Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) named Wendy Hagen, president of hagen, inc., its 2018 PR Woman of the Year. Hagen received the award—which recognizes demonstrated ability in the communications field, contributions to the community and industry leadership qualities—at the 29th annual Washington PR Woman of the Year Award luncheon. The event was hosted in partnership with lead sponsor AARP on Friday, November 9 at the Fairmont Hotel and emceed by WJLA anchor Nancy Chen.
"Wendy embodies exactly who our Woman of the Year award was created for—a female communicator who is both an example of excellence in the profession and deeply committed to improving her community and uplifting fellow women in the industry," said Danielle Veira, co-president of WWPR. "It is our pleasure to celebrate women like Wendy who are bringing to life WWPR's mission of cultivating and inspiring female communicators to reach their full potential."
Hagen, along with finalists Kate Perrin, founder and chief executive officer of PRofessional Solutions, LLC, and Gloria Rodriguez, founder and chief executive officer of Comunicad, LLC, was honored by more than 200 of her peers at the annual event. This year's theme was Communicate. Collaborate. Conquer.
"After many years working in agencies and nearly 10 years in business on my own, it's such an honor to receive this award from WWPR," said Hagen. "It was especially meaningful to be included among such accomplished fellow finalists, Gloria Rodriguez and Kate Perrin, who've given so much to the public relations community."
WWPR, a professional society advancing women communicators in metropolitan Washington, established the Woman of the Year Award in 1990 to foster camaraderie among women in public relations and honor the most talented women in the field.
Keynote remarks were provided by Kirsten Suto Seckler, chief brand and communications officer of Special Olympics International and 2009 PR Woman of the Year finalist. During her keynote and fireside chat with Chen, Suto Seckler challenged attendees to advocate for equality and justice, while trusting their own power and being authentic leaders.
The event also highlighted WWPR's commitment to serving the DC-area community with proceeds from the annual raffle going to the organization's pro bono client, Sitar Arts Center, whose core mission is to provide high-quality after-school education and experiences in visual, digital and performing arts to children and youth from low-income families who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
The 29th Annual PR Woman of the Year Award luncheon, co-chaired by Taylor Leaming of Ketchum and Christin Lewis of Hilton, was made possible by support from WWPR's annual and event sponsors, raffle contributors and strategic partners.
About Washington Women in Public Relations
Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) is a member-based professional society cultivating and inspiring female communicators to reach their full potential in the D.C. market and beyond. The organization is committed to providing leadership opportunities, professional development, mentorship, and industry networking. Find out more at www.wwpr.org.
