What we can learn from our 2021 Distinguished Members Gamble Hayden and Amanda Karhuse - Part 1

The Distinguished Member Award, WGR's highest honor, is presented annually to a WGR member who has demonstrated outstanding service, initiative, innovation and dedication to WGR's goals throughout the years. WGR took some time to connect with our 2021 honorees, Gamble Hayden and Amanda Karhuse on how they got to where they are today.

How did you first get involved with WGR?

Gamble: I first became aware of WGR a few jobs ago when I worked for women who were involved with the organization, but I hadn’t had a chance to get involved myself with WGR until I began working for State and Federal Communications in April of 2015. 

Amanda: I was an editor for Women’s Policy, Inc. (now known as the Women’s Congressional Policy Institute) when I was asked to speak at an event with aspiring women leaders at American University. One of the other panelists was Peggy Tighe who was president of WGR at the time. She spoke so passionately about the organization that I decided I would definitely join the organizations if I ever got a job in government relations. As luck would have it, I found a position at the National Association of Secondary Principals only a few months later. I’m fortunate that my organization strongly encourages professional development for our employees and my boss agreed to pay for membership as soon as I started.

What has been the most valuable benefit of leadership in WGR?

Gamble:The most valuable benefit for me as part of leadership with WGR is that I have had (and continue to have) the opportunity to get to know, work with and become friends with such an amazing group of women – all fantastic leaders in their own right, and whom continue to inspire me every day!

Amanda: There are so many benefits, but I think the most valuable has been gaining skills that have helped me in my career. It’s definitely helped me to be a more confident public speaker, helped me to plan and execute events, think strategically about an organization, understand nonprofit budgets, and build the leadership skills of my own staff.

What is your favorite WGR memory?

Gamble: Wow, I have a few, but if I have to name one, I’ll say May of 2019, during the evening prior to the Spring Reception; WGR’s DEI Committee had its first meet-up prior to the event, and we had a great turn out and took an awesome picture outside of the restaurant!  We then all walked over together to the Reception – it was a great evening overall!

Amanda: I’ve been a member for almost 15 years, so there are a lot to choose from! It would probably be just hanging out with so many of the other leaders who have become good friends at spring reception, the board retreats, the wine tasting, and dinners and happy hours.