Professional Women in Advocacy Conference Highlights
Friday, December 4, 2020
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Posted by: Erin Roosa
PWIA 2020 Recap Tiffany Ann Del Rio, Team Rubicon
This month WGR hosted the 8th annual Professional Women in Advocacy (PWIA) Conference and we had over 275 advocacy professionals from 27 states join us. The conference was a highlight this year, offering an opportunity for talented women from across the country to share their expertise and for networking across the three days.
The conference kicked off with a 2020 election recap from Jessica Taylor at Cook Political Report. AARP sponsored this timely session, given the November election the previous week, along with the upcoming runoff election in Georgia. Jessica dived into the analysis and shared her insider insights into the future impacts with the group.
A session highlight was the Big Pivot: Shifting Your Advocacy Strategy in a Time of Crisis, sponsored by USTelecom - The Broadband Association. The panel showcased female superheroes from both the private sector and Capitol Hill. Thes panelists discussed how organizations shifted their advocacy strategies to adapt during the pandemic, as well as how congressional offices have adjusted. The varied perspectives and examples of successes provided tactics for other women in attendance in how we might adapt our own strategies.
A highlight of the three days was the Excellence in Advocacy Awards. Each year, in conjunction with the Professional Women in Advocacy Conference, WGR presents the Excellence in Advocacy Awards, spotlighting everyday advocates who dedicate themselves to representing their issue, cause or organization in the public policy arena. This year, there was a lineup of female superhero advocates, including this year's Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Nancy LeaMond, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer at AARP.
In an unprecedented year, the PWIA Conference allowed women to reconnect with other superhero women in advocacy. Sara Watson, a conference attendee shared, “This has been one of the most personally and professionally rewarding conferences I've ever attended. My first time, and I'll be back." With 2020 in the books, the 2021 PWIA will offer more exciting opportunities to hear from women making an impact and network with other trailblazing women.
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