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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.

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.

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