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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

Carrie Fox Named 2026 Woman of the Year

On Friday, October 23, 2026, at The Potomac Hotel, Autograph Collection, Carrie F0x was named the 2026 Woman of the Year. She was honored along with finalists Sheila Brooks, Ph.D. and Shakirah Hill Taylor.

Oct 29
2026 Media Roundtable Oct 29, 2026

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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

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Read the Latest Blog Posts

Tara Rabin on Public Service, FDA Communications and Building a New Chapter

Oct 6, 2026

By Elisa OHalloran Tell us about yourself and your current position. I’ve spent my career in communications focused on health, science, and public policy. I studied public relations and political science and began my career at JPA Health Communications, working with healthcare organizations and public affairs clients. In 2012, I joined the U.S. Food and […]

Building Your Story Bank: Where to Find Stories and How to Capture Them

Jun 25, 2026

By Lauren Lawson-Zilai, Founder and Principal of Zeal Communications This resource is the fifth in the WWPR Nonprofit Communications Toolkit, a year-long series of practical guides designed specifically for small to mid-sized nonprofits working with limited staff and budgets. Each guide is designed to be immediately implementable without prior communications experience or expensive tools. Explore […]

From Rising Talent to Real Impact: Career Wisdom from WWPR’s 2026 Emerging Leaders Awards Finalists

Jun 17, 2026

Every year, the Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) highlights the brightest young minds (ages 25-35) navigating the high-stakes world of DC communications. The 16th Annual Emerging Leaders Awards (ELAs) finalists represent a masterclass in modern storytelling, crisis management, and strategic brand building across agencies, corporations, government, and nonprofit organizations. But while these women are […]

Board Spotlight: Janae Washington

Jul 7, 2026

In our latest Board Spotlight series, get to know Janae Washington, WWPR’s Emerging Leaders Awards Co-Chair and Senior Director of Communications at the Information Technology Industry Council. From her career journey and passion for strategic communications to what inspires her work with WWPR, Janae shares more about the experiences that have shaped her leadership—and a […]

Member Spotlight: Brynne Krispin

Jun 10, 2026

Brynne Krispin is the Founder and CEO of Cause Fokus, a boutique agency helping leaders transform their expertise into authentic, visible thought leadership. She specializes in empathy-driven brand strategy, executive storytelling, and LinkedIn thought leadership. A recognized LinkedIn Top Voice, writer, and speaker, Brynne is passionate about helping leaders build trust and meaningful influence.

Refresh Your Comms Career This Spring with WWPR

May 11, 2026

As we enter the spring season, you may be feeling ready for a reset. From spring cleaning your home to revitalizing your communications career, this time of year invites fresh starts. Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) is dedicated to connecting women in communications and public relations to a supportive and thriving community. Re-energize your […]

How to Hire and Work with a PR Consultant (When You’re Ready)

Apr 25, 2026

By LeAnne DeFrancesco, Vice President, Vanguard Communications This resource is the fourth in the series of the WWPR Nonprofit Communications Toolkit, a year-long series of practice guides designed specifically for small to mid-sized nonprofits working with limited staff and budgets. Each quarter focuses on a different theme, and each resource is designed to be immediately […]

Member Spotlight: Dr. Sheila Brooks

Apr 23, 2026

Dr. Sheila Brooks is an accomplished entrepreneur, author, Emmy-award winning journalist, educator and expert in marketing, media, communications and public relations.

Pioneering with Purpose: The Rise of Female Entrepreneurship in PR

Mar 30, 2026

Written by Kimberly McGuire 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. […]

Board Spotlight: Julie McDowell, WWPR Operations Chair

Mar 18, 2026

Stepping into the spotlight this month is WWPR Operations Chair Julie McDowell, a strategic marketing and communications executive with 20+ years of experience leading mission-driven work at the intersection of healthcare, science, and public affairs. Currently, she serves as Director of Strategic Communications and Digital Content at the College of American Pathologists, where she’s spent […]

How Washington Women in PR Can Help You Level Up Your Career

Feb 23, 2026

Written by WWPR Membership Co-Chair Kate Urbach Communications careers rarely move in a straight line. They’re shaped by the moments you raise your hand, the people who challenge your thinking, and the rooms you’re invited into before you feel “ready.” In a field that changes as quickly as ours – new platforms, new expectations, new […]

President’s Note: 2026 Is Already in Full Swing

Feb 9, 2026

Dear WWPR Members, It is hard to believe that I took the reins from Past President Colleen Gallagher just 40 days ago. In that short time, the organization has already accomplished so much, with even more ahead. First, if we have not yet met, my name is Charmaine Riley, and I am honored to serve […]

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, […]

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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