WWPR ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF 2017 EMERGING LEADERS AWARDS
Sep 12, 2017 | Awards, News & Updates
ELAs Recognizes Rising Stars in the Communications Industry WASHINGTON, D.C. — Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR), the only professional society for female communicators in the greater capital area, named the 2017 Emerging Leaders Awards winners (ELAs) this evening. The eighth annual ELAs honored 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 budding professionals and important nonprofit causes. For the first year, six winners from different industries were announced at the ceremony as a way to recognize the diverse group of up and coming communications professionals. 2017 WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards Winners: Agency: Tamara Moore, the Reis Group. In her role as vice president, Moore leverages her tenacity and command of complex healthcare issues to produce meaningful and measurable results for public awareness campaigns, science promotion and stakeholder communications. Moore also manages several nonprofit client accounts. Association: Alex Thompson, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. In her role as director of communications and marketing, Thompson is responsible for the development and execution of strategic communications initiatives in alignment with the organization’s strategic plan. Thompson has launched and managed multiple strategic partnerships, led the communications efforts during the organizational rebrand, created brand identities and public relations campaigns for new events, and launched a Marketing and Communications Advisory Council. Corporate: Jenna Boyer, Marriott International. In her role as global employer brand manager, Boyer serves as the marketing and digital strategy leader, generating ideas for global audiences, contributing to the Marriott Careers content pipeline, developing marketing and communications strategies, and establishing career growth opportunities for Marriott associates. Boyer plays a key role in creating concepts that are informed by research and analytics to influence the behavior of Marriott’s global audience and increase engagement. Government/Public Affairs: Amanda Byrd, Economic Innovation Group. In her role as manager for public affairs, Byrd leads strategic development and execution for EIG’s public relations and communications priorities. She works with innovative organization sin economics, technology and biotech to create campaigns media, social, digital and interactive channels. Independent: Antonice Jackson, Founder and CEO, Audacious Publicity and Management Group. In her role as owner and publicist of her own firm, Jackson leads public relations, digital marketing, interactive media metrics and analysis, and event management. Jackson serves on the board of directors for the Public Relations Society of America – National Capital Chapter (PRSA-NCC) and is the past president of the National Black Public Relations Society (Washington, D.C. chapter). Nonprofit: Jessica Zetzman, the Case Foundation. In her role as digital communications and marketing director, Zetzman serves on Case’s marketing and communications team, bringing to life current issues impacting the social sector, philanthropy and entrepreneurship. Zetzman was also named a PRNews’ 2016 Rising Star.
2017 Judges Panel:
A distinguished panel of judges selected the winners based on their record of excellence and accomplishments in their careers thus far as well as their leadership qualities and ethical standards. The 2017 judges included:- William Furmanski, Truth Initiative®
- Barbara B. Hines, Howard University, Cathy Hughes School of Communications
- Sunny Levitt, Georgetown University
- Lindsay J.K. Nichols, America’s Charities (WWPR past president)
- Myra Oppel, Smith & Company