Retiring D.C. ad industry veteran Cary Hatch has received another recognition, as she was honored with the Mrs. Rosa Parks Woman of The Year award, a recognition “honoring women who have demonstrated courage, dignity, and determination to create change and better the lives of others.”

At the event, a High Tea celebration at the O Street Museum in D.C., Hatch said: “I am both deeply humbled and immensely grateful to receive this honor. This recognition is not just for me, but for the countless individuals and organizations I have had the privilege to work alongside for over four decades. The Partnership for a Drug Free America, Samaritan Inns for the Homeless, and as an advocate on Capitol Hill for Veterans Suicide Prevention. And now, 51 Steps to Freedom.

“My professional journey has been more than just work; it’s been a love affair with an industry, a city, and a community that I adore. Together, we’ve demonstrated that courage, dignity, innovation and determination can transform lives and communities.

“I share this moment with all those who have worked tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to uplift others. My hope is that we continue to empower and support one another, because together, we can create a world where opportunity, justice, and compassion are available to all.”

Hatch previously has been honored by the Washington Business Journal with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Women Who Mean Business; and had October 30, 2024, recognized as Cary Hatch Day in Washington, D.C. Hatch also was recognized at the recent Mid-Atlantic MarCom Summit (MAMS) as the founder of Ad Week DC (ADWKDC) and a founding supporter of Capitol Communicator.

AAF DC has stated that Hatch “has been a force in the DC advertising community. Her firm was recognized as an Inc. 500 firm and Blue-Chip Enterprise by the US Chamber of Commerce. Her advertising work and community engagement have earned her numerous awards and accolades, including being honored in the Washington Business Journal’s (WBJ) Power 100; in the first class of WBJ’s Women Who Mean Business; being named as the DC Chamber’s Small Businessperson of the Year in 2023; and a American Advertising Federation – DC Silver Medal honoree. She has also served as an advisor and mentor to women entrepreneurs and young advertising professionals.”