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Moving Forward Together: A Personal Reflection on Women’s History and the Legacy of Progress

New Blog: Moving Forward Together

By Seleana Wright, Senior Director, APCO

This year’s theme for Women’s History Month,”Moving forward together,” resonates deeply with me. It serves as a reminder that progress isn’t just about individual victories, but collective strength. This message holds more meaning now than it did a year ago. Simply put, the journey toward equality and inclusion is not a solitary one. It’s about linking arms and moving forward together as a collective. Women’s History Month is a moment to honor the past, recognize the present, and ensure a more inclusive future for generations to come.

Reflecting on the contributions of the women in the suffrage movement, it becomes clear that intersectionality is key to understanding the complexity of women’s struggles. Women’s experiences are shaped by race, class, culture, and other aspects of identity. The struggle for equality is not a singular experience—it is nuanced and diverse.

Sojourner Truth’s iconic speech, “Ain’t I a Woman?”, challenged both race and gender norms in a society that sought to silence women—especially Black women. Her words still resonate today, demanding acknowledgment of the complexities of womanhood and the many layers of oppression.

I think often about my maternal grandmother, who passed away in her 20s while struggling to find independence and live out her highest values. These values included being a mother, a wife, and so much more—roles that many women, particularly in the 1950s, were expected to fulfill without the opportunity to pursue their own dreams. I am proud that, thanks to the collective sacrifices of women who came before me, I stand here today embodying the freedom my grandmother sought but never fully had. And, I do not take this for granted.

Moving forward together means understanding that our shared struggles for justice and equality require solidarity, respect, and commitment. It’s crucial to recognize that equality for one doesn’t necessarily mean equality for all. As we continue to seek gender equality, we must remember that such progress should benefit racial equality and the rights of other marginalized communities as well.

Women like Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, and my grandmother Estelle Edwards, understood that their fight was never just about one issue—it was about advocating for women to be recognized as fully realized individuals with the right to shape their own lives and communities. Their work set the foundation for women today to continue pushing boundaries, and their legacy inspires me every day to stand for change.

Today, Moving Forward Together is not just a call for reflection but for action. It’s about breaking barriers in corporate boardrooms, leading nations, and running micro-businesses in emerging markets. It’s about having individual autonomy in the full definition of the word. And, it’s about supporting women in doing so.

Progress has been made and we should celebrate the victories. From more women in executive roles to the increasing number of women entrepreneurs, we are seeing shifts that demonstrate the power of solidarity and collective action. Yet, the fight is far from over. The work that has been done must be protected and built upon. Moving forward together means ensuring that the next generation inherits a world where their voices, their rights, and their power are fully realized.

Board Member Spotlight: Lauren Tyler, Adfero

In this Board Member Spotlight we are getting to know Lauren Tyler a little bit better. Lauren serves as WWPR Secretary. 

Lauren is a doer. When she sees someone in need of help, she lends a hand. When she observes something that needs to get done, she rolls up her sleeves and pitches in. Lauren employs this mentality at home, with family and friends, and at work at DC-based strategic communications and public affairs firm, Adfero. 

In her role as Adfero’s Chief of Staff, Lauren manages the firm’s people and operations, ensuring that her Adfero teammates have the resources they need and opportunities to do what they do best. She supports client and business development teams across the firm’s practice areas, coaches and develops teammates within accounts and capabilities, and manages Adfero’s Executive Team operations and strategic planning. 

Prior to joining Adfero, Lauren spent more than five years at the Public Affairs Council, the leading international association for public affairs professionals. At the Council, Lauren marketed and managed the association’s 100 plus events each year. She stays connected to the communications industry through involvement as a mentor in the Public Affairs Council’s Hogans Fellowship Program, a member of ColorComm, and secretary of WWPR’s Board of Directors. 

Lauren is a proud Washingtonian, and graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a BA in Communication and a minor in African American Studies.

Tell us about your background and what drew you to your current position.  

My firm’s core purpose, to create opportunities for people to do what they do best, has been a driving force for me since I began at Adfero more than ten years ago. After working on client accounts across industries and sectors for the majority of my career, I wanted to focus on internal communication, people development and business operations – putting into place the processes and activities to enable our team to do great work. 

What is the most exciting or rewarding project you’ve done recently or in your overall career?  

“I’m proud of so many of the communications and advocacy campaigns I’ve worked on over the years, but my proudest accomplishments are related to working with and coaching our industry’s emerging leaders. Through my involvement in the Public Affairs Council’s Hogans Fellowship Program, I’ve had the privilege to get to know, mentor, and learn from intelligent and accomplished young professionals. These opportunities to connect with others in our industry, share successes and challenges, and cheer each other on has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

For those interested in learning more, the Hogans Fellowship is a D.C.-based program designed to provide skills training and mentoring for emerging public affairs leaders from diverse backgrounds. Applications are now open through March 24 for next year’s program! Learn more.

What do you love about being a WWPR Board Member? 

The WWPR board has been an incredible opportunity to connect with likeminded women in the communications field. I joined the board at the end of the pandemic, looking for ways to meet new people, grow my network, and expand upon the skills I use every day in my agency role. The WWPR Board of Directors was the perfect blend of these activities, and has far exceeded my expectations for how much I would learn and develop my leadership skills. 

Is there any book you would recommend? 

I’m aiming to read one book per month this year (so far, trending ahead of schedule with six for 2025; we’ll see if I can keep it up), and have two favorites: We are the Brennans by Tracey Lange and Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Both books explore family drama, secrets, and have happy endings.

What do you do outside of work?

I’m a sucker for the latest workout trends. On any given evening or weekend, you can typically find me at SoulCycle or Solidcore. I also love trying new restaurants around town, and am always looking for a new recommendation to try!

Board Member Spotlight: Karen Naumann, APR, PMP

WWPR Board Member Karen Naumann, APR, PMP, is a multifaceted, seasoned practitioner with more than 25 years of communication experience. She is an educator, executive, and author with a focus on national security. She excels as an educator, executive, and author, focusing on national security. Currently serving as a graduate professor at West Virginia University’s Defense Information School cohort, Karen trains information warriors in crisis communications. Her background includes roles as a Senior Strategic Communication Planner in South Korea and Senior Instructor at the U.S. Department of Defense’s Information School. Karen finds pride in serving as a communicator for two different countries and in mentoring teams and students. As a WWPR Board Member, she brings her passion for communications and management to an organization dedicated to empowering women in the field. Outside of work, Karen is actively involved in the National Press Club and enjoys virtual reality workouts, hiking, and cooking New Orleans dishes.

Tell me about your background and what drew you to your current position.  

I have the honor and privilege of training the communicators for our country’s fleet in the field as a graduate professor for West Virginia University’s Defense Information School cohort. I develop and instruct these information warriors to proactively and continually practice crisis communications. 

My role builds upon other national security-focused roles that I have recently held. Namely, in 2022, I worked in South Korea as a Senior Strategic Communication Planner and Team Lead in support of the four-star-led UN Combined Forces Command at U.S. Forces Korea, where I developed communication strategy recommendations for command-wide and Republic of Korea allies.

Before this, I was a Senior Instructor at the U.S. Department of Defense’s Information School for several years, where she had the privilege of training hundreds of public affairs officers for the United States fleet and field in topics ranging from Complex Adaptive Systems Thinking to Strategic Foresight and Issues Management and Disinformation. 

What is the most exciting or rewarding project you’ve done recently or in your overall career?  

Professionally, I’m proud of the trust that has been placed in me to serve as a communications strategist for two different countries (the United States of America and Israel). 

Also, I’ve been fortunate to manage talented teams and teach motivated students over the years. Hearing from former team members and students who feel I contributed to their growth and accomplishments is incredibly fulfilling. Their ongoing gratitude and updates on their achievements bring me a deep sense of accomplishment and pride.

What do you love about being a WWPR Board Member? 

I am passionate about communications — evident by holding two degrees in the subject, and earning an accreditation in the field, as well as being a published author and recognized subject matter expert in it. 

Additionally, I love team and program leadership. So, I have earned the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and the SCRUM Master designation, which I use in managing teams.

In an Operations function for WWPR, I have the opportunity to use my communications and management background toward an amazing organization dedicated to area women working in our shared field. 

Is there any book you would recommend? 

So many books, so little time. The book I am reading now, which is perfect for communicators, especially in an election year, is How Minds Change: The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion, and Persuasion by David McRaney. 

It is an investigation of why some people never change their minds and others do. Uncovering what made a prominent conspiracy theorist YouTuber finally see that 9/11 was not a hoax or why some people left Westboro Church was fascinating. Probing how do voter opinions shift from neutral to resolute? It delves into the latest research of psychologists and neuroscientists, the book explores the limits of reasoning, the power of groupthink, and the effects of deep canvassing.

What do you do outside of work?

I am active in the National Press Club sitting on both the Headliners Committee and the Communicators Committee. 

Otherwise, I enjoy working out in virtual reality, hiking area trails, and cooking dishes from my hometown of New Orleans. 

Board Member Spotlight: Jordun Lawrence, Manager, Social Impact Communications and Strategic Partnerships

Board Member Spotlight: Jordun Lawrence, Manager, Social Impact Communications and Strategic Partnerships 

Jordun Lawrence, Manager of Social Impact Communications and Strategic Partnerships at PayPal, is not only one of WWPR’s newest board members but also the 2023 WWPR  Emerging Leader Award winner in the corporate category. At Paypal, Jordun spearheads communications efforts that humanize the PayPal brand and highlight PayPal’s mission to improve financial health and expand economic opportunity. She previously served as Communications and Strategic Engagement Director for the Public Religion Research Institute. She has also served as Deputy Press Secretary for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Senior Manager of Communications for the National Urban League Washington Bureau, Deputy Press Secretary for Hillary for America, and on Capitol Hill. 

Jordun Lawrence

Tell me about your background and what drew you to your current position.

I’ve spent over a decade working across government, political campaigns, non-profit organizations, and now, in the corporate world. I serve as Impact Communications and Strategic Partnerships Manager at PayPal. I was drawn to the role because of the opportunity to expand my skill set and serve as a strategic collaborator across teams. I chose to work at PayPal because I wanted to work in a place that has a strong mission and is values-driven. Throughout my career, I’ve chosen opportunities that allowed me to give back and serve marginalized communities, and working at PayPal has allowed me to do that on a global scale.

What is the most exciting or rewarding project you’ve done recently or in your overall career?

The most exciting project of my career was spearheading the MADE x PayPal fashion event in the summer of 2022. MADE x PayPal was a 2-day fashion festival in New York City with runway shows, musical performances, a marketplace of diverse small businesses, and more. The event was focused on promoting the talents of designers and businesses from underrepresented communities. PayPal had never done an event like this before. We partnered with IMG Fashion, a monumental collaborator in the fashion industry, to bring together the worlds of fashion, fintech, and small business empowerment. It was an incredibly rewarding event and a career-defining moment for me.

As an Emerging Leader Award Winner and member of WWPR, what have you gained from your experience?

I have gained an incredible network of dynamic and incredibly entrepreneurial women. I’m thrilled and honored to be a member of this community and to now get to contribute as a member of the board.

What PR trends have you seen happening in 2023 and what kind of influence has it had on professionals in the industry?

The biggest trend I’ve seen is leaning more into AI as a tool to help PR professionals do their jobs more efficiently. I think this trend is going to continue to deepen in our profession, and there will be a ton of opportunities to lean in, become better communicators, and reach even more audiences because of it.

Is there any particular book, podcast, or influencer you would recommend? How has it impacted your life?

NPR’s Hidden Brain has been an invaluable resource for me. The podcast uses science and brilliant storytelling to explain human behavior. Hidden Brain has had such a major impact on me, my understanding of myself and others, and how I relate to the world around me.

Board Member Spotlight: Agatha Aramayo – Executive Director, Foundation for Total Recovery & Independent Consultant

WWPR Board Member, Agatha Aramayo is a dedicated marketing and communications professional with a diverse range of experiences spanning 14 years. From her background in the film industry to her expertise in consulting federal government agencies, Agatha brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to her current position as the executive director of the Foundation for Total Recovery. Utilizing her PR and marketing background, Agatha is passionate about driving the organization’s mission of finding a cure for chronic illnesses caused by brain inflammation. We sat down with Agatha to learn about her professional journey, her perspectives on the PR industry’s latest trends, and her inspiring book recommendations.

Tell me about your background and what drew you to your current position.  

I’ve worked in marketing and communications for 14 years. I’ve also worked in the film industry (I have my B.A. in film and video studies), which always goes hand-in-hand with my work as a communicator. Naturally as a Washingtonian, most of my career entails consulting federal government agencies in the agency world, but I’ve also worked in conferences marketing for a nonprofit membership organization, consulted for large companies, c-suite executives, and have been working independently as a PR and marketing consultant for small businesses and restaurants for many years. 

I’m also currently the executive director of the Foundation for Total Recovery, a nonprofit whose mission is to help find a cure for the 20+million Americans that suffer from chronic illnesses that stem from brain inflammation. The Foundation performs research and hosts conferences to better educate healthcare providers and patients alike so that those that suffer can get better diagnosis, treatment and hopefully achieve full recovery. It is a seemingly left turn from my 14-year resume, but I actually get to utilize my experience in PR and marketing and all the skills  that come with that to this position to take us to the next level. I love boot-strap work where I can be entrepreneurial the most. 

What is the most exciting or rewarding project you’ve done recently or in your overall career?  

In my last position as an account director for a PR firm, I led an executive visibility strategy for a Fortune 500 client that did very well—always a good feeling! We determined what categories of awards we wanted to focus on and which employees and executives to amplify. As you can imagine, there are tons of awards and speaking opportunities out there for any given topic, so I implemented an evaluation process to hone in on the opportunities that offered the best chances for winning and best benefits. We won 19 awards in one year, ranging from sustainability and technology to individual spotlights. Having a tangible “win” definitely helps measure success but most importantly, seeing the client happy and able to celebrate their accomplishments was a great feeling. 

As a board member for WWPR, what have you gained from your experience? 

I love being the content co-chair for WWPR! I’ve learned it truly takes a team to make great things happen. Being able to tap into the talents of different communicators, leaders, writers, and speakers across different industries is invaluable; I feel fortunate to have access to all of these brilliant people in our network and on our board. WWPR creates a community that expands beyond our own organizations and colleagues at work. Just like many others in our community, I tend to take lots of things on and can get overwhelmed (why are we like this?), but it’s great having others to collaborate with and make things fun. 

What PR trends have you seen happening in 2023 and what kind of influence has it had on professionals in the industry?  

The biggest trend I would say is artificial intelligence (AI). There is an AI tool in nearly every digital app we use for work these days, and Chat GPT and others have been huge disruptors to many industries. Of course there is a lot of fear in regards to what that means for job security, but from what I’ve gathered, it can be very helpful when used effectively, especially for our industry. That being said, I’m personally “old school,” so I don’t really use it much. Instead, you will most likely find me with a pack of highlighters and notebooks until they’re gone, but I also realize time is money! 

I tend to take way too long on ideating the perfect opening to communications plans or related work, but using AI to help create a starting point I can edit profusely has saved me hours of time spent staring at the same sentences. 

However, AI emits an egregious amount of greenhouse gasses, so I hope advancements in reducing its carbon footprint can be just as rapidly made as AI itself. Apparently, training just one AI model can emit more than 626,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, which is nearly five times the lifetime emissions of an American car, according to MIT. 

I surmise that using AI sparingly is best, at least for me personally, but hopefully more balance can be achieved as overall technology develops. At least the alarming data makes a good case for us to not lose our jobs to AI. 

Is there any particular book, podcast or influencer you would recommend? How has it impacted your life?  

I recently read, “How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life” by Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert, a book I finished feeling very kindred to. In a world where we celebrate success and seek optimal formulas for it, his book celebrates his failures more than anything, which contradicts the norm. I have perfectionist tendencies (meaning I’m further from perfect than most; it’s a misnomer), and as I got older I realized it just isn’t the way. You need to fail and fail often to win. Even if you feel that you “fail” more than others, it’s rewarding because it teaches you more than winning does. I’ve learned to celebrate my fails along with my wins; it thickens your skin and makes for a great story. 

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