Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) announced the three finalists for its 29th annual Washington PR Woman of the Year Award. According to WWPR, it  received “a record-breaking number of nominations for exceptional women leading the communications industry in the D.C. Metro area. Nominees were judged on demonstrated ability in the communications field, contributions to the community and industry leadership qualities.”

According to WWPR, the award “honors the most talented women in the industry. The event celebrates the achievements of the honorees. Established in 1990, this annual event fosters camaraderie among women in the field and honors the achievements of those who have raised the bar in the profession.”

The finalists for WWPR’s 2018 Woman of the Year Award, left to right in photo, are:

• • Wendy Hagen, president of hagen inc
  • Kate Perrin, founder and CEO of PRofessional Solutions, LLC
  • Gloria Rodriguez, founder and CEO of Comunicad, LLC

“We received an impressive group of nominees this year and this was an incredibly tough decision for our judges,” said Amanda Cate, co-president of WWPR. “These three women have made exceptional contributions in their industry and in the D.C. communications community, which we look forward to celebrating during this event.”

Kirsten Suto Seckler, chief brand and communications officer of Special Olympics International, will provide keynote remarks at the event during a fireside chat with event emcee and WJLA anchor Nancy Chen. Suto Seckler was also honored as a PR Woman of the Year finalist in 2009.

“We are particularly excited to have our WWPR community hear from Kirsten at this year’s event,” said Danielle Veira, co-president of WWPR. “As a leader in mission-driven work who has made a significant impact on both the people she serves through her day job and the next generation of female communicators she inspires, Kirsten embodies what it means to communicate, collaborate and conquer.”

In partnership with lead sponsor AARP, the luncheon will be Friday, November 9,  at the Fairmont Hotel. The Woman of the Year luncheon is WWPR’s signature event and, according to WWPR. it is “an annual experience fostering camaraderie among women in public relations, culminating in this must-attend event that honors the achievements of those who have reached a pinnacle in the profession.”