriculture-focused communications assignments for USAID projects in Uganda, Malawi, Senegal, and Bangladesh. She later joined the social impact team at Weber Shandwick where she helped purpose-driven clients tell their stories through an audience-centric approach to thought leadership. In Weber’s DC office, Michelle served as chairperson of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and was also recognized as the 2020 employee of the year. Currently, Michelle is a senior manager on PwC’s communications team, with a focus on people communications and public affairs. When she’s not coordinating internal employee engagement campaigns to a 75,000+ strong workforce or managing owned/earned content strategies, Michelle is engaged in social inclusion efforts both inside and outside the office. She volunteers as a college essay writing coach for underrepresented students and previously founded the “Autism Articulated” blog to raise awareness of diverse experiences of families impacted by autism. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and International Studies from Northwestern University and her Master’s degree from the London School of Economics, where she studied Media, Communication and International Development.

Trade Association

Grace Venes-Escaffi, specialist, CES and industry communications, Consumer Technology Association 

“Always bring people up with you – find mentors and mentees, so when an opportunity arises that you are positioned to refer for, you’ll have a rolodex ready to promote and advance each other accordingly. Success is neither zero-sum, linear, or individualist, and collaboration and community are critical to realizing our career potential.”

Grace Venes-Escaffi is a PR and communications professional at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® which represents over 1300 consumer technology companies and owns and produces CES® — the most powerful tech event in the world. In this role, Venes-Escaffi works with the world’s leading and most innovative tech companies on how to promote their technologies to generate earned media coverage.  She also works with media to find the stories that speak to them at CES, and promote CTA members’ work from standards portfolios to policy efforts to market research that drives major decision-making in the tech industry.  

Before joining CTA, Venes-Escaffi worked in retail and office real estate in the DMV with CBRE Mid-Atlantic, and coordinated with brokerage teams covering a high-end portfolio of restaurant and commercial spaces. Venes-Escaffi holds a BA in Communications, Public Relations and a BA in Global Affairs, International Development from George Mason University, where she served on the executive board of the GMU PRSSA Chapter and competed on the D1 Women’s Rowing team. She is a proud Arab-Latinx American, a professional vocalist, an aspiring hyperpolyglot, and a food and travel enthusiast. 

Jen Bristol, senior director of communications, Solar Energy Industries Association

“Remember, everything is a negotiation. As communicators, the daily negotiations we make about what to say and when are often around the margins, but those decisions matter and add up over time. The margins will ultimately determine your success, so dig in and stand by your expertise.”

Jen Bristol is a strategic communications expert who has dedicated her career to supporting the U.S. solar and storage industry. 

Currently, Jen leads the communications team at the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), where she supervises a team of communications professionals and orchestrates public affairs campaigns and announcements designed to expand the U.S. solar market. 

Prior to joining SEIA, Jen was the deputy communications lead at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office, where she provided communications support and led the office’s awardee engagement efforts, editorial calendar, web presence, and special communications projects and events. Before that, Jen managed office operations and public affairs for the GW Solar Institute and event logistics for The Washington Campus.

Jen is also passionate about public service. Jen was elected to represent the U St and Columbia Heights neighborhood as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner and held public office from 2017-2020. 

Jen is originally from Stony Brook, NY, and has a master’s degree in public administration from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia.

Laura Ambrosio, manager, policy communications, Consumer Technology Association 

“One of the best pieces of advice that I received from a mentor and would like to pass on to other women is that “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” Women in the workplace can often be overlooked for opportunities, so you have to speak up to advocate for yourself and highlight the value you uniquely bring.”

Laura Ambrosio is a creative and collaborative communications and public relations professional with a decade of experience in diverse sectors, including associations, nonprofits, public sector, technology, and government. She currently manages communications strategy at the Consumer Technology Association, which represents global brands and startups in the tech industry and produces CES, the world’s most powerful tech event. In her role, Laura enjoys showcasing how technology is solving real world problems from improving accessibility and sustainability to health and more.

With a proven track record of securing top-tier media coverage, Laura specializes in building strong relationships with reporters, proactively identifying new story ideas, and transforming complex and technical topics into compelling narratives, while leveraging the latest data and trends.

Passionate about driving positive change through effective communication, Laura is committed to delivering high-quality results that make a difference. Whether it’s advocating for important policy issues or navigating crisis situations, Laura brings an in-depth understanding of the media landscape and audience dynamics when it comes to counseling executives and teams at all levels to achieve organizational goals.

Laura holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Communication from George Mason University. As a believer in lifelong learning, Laura also recently earned her Digital Marketing certification. She especially appreciates the opportunity to give back to the field by mentoring and advising the next generation of public relations professionals.

Non-Profit

Destany Story, program director, Women Empowering Nations

“My advice would be to ‘root yourself.’ As a social impact leader, truly connect with the communities you serve; your why will fuel your growth and guide your advocacy journey.”

Destany Story is a lifelong educator and women’s advocate from Memphis, TN, currently residing in Washington, DC. Her journey in education began with earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Mississippi State University in 2018.

Her dedication to youth advocacy and education reform led her to pursue a path with Teach for America, an esteemed program that selects exceptional individuals from a highly competitive pool of approximately 40,000 applicants nationwide. Through the corps, she served as a high school Special Education Teacher at her alma mater, Power Center Academy High School. Being a part of their first graduating class, she felt compelled to give back to her community by providing mentorship and guidance to students following in her footsteps. She provided individualized instruction to over 300 students, implementing equitable grading policies and analyzing practical data to tailor intervention strategies, enhancing student success in both in-person and remote learning settings.

In her role as Program Director at Women Empowering Nations, she oversees all aspects of local and international programs, ensuring their quality and success. She has led global initiatives benefiting over 2,000 women and children across more than 70 countries, including the coordination of global cohorts, global community service initiatives, and virtual workshops. Destany has served as a keynote speaker for Governor Bill Lee’s 2019 Charter School Growth Funding Dinner. She also is a 2021 Memphis Flyer 20 Under 30 Recipient. Destany’s purpose is to create a seat at the table for women and amplify their voices in order to be a part of the change we all wish to see.

Morgan Elwell, media relations manager, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts

“Network! Make friends across different fields and organizations, people are connected in more ways than you realize and those smaller connections can grow into something fantastic.”

Morgan Elwell has over a decade of experience in the public relations field. She started her career working as a local TV producer before joining a Publishing House in New York City as the Publicity Manager for their Mysteries & Thrillers department. Here she worked on publicity campaigns across the country for bestselling novels, first-time authors, and more! 

Recently, she moved back to Washington, D.C. and became the Media Relations Manager for the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts. In her current role she works with local and national media to coordinate artist interviews and overall coverage for the foundation.

Valeria Sabaté, senior media and public affairs manager, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

“Find an advocate and mentor to better understand the landscape, stay on trend and undertake unforeseen challenges. Do not be afraid to take on a project and tasks outside your role or identify needed gaps—these leaps and opportunities can grow your skill set and propel the team forward.”

Valeria Sabaté is the Sr. Media & Public Affairs Manager at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). She drives organization-wide media and public affairs engagement, elevating AAAS’ leadership/policy positions and news at the nexus between science and society while protecting its reputation through risk assessment and crisis communications preparedness.

Valeria has many years of experience in media relations, public relations and crisis communications in health care, public health, publishing and science associations.

Before joining AAAS, Valeria was the Sr. Communications Specialist, Research & Innovation at the Children’s National Hospital (CNH). While at the hospital, she helped promote scientific literature and medical innovations. As part of her work, she led science communications strategies to boost the visibility of the research and national reputation.

Valeria joined CNH in 2021, but she served up to five years at AAAS before that. During her first time at AAAS, Val was the Sr. Communication Associate & Intl. Communications Lead for the Science family journals.

Before AAAS, Valeria worked for the Pan American Health Organization, which also serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO). She helped increase awareness of public health concerns, including emerging the Zika outbreak in 2015-2016.

Valeria holds a MA degree in communications with a dual concentration in public and media relations and political communications from Johns Hopkins University. She graduated with a BA in broadcast, print and online media, and advertising & public relations. She also has a minor in political science.

Government

Jennifer J. Min, director of digital media, United States Department of Defense 

“Communicate with integrity, find mentors, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.” 

Jennifer Min currently serves as the Director of Digital Media for the Department of Defense, where she develops digital communication strategies for the DoD and coordinates messaging with the Armed Services and Combatant Commands. Previously, Jennifer served as the Special Assistant to the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs. In this role, she assists the Pentagon Press Secretary and Deputy Press Secretary in their efforts to advise the Secretary of Defense on public communications. Prior to joining the Biden-Harris Administration, Jennifer was press secretary for retired U.S. Representative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14). 

Jennifer began her career in government and politics as an Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) communications and policy fellow at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC). At the CHC, she helped advance the CHC’s legislative priorities which included immigration reform and improving access to health care.

Jennifer received her B.A. in International Relations and Public Policy Analysis from Syracuse University

Maya Valentine, communications director, United States House of Representatives 

“My best advice for women in communications and PR is to always anchor yourself in the unwavering belief that things will work out for you and never let fear hold you back from taking action. Trust that your journey is uniquely yours and always go forward with purpose, intention, and determination. Be bold, be confident, and take that leap of faith, knowing that every step you take is one step closer to reaching your greatest potential.”

Maya Valentine is a highly accomplished communications professional with a distinguished career in the United States House of Representatives. She currently serves as the Communications Director for Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-00), where she leverages her expertise to effectively manage, enhance, and direct the Congresswoman’s brand, priorities, and messaging strategy. Previously, Maya was the Communications Director for Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and served as the Press Secretary for Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), honing her skills in media relations and strategic communications in these pivotal roles.

Maya’s leadership and dedication to fostering a pipeline for younger, Black Hill staff to succeed in politics is evident in her tenure as President of the Congressional Black Associates, the largest staff association on Capitol Hill. During her work on CBA’s board, she has been focused on the social and political advancement of all Black staff. Her commitment to this cause underscores her passion for creating inclusive and equitable workplaces – especially for those pursuing a career in politics. Before she was President of CBA, she served as its Communications Director for two terms, helping to build and evolve the organization’s press goals and branding. 

Beyond her professional duties, Maya is a devoted mentor to younger Black women in political communications. Through her guidance and support, she has played a crucial role in empowering the next generation of leaders to navigate and succeed in the complex landscape of political communications. Maya has recently helped start a small, community group for Black women in communications, where she has helped organize social events and created a space for sharing information about job opportunities.

Residing in Washington, DC, Maya aspires to continue working in political communications and ensure that more Black women have access to this important field. 

Wellesley Michael, digital director, House Democratic Caucus 

“My best advice is to stay curious. Curiosity will help you learn new things and open up opportunities you didn’t know existed.”

Wellesley Michael is the Digital Director for the House Democratic Caucus under Chairman Pete Aguilar. In her current role, Wellesley creates dynamic social media content to showcase the many ways House Democrats put People Over Politics. She enjoys helping digital staff grow, learn, and succeed in spreading their Members’ message online. To do this, Wellesley works with companies including Google, Meta, and LinkedIn to provide career development opportunities for Democratic digital staff every month

Wellesley got her start as a community organizer. She saw digital platforms as a space to build momentum around social justice movements. Through social media, she was able to mobilize and turn out hundreds of people for a Black Lives Matter rally she organized in her hometown, Omaha, Nebraska. She continued organizing for Democratic candidates in Nebraska until moving to Washington, D.C., in 2021.

Wellesley was the Digital Director for the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, where she developed and rolled out a digital media plan for the CHIPS and Science Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022.

Wellesley is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she studied journalism, advertising, and public relations.

Small/Boutique Agency

Anne Keeney, vice president, Glen Echo Group

“Do the work to become a subject matter expert on the issue, organization, or client whose story you are telling. If you can’t explain what you’re talking about to a fifth grader, ask questions and study up until you can.”

Anne is a Vice President at the Glen Echo Group, where she leads the firm’s broadband practice. She assists organizations in the tech, telecom, and satellite industries in crafting sharp messages and smart strategies to tell their stories effectively.

As a subject matter expert on connectivity issues, Anne runs campaigns that make wonky policy topics understandable, relevant, and engaging for policymakers, regulators, industry stakeholders, and the media. She specializes in bipartisan, multistakeholder engagement and has established several coalitions to advocate for policies addressing connectivity and the digital divide.

Anne has successfully placed stories in prominent publications, including AP, CNN, The Hill, NPR, POLITICO, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. Her media and advocacy campaigns have earned recognition from Innovation SABRE and PR News.

Since 2020, Anne has also led the firm’s business development efforts.

Prior to joining the Glen Echo Group, Anne worked at AMGA, where she managed a diabetes communications campaign that improved care for over one million Americans.

A D.C.-area native, Anne graduated summa cum laude from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in political science and earned her master’s in public relations and corporate communications from Georgetown University. On weekends, she enjoys watching Notre Dame football and The Real Housewives.

Erin Berst, vice president, CURA Strategies

“You don’t get what you don’t ask for—embrace the fear of no, but then ask for yes. And be as graceful as you are persistent when building the life you want to live.”

Erin Berst serves as a vice president at CURA Strategies, where she develops and manages integrated communications campaigns for organizations that span the health care industry. 

From helping patients address the emotional grief of cancer with new interventions to educating urologists on the latest precision medicine tools, Erin keeps the purpose of her work front and center: helping people live stronger, better, healthier lives. Although Erin is experienced across communications disciplines, she is particularly passionate about writing and has earned a reputation for being tenacious about securing media coverage for her clients. 

Erin regularly provides strategic counsel and daily coordination for her clients and is known for her cheerfully persistent approach to project management. Recently, Erin led a collaborative effort to create Mobilize Recovery Day of Service, a campaign to help break down stigmas around recovery during National Recovery Month. Under her leadership, the campaign’s inaugural year generated more than 520 service events, exceeding expectations, and was nominated as a finalist for the Sabre Awards Not-For-Profit-Category. She also leads the promotion of The Leapfrog Group’s bi-annual Safety Grades and secured a 20% increase in articles year over year. Additionally, she leads CURA’s longest running client, the American College of Cardiology Annual Meeting, which generated 771 original articles in 2024—a 43% increase from 2023. 

In August, Erin will embark on a new journey at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, where she will further her understanding of business management while continuing to service her clients at CURA.

Shannon Bishop Green, vice president, McCabe Message Partners

“Lean into your strengths. Find ways to (positively) exploit them and use them to build confidence.”

Shannon Bishop-Green is a vice president at McCabe Message Partners, where she leads communications and brand strategy for medical boards, healthcare foundations, and advocacy groups. Her recent work includes communicating the value of board certification, developing communications strategies to mitigate medical misinformation, and bringing together leaders in advocacy and healthcare to build anti-racist health systems. 

Prior to joining McCabe, Shannon led marketing efforts for the American Medical Group Association and its affiliates, including in-person and virtual events, products, consulting, and more. She initially joined AMGA’s foundation to manage day-to-day logistics for national health campaigns on high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. She began her career at Ogilvy Washington supporting federal public health campaigns on physical education, women’s and reproductive health, heart disease, and eye health.

Her work has received several industry awards and recognition from PRSA and ASAE. Shannon is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) recognized by Project Management Institute.

Mid-Size Agency 

Caleigh Bourgeois, senior account director, Antenna Group

“My advice for women in communications is to prioritize mentorship. Ask questions of the women who paved the way for you and impart advice to those who now look up to you.” 

With more than ten years experience, Caleigh drives dynamic corporate reputation, executive visibility, crisis, and public affairs campaigns for one of the most challenging fields to communicate – clean energy. Representing small startups to household names, her strategies have led to favorable policy changes and exponential sales growth for clients. Caleigh has earned the reputation of a tactical yet creative leader both in and outside of Antenna Group.

A former journalist, Caleigh is a skilled media trainer, and regularly guides executives through the delivery process. She formulates tailored talking points, prepares executives for interviews, and even helps produce client videos. Her media outreach campaigns have contributed to vetos, Department of Energy collaboration, and increased client share of voice by up to 300% within less than a year. She delights in landing clients interviews with their favorite publications or journalists, and does so regularly. 

A writer at heart, Caleigh ghost writes, edits, and advises on opinion pieces to raise executive visibility. Pieces she’s worked on have run in The Hill, the Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and more. She also contributes blogs for the agency’s own website. 

Client executives trust and turn to Caleigh for everything from speechwriting to longform social media posts. She enjoys finding and developing other avenues for commentary including letters to the editor, open letters, and radio appearances. 

Jenny Wang, senior vice president, Susan Davis International

“It’s critical to be your own best advocate, especially as a woman of color in the industry. Remain hungry and intellectually curious, seize all learning/growth opportunities that come your way, and cultivate true mentors.”

Jenny Wang is an agile and dynamic communications expert who has helped companies and organizations in the healthcare, technology, nonprofit and energy sectors gain greater recognition in the media, bolster thought leadership, navigate DE&I issues, and mitigate crises. With more than a decade of experience in strategic communications, she is a recognized leader in the PR industry (honored by PRWeek, PRNEWS, Ragan, and the Diversity Action Alliance).

Before joining SDI, Jenny was a Senior Vice President at CLYDE, where she worked with clients in the healthcare and DEI spaces, including leading and helping grow the firm’s largest account (driving patient advocacy and health equity for a Fortune 150 pharma company).

Prior to CLYDE, she was a Vice President at kglobal, where she led integrated communications campaigns on behalf of clients across various industries, provided crisis communications and issues management counsel and developed new business leads and opportunities. She has also worked at Raffetto Herman Strategic Communications, Ketchum, and The Harbour Group.

Jenny is regularly invited to be a featured guest speaker at industry events and/or cultural gatherings, and she currently serves as a board member of International Social Service, USA. She received her master’s degree in strategic communication from American University’s School of Communication and bachelor’s degree in communication and management from Juniata College.

Global/Large Agency

McKenzie Wax, vice president, social and emerging platform strategy, Weber Shandwick

“Scroll. Read. Watch. Consume. The more you participate in the culture you are advising your clients to engage with, the more informed your strategic approach will be. Develop a strong media diet that includes equal parts cultural drivers, industry news, and creative inspiration. Even a late-night deep dive into your FYP can provide insights into how users are consuming media today.

Get comfortable with both giving and asking for feedback. Championing successes and being upfront about areas for growth—even when confrontation feels challenging—ultimately strengthens your team.”

Perpetually Online 🤝 Nerds Out for Data

Captivated by trends and driven by numbers, McKenzie seamlessly marries brand messages with the pulse of today’s internet culture.

With over a decade of experience, McKenzie has driven social and influencer campaigns that make global brands pop in an oversaturated digital world. She’s a wizard at cultivating engaged online communities and turning casual scrollers into die-hard brand enthusiasts.

At Weber Shandwick’s Social Media, Emerging Platforms, and Influencer practice in Washington, DC, McKenzie guides a spectrum of clients—from Fortune 100 giants to fresh, emerging brands—through the maze of modern digital strategies. Her expertise spans paid and organic social media, employee advocacy, executive visibility, and integrated campaign planning, both for B2C and B2B.

Before her tenure at Weber, McKenzie was the Senior Director for Strategic Communications at Georgetown University. There, she co-founded an ahead-of-its-time influencer program and managed the university’s famous live mascot, Jack the Bulldog, who wowed crowds with his skateboarding stunts at sports games.

McKenzie holds a B.A. in International Business and an MBA from Georgetown University. Her career is a testament to her deep, savvy understanding of the ever-changing internet and social media landscape.

Remi Lederman, associate director, APCO Worldwide

“My best advice for women in communications is to seize opportunity even if you aren’t sure if you are ready for it. Embrace the opportunities that come with some fear of failure because those are the moments when you will learn and grow the most.”

Remi Lederman is an associate director at APCO and is based in the Washington, D.C. office where she is a member of the Corporate Communications practice. She specializes in strategic communications, messaging, and media strategy with subject matter expertise in B2B technologies, fintech, financial services and other highly regulated industries. Her work has spanned from helping Fortune 500 companies navigate the world’s most pressing issues to startups growing their market awareness and establishing their corporate identity. 

With a background in journalism and magazine-style content creation, her storytelling ability was honed across the globe, with experience working across the Middle East, Asia and Europe in her time at APCO. She has also supported clients at major international convenings such as the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos.

Prior to joining APCO, she worked on the communications team at MongoDB, a tech software-as-a-service company, where she supported media and analyst engagement around the company’s international developer conference, MongoDB World, in New York City in 2018.

Remi received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Media Studies and Art History from The University of Pennsylvania.

Tara Bauer, senior account supervisor, corporate digital, Edelman

“Find the people who relentlessly champion your talent and growth, and never let them go. Those relationships make the work worthwhile, and these are the people that will stay with you regardless of where you work or where you move throughout your career. As you become more senior, pay it forward and be someone’s champion in return.”

As a Senior Account Supervisor on Edelman’s Corporate Digital team, Tara Bauer is responsible for building C-Suite executive and corporate social media strategies, as well as overseeing the execution and measurement of social programs. Working with integrated teams across creative, editorial, paid social, and earned media, Tara also leads integrated executive positioning and corporate communications programs for Booking Holdings, Delta Air Lines, Unilever, and Under Armour. With a background in political communications consulting for clients in the aerospace, pharmaceutical, and travel industries, Tara also supports agency-wide corporate reputation counsel around key social issues, from the overturning of affirmative action to the fall of Roe v. Wade.

Prior to Edelman, Tara spent several years in earned media at The Brand Guild, placing brand and founder stories for consumer lifestyle, nonprofit, and technology clients in top-tier national outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Forbes, TechCrunch, and Inc. As a founding member of the Executive Thought Leadership team there, she built a strategic executive positioning program for DTC brand founders, inclusive of strategies across paid, owned, and earned channels.

Tara is a graduate of the University of Virginia and lives in Washington, D.C. with her yorkie, Nugget. 

Congratulations again to our phenomenal 21 finalists! Be sure to join us on June 18 to celebrate them and honor the winners from each category. The event will also feature renowned D.C. journalist and Washington Correspondent for Cox Media Group (CMG) Kirstin Garriss as the keynote speaker. Tickets can be purchased here. 

For more information: Contact Emerging Leaders Awards Co-Chairs Ranata Reeder and Charmaine Riley at ela@wwpr.org.