Washington Women in Public Relations Announces Emerging Leaders Awards Winners

Local professional organization honors up-and-coming industry stars

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) last night named Jennifer Mastin Giglio, Judy Lubin and Tara Silver winners of the 2011 Emerging Leaders Awards (ELA).  The Awards honors rising stars, ages 21-35, in the public relations and communications industry.

A distinguished panel of judges made the selection based on the nominees' demonstration of excellence and accomplishments in the communications field as well as leadership qualities and high ethical standards.  

"It's an absolute pleasure to honor these three talented professionals who are leaving a significant mark on the public relations industry so early in their careers," said Kendra Kojcsich, WWPR President. "The most exciting part will be keeping an eye out for what they accomplish next."

ELA honorees were announced at a cocktail reception on Tuesday, July 26 at The Darlington House in Washington, D.C. Debra Silimeo, Senior Vice President at Hager Sharp Inc. and 2010 Washington PR Woman of the Year served as emcee. ABC7/WJLA-TV reporter Jennifer Donelan was a featured speaker.

2011 WWPR Emerging Leader Awards Winners:

Jennifer Mastin Giglio

Giglio is a Vice President for the Specialized Communications group at Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide. In her career, she has gained significant experience in strategic communications, crisis management and grassroots mobilization.  Most recently, Giglio served as Deputy Press Secretary and Director of Operations for the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee, where she was a spokesperson for the campaign and oversaw day to day logistical operations.  Previously, she handled media relations and strategic relationship building for several national and international non-profits as well as the Republican National Committee.

Judy Lubin, President, Public Square Communications

Lubin is president of Public Square Communications advising government agencies, foundations, national nonprofits, and public policy organizations.  She has managed strategy and messaging for several local and national public health campaigns and has built an impressive track record for raising money, awareness, and support for women's health and social issues.  Her fundraising and partnership development efforts have garnered more than $5 million for nonprofit, public policy, and political organizations.  Currently, Lubin is working on her PHD in sociology researching the intersection of media and technology, politics, and public opinion.  

Tara Chantal Silver, Managing Director, SilverStrategy

Silver is the founder and managing director of SilverStrategy. With more than 10 years of public relations and public affairs expertise Silver delivers strategic communications, media consulting, event planning, fundraising, image branding, partnership building, creative marketing campaigns, and business development.  She works to find innovative approaches to elevate clients in the media and marketplace and successfully represents a diverse group of local businesses, hospitality groups, nonprofits, government agencies, public figures, and the arts. Previously, Silver was vice president of Westin Rinehart and has worked on a number of local, national, and international political campaigns.

The complete list of 2011 WWPR Emerging Leaders Awards finalists included: Veronica Brown, Vice President, Gibraltar Associates, Jennifer Mastin Giglio, Vice President, Specialized Communications, Ogilvy Washington, Katie Lilley, Partner, Hillenby, Amanda Miller Littlejohn, CEO, MopWater PR, Judy Lubin, President, Public Square Communications and Tara Silver, Managing Director, SilverStrategy.

Created in celebration of WWPR's 30th anniversary, the Emerging Leaders Awards debuted in 2010 to great success, honoring Carrie Fox, C. Fox Communications; Lauren Musiol, GYMR; and the U.S. Army's Stefanie Pidgeon.

The 2011 Emerging Leaders Awards was made possible by the following local businesses and organizations:

Gold Partners: Central Michigan University Off-Campus Programs; Gibraltar Associates; Boss Ladies Mean Business; Strauss Radio Strategies; and Vocus

Program Sponsors: C.Fox Communications; Cobert Communications Group; Hager Sharp;

Ogilvy Washington; and National Press Club

Event Supporters: Sprinkles Cupcakes and ABC7/WJLA

To learn more about WWPR partnership opportunities, please email: [email protected] or call Lisa Newman at 301-233-7677.

About Washington Women in Public Relations

Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) is the first and only D.C. based professional organization advancing women in the communications industry. WWPR is committed to delivering outstanding professional development, networking, marketplace positioning, and leadership opportunities to area communicators. Visit us at wwpr.org, find us on Facebook.com/WashingtonWomeninPR and follow us on Twitter @WWPR.

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http://wwpr.org/newsroom/

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SOURCE Washington Women in Public Relations