Highlights from the Ragan Top Women in Communications Awards reception

Earlier this week, Manhattan’s City Winery saw a group of the best communicators in the business gathered to honor their own. Ragan’s 2025 Top Women in Communications Awards luncheon brought out the best and brightest in comms to laud both ascendant figures and those who have established track records as part of the Top Women Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Sabrina Natasha Browne, senior vice president of personal banking at Citi, opened the festivities with a few words of praise for the luncheon’s attendees.

“I remain impressed by the accomplishments of all the women in this room. You are rewriting the playbook on what leadership in communications looks like today,” Browne said.

Ragan CEO Diane Schwartz also addressed the crowd at the outset of the show, emphasizing the importance of showing up in big moments.

“You show up when it matters most. You show up among the challenges and use your voice to innovate educate and inspire,” Schwartz said. “You’ve shaped the narratives of your organizations with intention and care. It’s a privilege and honor to learn from your stories.”

She added that the audience was there for more than just to honor great work, but to celebrate the larger community of women in comms.

“You didn’t just come here to celebrate your achievements — you came here to lift up your fellow honorees. You’re showing up for every woman looking for community, encouragement and a roadmap forward.”

The advice that built comms all-stars

During the show, the audience heard a bit of perspective from each honoree on the experiences that built them into the top-flight communicators they are today.

Anna Crowe, founder and CEO of Crowe PR, said that when she was younger and a new immigrant in the United States, a teacher told her that she’d never master the English language or be able to communicate effectively. Crowe said she’d tell her younger self to not sweat the small stuff and keep believing that she was on the right track the entire time.

“Let your authentic self show and it’ll all work out in the end,” she said.

Jam Stewart, vice president of corporate affairs for Banfield Pet Hospital, told the crowd that a former boss told her to get out of her comfort zone to achieve the heights she aspired to.

“She told me that I’m not just a communicator, but a business leader,” Stewart said. “Don’t just stay in your lane. The best growth I’ve gotten in my career has been outside my lane.”

Hearing from the Hall of Famers

Toward the event’s conclusion, Ragan’s Top Women Hall of Famers accepted their induction into a group that recognizes careers of excellence in comms. This year, four honorees from across the industry shared their takes on what helped them climb to the pinnacle of the comms world.

Kimberley Goode, corporate board director and senior advisor at BMO, spoke to the crowd about how throughout her career, communication has always played a role in any business function and how that’s an opportunity for comms pros to rise to the moment.

“We need to use truthful, powerful and strategic communication to help people understand the power of comms and to inspire others,” Goode said.

Kim Olson, chief communications officer at Land O’Lakes, accepted her induction in a recording thanking her fellow honorees and those who helped her ascend to the top of her profession.

“It’s a tremendous honor and I hope to raise a glass with you soon in person,” Olson said. “

Lori Rosen, founder and prescient of the Rosen Group, shared a story about her origins in the field and how her passion for communications has carried her through the years.

“Be open to trying new things, feel the passion, and enjoy the experience, Rosen said. “It takes a village, and I’ve got a great one.

Finally, Linda Rutherford, chief administration officer at Southwest Airlines, said that her myriad experiences made her comms experience all the richer — even in challenging moments.

“Don’t dwell on your mistakes, and when you see a need, try to fill that need,” Rutherford said. “You’ll always need encouraging — find the truth-tellers and shoulders that can support you.”

Sean Devlin is an editor at Ragan Communications. In his spare time he enjoys Philly sports and hosting trivia.