Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) is a nonprofit organization comprised of over 150 public relations professionals in the Washington DC metro area. It was founded in 1980 by a small group of women in communications fields and has grown to include professionals from corporations, agencies, nonprofits, and government. WWPR provides professional development opportunities and networking events to its members.

1. DC’s Leading
Washington Women
Communications Professionals
Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) is comprised of
more than 150 public relations professionals, representing many
of the Washington, DC metro area’s corporations, public relations
agencies, independent practitioners, government communicators
and nonprofits.
WWPR is comprised of over 250 public relations professionals, representing many of the Washington DC metro area’s corporations, public relations agencies, independent practitioners, and nonprofits.
(image courtesy of Washington Women in Public Relations)
“Washington Women in Public Relations is a true
community - and a real advantage in your career. The
enthusiasm of the group is catching, and I know of few
networks as effective as this one.” -Denise Graveline,
WWPR member, President, Don’t Get Caught
“I started my business in the early ‘70s when a
woman had difficulty getting a credit card of her own.
Now, women are thriving. I am surrounded and inspired
by some of the best women in the public relations
industry. And our work is more essential NOW to the
quality of life and the public debate than it has ever
been.” -Susan Hager, WWPR Woman of the Year 2004
“It’s an honor to work with this dynamic group.
Serving on the Board for six years - first as Programs
Chair, then Vice President and President - has been
a wonderful experience! I’ve grown professionally and
enjoyed the camaraderie. WWPR offers unparalled
opportunities for sharing and learning that build new
business contacts and valuable friendships.” -Tammy
Lemley, Vice President, North American Network and
Helen Thomas served for 57 years as a correspondent and White House bureau chief for United Press International (UPI), covering every president since John F. Kennedy. She was the first female officer of the National Press WWPR’s Annual Meeting & Luncheon “New and Emerging Media” at The Arts Club of Washington, with guest speakers Denise Graveline,
Club, the first female member and president of the White House Correspondents Association, and the first female member of the Gridiron Club. (image courtesy of Washington Women in Public Relations) President of “don’t get caught” and David Weiner from PR Newswire (image courtesy of Washington Women in Public Relations)
WWPR President 2004
W “WWPR has been an important part of my profes-
WPR started in 1980 when a small group of women decided to form a small network The WWPR Board of Directors is a group of up are designed to keep members informed of the
sional life for almost 20 years. I’ve made friends as
for women working in communications and related fields in the Washington, DC area. to 13 WWPR members in good standing who are latest developments in the profession.
well as business contacts, learned creative uses for
Thirty-five women responded to an ad in a local trade publication and attended the first elected for a term of one year. All directors serve WWPR’s pro bono client for 2006-09 is
technology and gained new experience through com-
meeting at the YMCA in downtown Washington. In 1986, bylaws were adopted and WWPR without compensation and are responsible for the ‘Doorways for Women’ a resource for abused,
mittee work. Chairing the first Woman of the Year event
incorporated as a nonprofit corporation. The Pro Bono Committee was added in 1989, giv- duties of running the organization. homeless or at-risk women and their families. It
was one of the most valuable experiences of my life. I
ing members the opportunity to volunteer for a worthy organization in the area. Membership benefits include educational and provides self-sufficiency and prevention services,
constantly urge communicators to not only join but get
In 1990, WWPR added the Public Relations Woman of the Year event to mark the networking opportunities, as well as job listings, and educates the larger community about do-
active because WWPR is the best professional value
organization’s 10th Anniversary. This award is given annually to a local public relations internship opportunities, professional develop- mestic violence and homelessness. The WWPR
in this town.” - Kate Perrin, President, WWPR member,
practitioner who has demonstrated leadership, creativity and dedication to the profession. ment, and other resources. WWPR hosts monthly pro bono committee works with Doorways to
PRofessional Solutions, LLC
WWPR also hosts an annual Media Roundtable luncheon, where reporters discuss best programs, either professional development brown address and implement their media and com-
www.WWPR.org
practices in media relations. bag lunches or more formal luncheons. munications needs.
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