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Advancing Women in Communications

We are dedicated to advancing women in communications by providing opportunities for professional development, leadership, and networking. Whether you’re here to learn, connect, or grow your career, WWPR offers the resources and support you need to thrive. Join or renew your membership today.

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Featured Event

How to Network Like a Star

Weather update: How to Network Like a Star is going virtual!

Join us February 23 at 6 pm virtually, as networking expert Ally Perleoni teaches you the strategies behind authentic connections that actually lead somewhere

Upcoming Events

Feb 25
WWPR Coffee Meet-Up Feb 25, 2026 The Square Food Hall | Nativo Coffee
Mar 11
Women’s History Month Happy Hour Mar 11, 2026 Atrium Bar at The Square (1850 K St NW, Washington, DC 20006)
Mar 18
Executive Women in Government & Public Affairs Panel Mar 18, 2026 American Psychological Association | 750 First St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

View Full Calendar >>

Job Listings

Looking for your next career opportunity? We feature the latest openings in communications, public relations, marketing, and related fields. Whether you’re just starting out or advancing your career, our job board connects talented women communicators with top employers looking to hire.

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Committees

Maximize your WWPR membership by joining a committee. As a member, you’ll work alongside like-minded professionals to plan events, support pro bono clients, and contribute to key initiatives. It’s a great way to grow your skills, expand your network, and make a meaningful impact within our community. Get involved today!

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Member Benefits

Membership with WWPR offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, networking, and leadership development.

Professional Development Events

Our professional development events are designed for communicators at all career levels and offer valuable insights and skills to help you grow and succeed in the industry.

Networking and Relationship Building

Connect with like-minded professionals in the DC area through our networking events, designed to foster meaningful relationships and expand your industry connections.

Community Engagement

Through our community engagement initiatives, members have the opportunity to collaborate with pro bono clients, using their communication skills to make a meaningful impact while supporting important causes.

Leadership Positions

WWPR offers leadership opportunities that empower members to take on key roles, develop their leadership skills, and influence the direction of our programs and initiatives.

WWPR offers leadership opportunities that empower members to take on key roles, develop their leadership skills, and influence the direction of our programs and initiatives.
—Maria Papakonstantinou-Spero, Public Relations Director, CapitalHQ

Become a Member

Becoming a WWPR member gives you access to a wealth of professional development resources, networking opportunities, and leadership roles tailored to help you thrive in the communications industry in the Washington D.C. area. Join our vibrant community and unlock the full potential of your career while making a meaningful impact.

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WWPR Board Members

President

Charmaine Riley
American Beverage

Vice President

Vanessa French
Vanessa French Consulting

Past President

Colleen Gallagher
OnWrd & UpWrd

Secretary

Tisa Sinclair

AARP

Treasurer

Bridgette Dodge

Edelman

Operations

Julie McDowell

College of American Pathologists

View All Board Members

Read the Latest Blog Posts

Board Member Spotlight: Bridgette Dodge, SVP at Edelman, WWPR Treasurer

Jan 27, 2026

Bridgette Dodge is a communications expert with experiences ranging from the television industry, marketing, hospital systems, and now a pharmaceutical and healthcare communications pro. She is a seasoned, strategic, and thoughtful leader who values team building and storytelling. Bridgette currently serves on the Health Communications team as a Senior Vice President at Edelman and also […]

Meeting the Moment: Erica Loewe on Storytelling with Strategy, Credibility, and Owning Your Voice

Jan 28, 2026

By: Kamica Price and Elisa O’Halloran As the communications landscape continues to shift at lightning speed, Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) kicked off 2026 by doing what it does best: creating space for conversations and clarity. At WWPR’s Annual Meeting Luncheon, members gathered to reflect on a year that challenged traditional communications playbooks and […]

Celebrating Running Start: A Partnership Built on Impact and Friendship

Dec 17, 2025

By Pro Bono Committee As we close out December, WWPR is wrapping up our two-year pro bono partnership with Running Start. What began as a professional commitment evolved into something much more meaningful—a true partnership built on shared values, collaborative spirit, and a genuine friendship that made every project a joy. Throughout our time together, […]

A Strong Finish, a Balanced Start to 2026

Dec 16, 2025

A Strong Finish, a Balanced Start to 2026 By Marianna Aristizabal As 2025 winds down, many organizations are reflecting on the year, what went well, what didn’t, and what’s ahead. For those specifically in health communications, this is the perfect moment to highlight how wellness, both personal and organizational, ties into goals for the upcoming […]

President’s Letter: Grateful for 2025, Excited for What’s Ahead

Dec 12, 2025

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 […]

Board Spotlight: Charmaine Riley

Dec 16, 2025

Charmaine Riley, Communications Director at American Beverage, WWPR VP/Incoming 2026 President Charmaine Riley is a public relations and communications director with 10+ years of experience in media relations, advocacy and strategic communications. She has a track record of securing media coverage and managing social impact initiatives. Dedicated, creative and highly collaborative, she brings diverse experience […]

From Pitch to Post: Four Ways AI Can Strengthen Communications

Oct 16, 2025

By: Allison Gross, associate director, Vanguard Communications Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to speak about artificial intelligence (AI) in communications at the National Disability Rights Network Annual Conference. In a Zoom room filled with advocates, attorneys and communicators, the questions were less about the technology itself and more about its purpose. How can […]

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