Call for Entries Deadline: Oct. 17, 2025

Honoring the Women Who Are Moving the Industry Forward

Behind every powerful campaign, transformative message and breakthrough moment in communications, there's a woman making it happen. They're leading teams. Building bridges. Championing equity. Shaping stories that connect, inspire and drive change.

Now it’s time to recognize them.

Ragan’s Top Women in Communications Awards celebrates the boldest, brightest and most influential women in the industry—those who are changing the game and setting new standards for excellence across PR, marketing, internal comms, brand storytelling, social impact, data strategy and beyond.

The Top Women in Communications Awards stands as the most respected program in the industry, reserved for those who have made significant contributions to the field. This is an honor they’ll be proud to achieve and one they won’t want to miss.

This prestigious program honors women across industries and at every career level. From rising stars to visionary leaders, these are the communicators defining what’s possible.

Honorees will be celebrated at an awards luncheon in early 2026. This exclusive, celebratory event promises to be an inspiring gathering of the profession’s most powerful voices.

Do you know a woman who deserves the spotlight?

Nominate her—or yourself—and join us in celebrating the women who are shaping the future of communications.

Nominate. Enter. Celebrate.

Enter Now

CATEGORIES

CATEGORIES

 The Women in Communications Hall of Fame

These are the legends of the industry whose lifetime achievements are worthy of recognition.

 Agency Leaders

She leads her agency with strategic vision and inspires her team to deliver exceptional results.

 Brand Storytellers

She brings the brand to life through powerful, consistent and memorable messaging.

 Bridge Builders

She forges meaningful internal and external stakeholder connections.

 Change Agents

She drives transformative change within her organization, paving the way for progress.

 Crisis Navigators

Viruses, reputational crisis, natural disaster? She’s the calm in the storm.

 Data Dynamos

She’s highly calculating – in a good way – to move the profession forward.

 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champions

She walks the talk.

 Dynamic Do-ers

She rolls up her sleeves and gets it done. And then some.

 Health Care Communicators

She brings clarity and compassion to complex health care messaging.

 Internal Communications Leaders

She excels at fostering open dialogue and connection within her organization.

 Leaders

She leads with confidence and empathy, and her team looks up to her.

 Mentors & Coaches

She takes future leaders under her wings and teaches them to fly.

 PR Leaders

She is at the forefront of public relations, guiding her team with expertise and grace.

 Social Impact Leaders

She uses her skills to advocate for causes, nonprofits or mission-driven organizations.

 Tech Leaders

She uses the latest tech available to work seamlessly in comms.

 Trailblazers

She creates a new path that others want to follow.

 Visionaries

She sees around the corners and tells captivating stories.

 Rising Stars (Age 30 and under)

She may be a relatively young professional, but she’s quickly making her mark on the industry.

HOW TO ENTER

Awards Criteria

Tell us in 500 words or less about your nominee’s accomplishments in the previous 12 months. Hall of Fame nominations all for up to 900 word and recognize lifetime achievements. The winning list of Ragan’s Top Women in Communications will be those who have distinguished themselves among their peers with meaningful achievements.

You will be able to upload additional documents to your submission. We encourage you to include press releases, design concepts, videos, analytics, testimonials and anything else you feel will give us a better sense of the honoree's work. Proprietary or internal information can also be attached and will not be shared with the public.

ENTER

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • The nominee must work in a communications role.
  • You can self-nominate or nominate a client or colleague from your organization or another organization.
  • You may submit nominees into more than one category for consideration.
  • You can nominate up to 10 women.
  • Hall of Fame entries honor lifetime achievements. All other entries reflect the nominee’s successes in the past 12 months.
  • This is a global award; nominations are accepted from all countries.

Contact Barbara Kanady with any questions about the nominations process.

This year’s program is open to any work executed between Oct. 1, 2024, and Oct. 17, 2025, inclusive.

ENTRY FEES

The fee for this program is $550 per entry.

A late fee of $325 per entry will be added to all entries received after 11:59 p.m. Central time, October 17, 2025.

All entries are non-returnable and non-refundable.

W-9 Form / Tax ID Number Request

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should you apply?
  • Shine a Spotlight on Your Communications Leadership: This recognition honors women who are leading with purpose, advancing the profession and creating meaningful impact across industries.
  • Amplify Your Influence: Earning a spot among the Top Women in Communications positions you as a leader in the field and opens doors for new opportunities, speaking engagements and career growth.
  • Inspire the Industry: Join an elite group of communicators whose stories motivate the next generation and raise the standard for excellence.
Who can enter?
We welcome nominations for women working in communications roles across all industries and sectors—whether in PR, internal communications, corporate comms, public affairs, agency or brand settings. You may self-nominate or submit on behalf of a colleague, client or peer. Entries must be submitted in English. See the Eligibility Requirements for additional details.
Can I Enter Multiple Categories?
Absolutely. We encourage you to submit nominations in any category where your work—or your nominee’s work—fits. Each entry is judged separately.
What Do the Judges Look For?
Judges are looking for clear, compelling examples of communications excellence—creative strategies, measurable impact, leadership in action and the ability to inspire. Be sure to include results, relevant metrics, media coverage and any creative work (videos, visuals, campaign assets) that support your nomination.
Why are some deadlines extended?
We understand that telling your story takes time. When there's strong demand or promotional activity underway, we occasionally extend deadlines to give nominees every opportunity to enter.
When will I find out results?
Honorees will be celebrated at an in-person awards luncheon in early 2026. Nominators and honorees will be notified several months ahead of the event. As deadlines are extended, so are expected announcement dates.

Additional Questions

If you have any questions about the program or problems submitting your entry, please contact Barbara Kanady.

Sponsorship Opportunities

If you are interested in sponsoring one of Ragan Communications’ award programs, please email Morgan Einspanier.

Ragan Communications is not responsible for international shipping fees related to trophies.