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PRSA’s Strategies & Tactics Announces 2026 Women of Impact Awards, Call for Nominations Now Open

Feb. 25, 2026

NEW YORK (Feb. 25, 2026) – PRSA’s Strategies & Tactics has opened nominations for the 2026 Women of Impact Awards, recognizing women whose leadership, achievements and integrity are shaping the future of the communications profession.

The Women of Impact Awards honor professionals across agencies, in-house teams, nonprofits, academia and independent practices. Honorees represent the full breadth of the profession including brand storytelling, media relations, data-driven strategy, internal communications, public affairs and specialized sectors.

Who should be nominated
The program welcomes nominees who are executives, mid-career leaders and new professionals whose work has delivered measurable impact, strengthened teams, advanced inclusion and upheld the highest ethical standards. Both peer nominations and self-nominations are encouraged.

Entry deadlines

  • Early Deadline: March 27
  • Late Deadline: April 10

Judging criteria
Entries are evaluated holistically, with judges considering leadership, innovation, measurable outcomes, ethics and overall impact on the profession.

How to enter
Submissions must include:

  1. A narrative (PDF, 750 words or fewer) outlining why the nominee merits recognition
  2. A bio (PDF, up to 200 words)
  3. A headshot (JPEG or PNG, used only if selected as a winner)
  4. Up to three supporting items, such as links or PDFs featuring coverage highlights, dashboards, sample content, testimonials, letters of support or a short video (maximum 90 seconds) summarizing the nominee’s impact

Eligibility

  • Open to individuals who identify as women and work in communications, public relations, marketing communications, public affairs or related disciplines
  • Work should primarily reflect achievements from the past 24 months, though lifetime impact may be considered for select categories
  • Nominees may come from any industry sector, including agencies, brands, nonprofits, academia, government or independent practices
  • No nomination limit; each category needs a separate entry and fee

Award Categories

Agency Excellence, Corporate Communications, Association/Nonprofit, Financial Communications, Agency Leader, Counselors to Higher Education, Educators, Internal Communications, Entertainment, Sports, Health & Life Sciences, Independent Practitioners, Rising Star, Public Affairs & Government, Technology, Travel & Tourism, Global Communications Leader, Crisis & Issues Navigator, Data & Insights Leader, DEI Champion, Brand Storyteller of the Year, Media Relations & Reputation Builder, Mentor & Coach of the Year, Industry Champion/Thought Leader, Purpose & Community Impact, Innovation in AI & Communications Technology, Sustainability & ESG Communications Leader, Fashion and Social Influencer.

Additional category details and submission guidelines are available here.

Winners will be announced on August 6 at the Union League in Chicago.

About Strategies & Tactics
Strategies & Tactics is an award-winning source of practical insight, recognition and thought leadership for public relations and communications professionals at every career stage.

Don't miss this opportunity to recognize trailblazing women communicators. Submit your nomination through the Strategies & Tactics awards portal.

About PRSA

PRSA is the leading professional organization serving the communications community through a network of more than 400 professional and student chapters in the U.S., Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Puerto Rico. Guided by its Code of Ethics, PRSA empowers its members to succeed at every stage of their careers through a wide breadth of premium professional development programs, exclusive networking events and leadership opportunities. Signature events include the Anvil Awards and ICON, the premier annual gathering for communications professionals and students. For more information, visit www.prsa.org.

 

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Media Contact:
Linda Beltran

linda.beltran@prsa.org

Contacts

Linda Beltran  
Chief Communications Officer

Courtney Vance  
Communications Manager