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President’s Letter: Building on a Legacy of Leadership in 2025

WWPR January 2025 President' Letter

Dear WWPR Community,

Happy New Year! (Can we still say that the last week of January?!) It’s an honor to kick off 2025 as your President, especially during this milestone year as we celebrate 45 years of Washington Women in Public Relations. For over four decades, WWPR has been a cornerstone for female communicators in the D.C. area, cultivating connections, leadership opportunities and professional growth. I’m thrilled to build on this incredible legacy alongside our incoming Board of Directors.

We’re coming into the year on such a high note after closing out 2024 with an incredible Woman of the Year event and launching a fresh, new website designed to create a much better platform and experience for both members and non-members alike.

We’ve already hit the ground running with exciting events to kickstart the year! On January 9, we hosted Recharge & Reconnect: A Guided Meditation for PR Pros, a virtual session that emphasized the importance of well-being in our fast-paced industry. Thank you to Kristi Duncan for guiding us through a calming meditation and equipping us with practical tools to prioritize mental health.

Later, on January 23, it was wonderful to see so many of you in person at Burson Global for Next-Gen Comms: Strategies for a Shifting Media Ecosystem. This insightful panel explored the challenges and opportunities of today’s decentralized media landscape. A huge thank you to Burson for hosting and to our incredible panelists for sharing their expertise. Seeing a packed room of communicators engaging in such a timely discussion reminds me of the power of our community.

Looking ahead, we have even more in store:

  • WWPR Annual Meeting Luncheon – Join us on February 13 at The Hamilton as we gather to thank our outgoing board, welcome the 2025 Board of Directors, and hear from our inspiring keynote speaker, Debbi Jarvis, whose journey and insights will set an exciting tone for the year ahead.
  • Policy Influence in a Shifting Landscape – Save the date for our February professional development event on February 25 at the Beekeeper Group. Stay tuned for details as we dive into how communicators can adapt to the priorities of a new administration.
  • Executive Communicators Series – We’ll soon announce dates for this exciting quarterly series, designed specifically for senior-level communicators to connect in-person, build community and share strategies on navigating today’s challenges.

This year, we are committed to providing even more meaningful opportunities for professional growth, thought leadership and connection. Whether you’re joining us virtually or in person, I hope to see you at an upcoming event as we continue to grow this amazing community.

Thank you for being part of WWPR’s legacy and future. Here’s to an inspiring 2025!

Best regards,
Colleen Lerro Gallagher
WWPR President

Washington Women in Public Relations Inducts 2025 Board of Directors

Welcome 2025 WWPR Board

For 45 years, the organization has provided unique networking and professional development opportunities for female communicators in D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 23, 2025) – Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), a leading membership group for female communications professionals in Washington D.C., today announced its 2025 Board of Directors. The newly elected Board is as follows: 

  • President: Colleen Gallagher, OnWrd & UpWrd
  • Past President: Chelsea Echavarria, CME Communications
  • Vice President: Charmaine Riley, American Beverage
  • Secretary: Lauren Tyler,  Adfero
  • Treasurer: Vanessa French, Vanessa French Consulting
  • Sponsorship/Partnership Co-Chair: Shalaya Crummie, GAP Solutions, Inc.
  • Sponsorship/Partnership Co-Chair: Aisha Johnson, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Pro Bono Co-Chair: Alicia Aebersold, American Psychological Association
  • Pro Bono Co-Chair: Christina Crawley, The Headfirst Companies 
  • Emerging Leaders Awards Co-Chair: Ranata Reeder, Reeder Communications
  • Emerging Leaders Awards Co-Chair: Ligia McEvoy, AT&T
  • Woman of the Year Co-Chair: Christine Blake, W2 Communications
  • Woman of the Year Co-Chair: Michelle Schafer, Merritt Group
  • Membership Co-Chair: Kate Urbach, Curley Company
  • Membership Co-Chair: Tiffanie Rosier, Hotwire & ROI DNA
  • Professional Development Co-Chair: Katarina Ellison, Burson Cohn & Wolfe (BCW) 
  • Professional Development Co-Chair: Kelsey Flora, SK Group
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Chair: Kristal Farmer
  • Content Co-Chair: Agatha Aramayo, Foundation for Total Recovery
  • Content Co-Chair: Andrea Sok, Sok Influencer
  • Design Chair: Kate Keverline, The Carlyle Group
  • Digital Marketing Chair: Derika Crowley, Skai Blue Media
  • Social Media Chair: Melanie Vynalek, Adfero

All WWPR members were invited to vote online for the new Board in January 2025.

For 45 years, WWPR has cultivated and inspired female communicators to reach their full potential in the D.C. market and beyond. The Board of Directors leads the charge and helps the organization to provide leadership opportunities, professional development, community partnerships, mentorship and industry networking.

“The 2025 WWPR Board of Directors represents an incredible group of leaders across the communications field,” said Colleen Gallagher, President, WWPR. “Their passion, expertise, and commitment to advancing women in our industry will drive WWPR’s mission forward. Together, we are focused on creating meaningful opportunities for professional growth, fostering connections, and continuing to make a lasting impact on our members and the D.C. communications community.”

Throughout the year, WWPR will continue to host professional development and networking events for female communicators at every stage of their careers, including the 2025 Annual Meeting Luncheon on February 13, and its two annual signature events: the Emerging Leaders Awards and the Woman of the Year Awards.

Learn more about WWPR and upcoming events at www.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: info@wwpr.org

Washington Women in Public Relations Announces 2024 Woman of The Year Winner

WWPR's 2024 Woman of the Year Finalists

Washington, D.C., Oct. 7, 2024 – On Friday, October 4, 2024, Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) recognized Aba Blankson, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for the NAACP as its 2024 Woman of the Year. Established in 1990, the Woman of the Year program recognizes individuals who have raised the bar in the communications field and raised the bar for the future of the profession.

Throughout her 25-year career, Aba Blankson has made significant contributions to public relations, all of which were distinguished by her creativity, management skills, and strategic leadership, and focused on driving organizational growth. In her role at the NAACP, Aba has been crucial in amplifying the voice of the nation’s largest civil rights organization, ensuring it remains a leading force in the modern civil rights movement. Aba’s creativity in public relations is evident in her ability to craft compelling narratives and innovative campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. Upon joining the NAACP seven years ago, she led a comprehensive brand evolution that strategically positioned the organization to address contemporary challenges while honoring its historic legacy.

Debbi Jarvis, a news reporter turned groundbreaking corporate communicator, and Linda Roth, Chief Communications Officer at World Central Kitchen, were also honored and recognized for their achievements. Kate Perrin, longtime WWPR supporter who is responsible for chairing the first ever Women of the Year (WOY) awards committee, formally presented the award.

“We are excited to name Aba Blankson as WWPR’s 2024 Woman of the Year and celebrate her remarkable achievements and contributions,” said Chelsea Echavarria, President of WWPR. “WWPR is also proud to recognize our other two incredible finalists—Linda and Debbi. Their leadership, dedication, and impact have made a lasting difference in our industry and in the community.”


The Woman of the Year honoree was announced at a luncheon held at The Salamander in Washington, D.C.

The event featured a keynote address from Sumi Somaskanda, Chief Presenter for the BBC, sponsored by AARP. Sumi has served as a senior news anchor and correspondent at DW News (Deutsche Welle), Germany’s international broadcaster. She has also reported in Germany for various international publications, including The Atlantic, Foreign Policy, Washington Post, Al Jazeera, Global Post, Newsweek, PRI, and USA Today. 

Her address highlighted her experience and expertise as a reporter, writer, and editor and important insights around today’s communications landscape. The event also highlighted WWPR’s commitment to serving the DC-area community with funds raised for the organization’s pro bono client, Running Start, a DC based nonpartisan nonprofit that trains young women to run for political office.


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 X, formerly Twitter, @WWPR and on Instagram @WWPRDC.

Ethical AI: Policy Development Tips for PR Professionals 

by Allison Gross, associate director, Vanguard Communications

As ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence (AI) tools emerge into our workplace, many in our firms are equal parts giddy and guarded about what it means for our short-term tasks and our long-term jobs. And the truth is, the evolution is happening so quickly that getting your head around what it is and what it does can only be relied upon for a few moments. (I mean, AI is advancing at such a rapid pace that I worry this blog post might feel outdated by the time you finish it!) 

Through our research and focus on capitalizing on all that AI has to offer us, we believe the challenges we need to address with policies are clear – ethics, privacy, misinformation, and transparency.

Not surprisingly, AI usage hit a new peak in 2024. According to a McKinsey survey, 65% of respondents report their organizations regularly use generative AI – nearly double the rate from just 10 months ago. However, along with the fast growth in connection with AI, many users have already experienced some negative impacts, with 44% of those respondents indicating they have faced at least one problem related to AI use. 

Implementing an ethical AI policy is a critical step to harness the benefits of generative AI while mitigating its risks, and that has been our focus for the past six months. 

We have developed a robust AI policy, including an AI FAQs document that provides guidance and best practices for use on all client-related activities, as well as an AI tool vetting checklist, understanding that not all AI tools are created equally.) Creating these resources was a challenging process given the constantly changing landscape of AI. However, it was necessary to provide our staff with the parameters that can enable them to use AI ethically in this moment and ensure that their usage aligns with our values. 

Here is how we tackled the AI opportunity. 

Assemble an AI team

Creating an ethical AI policy should not be a solo mission. We established an AI task force composed of a diverse team and perspectives. The task force meets regularly to assess a variety of issues related to the consistently changing AI environment, including updating guidelines to better address the unique challenges (and opportunities) presented by AI. We walk through new tools together. We share stories of where AI has gone all wrong (e.g., those emails that you just KNOW were written by a chatbot). And we brainstorm on how to use specific tools so that we aren’t just chasing the bright shiny thing but actually processing how it will help our efficiency without crossing ethical lines. 

By bringing together a variety of perspectives, we strive to ensure that our policy is comprehensive and considerate of different viewpoints.

Align your AI policy with your core values

At Vanguard, we pride ourselves on a people-first approach, which means that we use only human voice artists and real people in images and video to the extent possible. 

Your organization should determine the ethical principles and values that guide AI development and deployment, such as inclusiveness, human well-being, transparency and accountability. These principles will lay the groundwork for a comprehensive and ethical AI policy. We think of AI as an assistant, never an author. AI should enhance, not replace, human intelligence and decision-making. Your AI policy should also include human oversight to avoid overreliance on automated decisions.

Prioritize inclusivity

Our AI task force created an AI tool vetting checklist that includes three key questions that our staff should consider before using any AI tool:

1) Is the AI tool transparent on how it formulates responses and what dataset/sources it uses? 

2) Does the AI tool formulate responses based on hard data? 

3) Does the AI tool include features to accommodate users with different types of disabilities (e.g., visual, auditory, cognitive)? 

These questions help ensure that whatever AI tool we are considering supports our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness (DEI) efforts because we can identify how the tool is generating its response. It is essential for our staff to understand that AI can replicate the same types of biases exhibited by people. 

Train and educate

A standalone policy is not enough. Pair the policy with sessions to educate staff about the ethics surrounding the use of AI. We hold regular learning sessions to help staff stay updated on best practices and new developments in AI. These trainings cover various topics, including AI implications for DEI, using AI ethically in writing, and the basics of our policies. 

We also recommend creating a collaborative space (we use a Teams channel) where staff share news, research, upcoming webinars, and their personal experiences, both good and bad, with colleagues.

Promote transparency

Your policy should emphasize transparency in using AI, just as you are transparent about how you bill clients or staff your project teams. Our policy emphasizes the requirement of being open and honest with our stakeholders in how we use AI. If used in the appropriate manner, AI is simply another professional tool that can help us generate ideas and provide direction, but it can take time for organizations to come on board. Be patient with them.

Embrace the iterative process

AI is continuously evolving, and your first policy cannot possibly be comprehensive of all of your organization’s considerations in using AI. Think about including into your policy a process to regularly review and update it as the environment changes and new AI tools are introduced. 

Our work with AI is just beginning, and as PR pros we probably can’t be experts right away, but we can build a framework of understanding for ourselves and for our clients. As we continue to explore new AI tools and technologies, our commitment to ethical practices remains steadfast. In fact, we almost never reference “AI” on its own; in our conversations, it’s always “ethical AI.”

By regularly updating our policies and providing ongoing education for our team, we aim to ensure that our use of AI aligns with our values and serves our mission.

Allison Gross is an associate director at Vanguard Communications in Washington, D.C. and a member of WWPR. She has extensive experience in health communications and marketing activities for government and nonprofit clients. At Vanguard, she is part of the AI task force and oversees the production of communications campaigns and materials for a Medicaid managed care organization in D.C. Before joining Vanguard, Allison led the overall marketing and communications strategy for the Primary Care Collaborative (PCC). Prior to PCC, she developed and executed communications campaigns to promote the 340B Drug Discount Program at the American Pharmacist Association.

WASHINGTON WOMEN IN PUBLIC RELATIONS ANNOUNCES 2024 EMERGING LEADERS AWARDS WINNERS

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 20, 2024) — On June 18, Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), a professional society for female communicators in the greater capital area, named its 2024 class of Emerging Leaders Awards (ELAs). The seven winners were selected from a diverse and impressive slate of rising stars, ages 25-35, who have excelled in public relations and related fields, and given back to the industry by contributing their skills and talents to innovative initiatives and projects. 

“We continue to celebrate the remarkable achievements of young women who represent the next era of communications,” said Chelsea Echavarria, President of  WWPR. “Congratulations to the finalists and the honorees who were selected from another record number of nominations. We look forward to following their careers and supporting them along the way.”

The 2024 WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards Winners are:

Corporate: Michelle Byamugisha, Senior Manager, Communications, PwC

Michelle Byamugisha is a leader with global experience in public relations and stakeholder engagement across multiple sectors.  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. 

Prior to PwC, Michelle was on 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.

Trade Association: Jen Bristol, Senior Director of Communications, Solar Energy Industries Association

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.

Non-Profit: Valeria Sabaté, Senior Media and Public Affairs Manager, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

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).

Small/Boutique Agency: Erin Berst, Vice President, CURA Strategies 

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

Mid-Size Agency: Jenny Wang, Senior Vice President, Susan Davis International

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).

Large/Global Agency: McKenzie Wax, Vice President, Weber Shandwick

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.

Government: Jennifer Min, Director of Digital Media, U.S. Department of Defense 

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).

The 2024 judges included:

  • Susan Apgood, 4media Group; WWPR Advisory Board Member
  • Sukhi Sahni, Wells Fargo; WWPR Advisory Board Member
  • Hillarie Turner, SpireCommunications; WWPR Advisory Board Member
  • Elynsey Price, Marriott International; WWPR Past President
  • Zorie Valchev, AstraZeneca; WWPR Past President
  • Chelsea Echavarria, The Curley Company; WWPR President
  • Colleen Gallagher, OnWrd & UpWrd; WWPR Vice-President 

The ELA winners were announced at a special awards reception on The Wharf on June 18, 2024. Kirstin Garriss, award-winning journalist and Washington D.C. Correspondent for Cox Media Group gave the keynote. Attendees also supported WWPR’s pro bono client, Running Start. The complete list of 2023 WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards finalists can be found here: Washington Women in Public Relations Announces 2024 Emerging Leaders Finalists (wwpr.org). 

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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.

CONTACT:
Ranata Reeder and Charmaine Riley
WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards Co-Chairs
ela@wwpr.org

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