This article was developed with assistance from artificial intelligence.
Over the past decade, women have transformed entrepreneurship by starting and leading businesses at an unprecedented rate. From 2019 to 2023, women-owned businesses grew faster than those started by men, and by 2024, women were launching nearly half of all new businesses. This record-breaking trend continued into 2025, with women-owned businesses making up 40% of all U.S. businesses, employing 12.6 million people and generating $2.8 trillion in revenue. This surge is more than just a statistic—it signals a fundamental shift in how women define and pursue professional success.
Climbing the traditional corporate ladder is no longer the only goal for many women. Many are leaving secure corporate jobs, motivated to make a difference in their communities and industries. But in the process, they are not giving up on ambition. Instead, they are redefining what it looks like. Women are defining success for themselves through entrepreneurship and creating businesses centered on purpose, flexibility, and personal values. “Women have a unique opportunity right now to create roles for themselves that fit their lives, not the other way around,” said Melissa Vela-Williamson, Founder of MVW Communications, LLC.
This redefinition of success is having a particularly profound impact on public relations, an industry that thrives on creativity and personal connection. As more women become agency owners, leaders, or “solopreneurs”, they are reshaping the culture and priorities of the industry. The public relations industry is fundamentally about storytelling, building connections, and understanding people—skills at which women excel. What’s more, women are emphasizing and elevating digital innovation, taking public relations beyond traditional media and into new realms of reputation management. “I’m seeing more and more female entrepreneurs who are very well connected enter the space and partner with one another,” said Carrie Johnson, Founder and Principal, Carrie Johnson Communications, LLC. It’s becoming apparent that women are driving the public relations industry with strategies that are more authentic, applicable, and advantageous for the clients or organizations they work with.
At the same time, female entrepreneurs are introducing flexible work cultures and companies with inclusive values that foster creativity. They mentor other women, support diverse perspectives, and build networks based on collaboration rather than competition. The results are seen in the work they produce—public relations strategies that resonate and brands that are (not feel) genuine. “I see so many people, so many women in our community, who are powerful women starting their own business because they can. They have the network. They have the skills. And they are aligning their values and their strengths to serve communities and people that they care about,” said Lauren Lawson-Zilai, Founder and Principal of Zeal Communications. “[Because of entrepreneurial women], organizations that lead with authenticity, clarity, and purpose are getting ahead of the shift at a time when trust is low and media is fragmented, and that gives a ripple effect to the demographics they impact,” she said.
To support this new wave of leadership, organizations are stepping up to nurture and connect women across the public relations industry. Organizations like Washington Women in Public Relations help advance, mentor, and connect women at every career stage—whether they work for a company or lead one. So as we wrap up Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate the trailblazers, rule-breakers, and multitaskers. Because the rise of fabulous female entrepreneurs is bringing in a bold new era for public relations.
A candid conversation about the future of public relations, which is female and fabulous. From top left to bottom right, Kimberly McGuire, President, MPA Inc.; Lauren Lawson-Zilai, Founder and Principal, Zeal Communications; Carrie Johnson, Founder and Principal Carrie Johnson Communications, LLC; and Melissa Vela-Williamson, M.A., APR, PRSA Fellow, CDP and Founder of MVW Communications, LLC.
Kelsey Nicole Nelson is a broadcast media personality and the founder, executive producer, and host of the “Listen in with KNN” sports talk podcast and radio show. She also is the Social Media and Digital Marketing chair for the Entertainment and Sports section for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). And she most recently served as the Vice President and Membership Chair of the Washington Association of Black Journalists. Today, she is on the Regional Advisory Council for the Tickets for Kids nonprofit and the Period Reality Advisory Board, and sits on the board of the Capital Emmys—where she serves as the Communications Committee Co-Chair—and the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame.
Your work draws people into amazing stories, but we would love to flip the script—how has your personal journey shaped your professional path?
I was born and bred in the Washington, D.C., area, which is special because sports are everywhere. I grew up going to games with my dad—seeing Georgetown basketball legends, watching the University of Maryland win championships, and going to the Baltimore Ravens’ training camp. Both my dad and mom worked so hard, which is where I get my work ethic from, but they always made time to take me to games and practices. This area has a unique culture, especially in sports, and I’ve been lucky to build a career in sports journalism here, where I can share athletes’ stories with audiences. Sports also have a special meaning to me because I spent many summers with my grandparents in Jackson, Mississippi, and the South is all about religion and football. When I wasn’t in church, I was playing football with other kids and having fun. Faith, family, and football paved the way for me, and now I’m so grateful that I can pave the way for others.
As you built your personal brand, what values or priorities mattered most to you? Were there any guiding principles that helped you stay true to yourself?
You have to have non-negotiables in life, and for me, those are trust and respect, which are what I built my brand on. Whether it’s people sharing their story with me, employers relying on me, or students learning from me, I want everyone I engage with to trust me. And I want to be respected for the work I do, but I’ve had to earn it, especially as a Black woman working in sports communications and the entertainment industry. I’ve earned the trust and respect of many because of my work ethic. I work hard on all that I do—I give 150%—and people know that. So, when they see the KNN brand, they know they will get a quality product. That’s important to me, especially as my brand has become increasingly more global, and I never know who is watching. And with everything I’m involved in, I always remember to stay true to myself—not get caught up in the hype and headlines—and to be humble, grateful, and thankful.
When you set your intentions for your brand, how did that shape the kinds of opportunities or roles you went after? Did it open doors you had not expected?
The cool thing about trust and respect is that you get what you give, and because a lot of my business is referral-based, it means that my values and other things I hold near and dear to my heart are seen and felt by others. I focus on being a good person with a strong work ethic and on making the people I meet or work with feel welcome. I’m always smiling and want to make other people smile, which is one reason I ended up loving nonprofit work. I was a Boys & Girls Club kid, which is how I went to my first professional sports game, so being able to give back now is a beautiful thing. I’m also on the Advisory Council for Tickets for Kids, which gives free sporting and concert tickets to children and families. I’m so glad I get to help and mentor younger generations, and I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve had, such as in radio and podcasting, which unexpectedly led me to find joy in teaching and public speaking. Being able to use my platform for a purpose fueled by my passions is amazing, and I try to do so every day. I’ve seen life come full circle.
As you use your platform for a purpose, how do you approach using communications as a tool for positive change, both for yourself and the causes you care about?
My biggest thing is giving back. So, I’m most proud of the internship and fellowship programs that I have through my companies. I have a lot of people come to me, unsure about this job market and how to use their skills, and I focus on helping them get real-world experience and build their portfolios. I also truly enjoy getting to know them and just talking about life—I think that’s important. For example, while covering Super Bowl LX, one of the greatest joys I had was the conversations with one of my interns, Anfisa Pitchkhadze, who is a senior at San Jose State University and was out there working as a student journalist and thriving. To me, it doesn’t mean anything if you get to the mountaintop alone, which is why I like to lift people up as they climb. Especially in the communications industry, which has been greatly impacted, to be able to provide support to young people in their careers—that’s my “why” and the kind of legacy with a lasting impact that I want to have.
You are a source of inspiration for so many women in public relations. Are there any women—past or present—who have inspired you along your journey?
It’s honestly all the women around me. In Washington, D.C., women make up more than half of the workforce, and over half of the top executives are women. This is more than any other municipality in our country and something we should take pride in. It’s amazing how many rock-star women I met through organizations like the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce, DC Chamber of Commerce, Women in Sports and Entertainment (WISE) D.C., and Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), as well as local leaders I’ve gotten to know and living in a city like D.C. where we have been led by a highly successful woman in Mayor Muriel Bowser. How can I not be inspired? There are so many women doing great things—doing them effortlessly and graciously. But the most inspirational superwoman, for me, is my mom. She always worked so hard but was always there for our family. I’m so grateful for her, for how supportive she is of me and my career, and for how she’s adapted to multiple roles while my father works to get back to full health.
Reflecting on your career and your role as a lecturer at George Washington University, what is the most meaningful advice you share with students or women starting out in their careers?
Be your biggest promoter. You are your own self-marketer. We live in a world where nothing is guaranteed, so knowing how to market and brand yourself is very important. And you can’t wait for someone else to do it for you. Start now. Don’t wait and stand in the shadows. Instead, be a go-getter, be curious, and embrace that entrepreneurial mentality. If you have that mindset, it won’t steer you wrong. But also remember to have fun while you do. We live in such a serious world that you need to find things to laugh at throughout the day. Every day, find something that brings you joy or makes you smile. For me, it’s my students who make me smile—I love being in the classroom and talking with them about things like entrepreneurial journalism and how we see journalism evolving.
On the topic of advice (and just for fun), what are your top five favorite things that you would recommend to our WWPR community?
First is the 2027 NFL Draft coming to Washington, D.C., which is putting our city in the spotlight for a good reason. Second are concerts because I love live music. There are so many great artists coming to the area, like Cardi B, so it is definitely something people should take advantage of. And because I am a foodie, my third-favorite thing is our local restaurant scene. I always appreciate a good social hour and helping the local economy, and a great restaurant I just tried is GAIA Supper Club (and love it!). On the topic of food, fourth would be getting popcorn at the movie theater—I love going to see scary movies, especially those based on a Stephen King book. I’ve always lived close to a movie theater, and because I don’t drive, I enjoy the walk to and from there. That leads to my fifth favorite thing—getting out to walk, as it’s the one time in my day that’s purely for me and my thoughts, where I give myself grace and space.
Dear WWPR Community, as we close out 2025, I’m feeling incredibly grateful—for the unforgettable experiences we’ve shared, the relationships we’ve deepened, and the continued momentum we’ve built as a community of women in communications.
It has been an absolute honor to serve as President of WWPR during such a meaningful year. From day one, our focus has been on strengthening connections, growing member value, and celebrating the power of this network—and I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
A Look Back: Highlights from 2025
✨ Woman of the Year Our signature event was nothing short of spectacular. We honored three extraordinary finalists and celebrated our 2025 Woman of the Year at a sold-out luncheon filled with energy, inspiration, and community. I’ll never forget the joy in that room.
✨ Emerging Leaders Awards Fifteen years in, the ELAs are still one of the most moving events of the year. The rising talent in our field is nothing short of extraordinary, and it’s a privilege to honor and support the next generation of powerhouse communicators.
✨ Executive Communicators Dinners These remain one of my favorite series we offer—intimate, off-the-record conversations among senior communicators that sold out each and every time. Thank you to MiQ for making them possible.
✨ Scholarships & Support I’m especially proud that we were able to offer 30 annual memberships to women who were impacted by layoffs this year. It’s just one way we continue to walk the walk when it comes to building a supportive, inclusive, and resilient community.
✨ Professional Development That Inspires From our AI & Credibility panel that I had the pleasure to moderate to Crisis Comms Workshops, book talks, and public affairs discussions, we tackled some of the most pressing topics facing communicators today. Thank you to all of our incredible speakers and moderators.
✨ A Year of In-Person Connection Whether it was our media roundtable, our Summer Social, or earlier this week at our Holiday Happy Hour, this year reminded us that the magic of WWPR is in the connections we make face to face.
And of course, we started the year strong with an inspiring keynote from Debbi Jarvis at our Annual Meeting Luncheon—and I couldn’t be more excited to already have next year’s event on the calendar.
What’s Ahead in 2026
I’m thrilled to pass the baton to our incoming President Charmaine Reilly and Vice President Vanessa French, two incredible leaders with a deep commitment to our mission. With the talented Board and Advisory Council they’ve assembled, I have no doubt 2026 will be our strongest year yet.
🍷 The One Party (co-hosted with AMADC, AAF, PRSA, & IABC) January 22, 2026 | Royal Sands Social Club
To our incredible Board, Advisory Council, volunteers, partners, and sponsors—thank you for your time, your energy, and your belief in what we’re building together.
And to every single member: thank you for being part of this community. It’s been the greatest privilege to serve you this year.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season—and an even more inspiring 2026. I can’t wait to see where we go next.
Michelle Schafer heads up Merritt Group’s AI and Security Practice Groups, where she applies over two decades of hands-on PR-related experience spanning every discipline. She is known for creating and implementing strategic communications campaigns that drive results for clients such as IOActive, ISC2, CrowdStrike, Tenable, Fortify Software, and SentinelOne. Michelle provides strategy and positioning guidance to her clients as well as execution on PR and social media programs. Michelle has inserted her clients into major publications such as Time, Fortune, USA Today, Fox News, MSNBC, and more. Michelle has presented at NVTC, Women in Technology (WIT), CyberMarketingCon, RVASec, Security B-Sides Las Vegas/DC, MACH37, and ISSA events, and is recognized as a top influencer in the B2B technology community.
Tell me about your background and what drew you to your current position. I’ve always had a love for communications and PR – it’s what I studied at George Mason University, and my passion became reality during my college internships at Edelman and Stackig PR. I also graduated at a time when there was a massive tech bubble – cell phones and the Internet had changed the world, and I knew I wanted to immerse myself in the excitement of it all. After a few years doing in-house PR at telecom firms, I went over to the analyst world at Current Analysis and then landed at Merritt Group. Twenty-two years later, I’m still here and running our cybersecurity and AI practices.
What is the most exciting or rewarding project you’ve done recently or in your overall career? I wish I could pick just one moment, but I’d say being in cybersecurity PR and marketing for over 20 years and representing over 150 cyber brands has been very fulfilling. I’ve seen the market and community grow immensely, and I’m proud to say that I’ve played a role in helping to amplify many top influencers and cyber defenders. I owe a lot of my success in my career to the late Tim Wilson, Editor of DarkReading, who taught me that what we do really matters – we’re making a difference. In fact, he and I joked a lot that we were “cyber defenders,” and I’m happy to say that I’m carrying his vision forward today, as best I can, in a marketing and communications role.
What do you love about being a WWPR Board Member? Serving on the Board of WWPR has been a game-changer for me this year. I’ve enjoyed working with a powerful group of women who are influencing the next generation of communications professionals. As co-chair for the Woman of the Year event, I saw firsthand how the Board came together to execute on a beautiful celebration of our finalists and our community. We all worked so hard to pull off this event, and it was a huge team effort across the WWPR Board.
Is there any book you would recommend? I think reading Radical Candor by Kim Scott was a game-changer for me as a manager. The book isn’t about being harsh – it’s about the balance between caring personally and challenging directly. Too often in business, we fall into one of two traps: being ‘nice’ but unhelpful (ruinous empathy) or being brutally honest without empathy (obnoxious aggression). The power of Radical Candor is that it creates a culture where feedback is a gift – delivered with clarity and compassion. It’s not just a management style, it’s a framework for building trust while driving performance.
What do you do outside of work? I’m a 7-year breast cancer survivor, so I try to support the local communities as best I can – Lean on Me, StepSisters, Runway to the Cure, and the Loudoun Breast Health Network. Giving back is so important to the community that helped me through the toughest time in my life. I also love long walks at sunset, visiting the most beautiful beaches in the world, and spending time with my awesome son, Mason (properly named after my college, George Mason!).
Spring is in full bloom, and so is the momentum within our WWPR network! 🌸 I continue to be inspired by the strength of this community and the incredible energy we’ve seen at every turn this year.
Last month, we hosted a dynamic professional development event and happy hour, and we were blown away by the response—over 100 RSVPs, with registration closing early due to demand! It’s clear that our community is eager to connect, share, and grow together, and we’re thrilled to keep building on that excitement.
A Few Important Updates and Upcoming Events:
✨ Emerging Leaders Awards – June 11 We are officially counting down to our 15th Annual Emerging Leaders Awards! Nominations are still open through May 9, and I encourage you to nominate a rising star in your network and know that we love seeing self-nominations as well! This event is such a powerful celebration of young women who are making an incredible impact in our field, and we can’t wait to honor them this June in Washington, D.C.
✨ Woman of the Year – October 3 Mark your calendars for our next signature event of the year—our annual Woman of the Year celebration returns to the beautiful Salamander DC this fall. Stay tuned for more details in the months ahead!
✨ Upcoming Programming Stay tuned for some exciting updates about our professional development programming coming in May! And don’t miss the next dinner in our Executive Communicator Series on June 12 at Café Riggs. Registration is open now, and these dinners have been a huge success for building real community among senior communicators. A big thank you to MiQ for making this series possible!
✨ New Peer Mentoring Program: WWPR LINK We’re thrilled to be launching WWPR LINK: A Peer Mentoring Network this summer! LINK will connect members through small, curated groups focused on shared learning, candid conversations, and career growth. Applications are open now for the pilot cohort running July–December 2025.
✨ Member Scholarships Coming Soon In the spirit of community support, I’m excited to share that we’ll soon be offering a limited number of scholarships for WWPR members who have recently been laid off, thanks to a generous donation from a past Woman of the Year honoree. Stay tuned for more details soon.
Finally, I want to take a moment to highlight the incredible work our Pro Bono Committee is doing alongside our 2024-2025 pro bono client, Running Start. It’s inspiring to see how our members are making a difference by supporting young women in their journey toward leadership. You can learn more about the partnership and ways to get involved here.
Thank you for being part of WWPR’s vibrant community—and for everything you do to lift one another up. I can’t wait to see what we continue to accomplish together this year!
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