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Washington PR Woman of the Year Awards

Honoring Outstanding Leaders in PR

This year’s Woman of the Year is Gemma Puglisi, Assistant Professor of Public Communication at American University. Established in 1990, this award program recognizes individuals who have raised the bar in the communications field and paved the way for the future of the profession. “WWPR is proud to recognize the achievements of Gemma and the other finalists – their accomplishments, leadership and contributions have made a meaningful impact on our industry and set a high standard for our community,” said Jacqueline Wilson, WWPR President. 

 The finalists for WWPR’s 2022 Woman of the Year Award finalists included: 

A distinguished panel of judges selected the winner based on her record of excellence and accomplishments in her careers thus far, as well leadership qualities and ethical standards. The 2022 judges included Jennifer Curley, Sukhi Sahni, Daneille Veira and Susan Waldman. Read full press release.  

The event featured a fireside chat with Eleanor Hawkins, author of the new Axios Communicators newsletter. Moderated by Sukhi Sahni, WWPR Advisory Council member and Senior Vice President, Head of Brand, DEI, Technology and Innovation Communications at Wells Fargo, the conversation provided insights into the biggest trends in communications today. The event also highlighted WWPR’s commitment to serving the DC-area community with funds raised for the organization’s pro bono client, New Endeavors by Women (NEW), a DC-area non-profit organization that provides supportive services and housing to local women and children. There were also recorded remarks by fellow feature speaker, Symone Sanders, former senior advisor and chief spokesperson to Vice President Kamala Harris and current host of SYMONE on MSNBC and Peacock. 

Nominations for next year’s awards will open September 2023.  

If you have any questions, please email Colleen Gallagher and Jessica Brown, WWPR board members and Woman of the Year Co-chairs, at woy@wwpr.org.

Last year on November 18, 2021 The Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) named Susan Waldman, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Meals on Wheels America, the 2021 Woman of the Year. Established in 1990, this award program recognizes individuals who have raised the bar in the communications field and paved the way for the future of the profession.

NOMINATION INSTRUCTIONS

The nomination deadline has passed and we are no longer accepting applications.  

  • The nominee must be a female professional with a minimum of 20 years of experience in the public relations field, at least five of which have been in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area (she must also currently reside in this area).
  • The nominee does not have to be a member of WWPR.
  • Nominations from previous years who were not named Woman of the Year are encouraged.
  • Nominations must include (1) PDF resume (up to two pages) and (1) PDF recommendation (up to two pages) to be considered.

 

SELECTION CRITERIA
  • Nominee’s demonstrated abilities should include, but are not limited to, creativity, management skills and contributions to the growth of her organization, unique or prestigious job held, and major accomplishments.
  • Nominee exemplifies true characteristics of a leader in PR — a visionary, standout representative of her company or organization, has the perseverance to face any challenge and can strategically link a program to lasting results.
  • Nominee makes it a priority to devote her time to community causes and activities.
  • Nominee’s community contributions may include, but are not limited to, board positions, volunteer work, activities that promote professional advancement of women.
  • Nominee is actively involved in leading industry membership associations and has greatly contributed to those associations through board leadership or mentoring.
  • Nominee has received acknowledgement or previous awards for her contributions to the public relations industry or other related work.

More about WWPR Woman of the Year Awards:

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WWPR ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR 2021 WASHINGTON PR WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

The finalists for WWPR’s 2021 Woman of the Year Award are:

  • Brenda Foster, Senior Vice President of Vanguard Communications
  • Carrie Fox, Founder and CEO of Mission Partners, Benefit LLC
  • Susan Waldman, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Meals on Wheels America
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PRESS RELEASE: WWPR ANNOUNCES 2021 WOMAN OF THE YEAR WINNER


Today, Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) named Susan Waldman, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Meals on Wheels America, the 2021 Woman of the Year. Established in 1990, this award program recognizes individuals who have raised the bar in the communications field and paved the way for the future of the profession.

 

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Announcing the 2021 Woman of the Year and Top Takeaways from a Marketing Leader

Susan was selected for her dynamic and strong leadership, professionally and personally, amidst the challenging past year as well as her record of excellence and accomplishments in her career thus far. 2020 Woman of the Year honoree Jennifer Curley, President and CEO of Curley Company, had the honor of announcing the winner. Read more about Susan in our announcement press release.