PRWeek’s Women of Distinction program celebrates the achievements of the PR industry’s top women leaders, whose leadership, creativity and insight continue to inspire everyone who encounters them. Alongside PRWeek’s Women to Watch, these stellar individuals in both groups set the bar high, both for their peers and generations to follow.

"Women are the beating heart of PR and PRWeek’s annual Women of Distinction program celebrates the achievements of the top female leaders in the industry, who continually demonstrate strong and empathetic leadership, indepth strategy and insights, and groundbreaking creativity. Alongside PRWeek’s Women to Watch, the inspiring PR pros in both groups set the bar high for their peers and the generations of professionals that will follow," said Steve Barrett, VP, editorial director of PRWeek.

Nominee Criteria

Organizations can nominate women from their comms team who consistently bring their A game to the table and inspire those around them to do the same. 

To be considered as part of the Women of Distinction class of 2026, candidates would typically be an in-house SVP or EVP at a brand or nonprofit or an agency MD, president, CEO or chair. Women to Watch would typically be a VP, senior account director, account executive, account director and below.

Job titles and their seniority vary from company to company, so please inquire if you are unsure which category to enter. For example, in some organizations VP describes the top comms role and would be more suitable for Women of Distinction consideration than Women to Watch.

Entry Fees + Deadlines

Standard Deadline: January 16, 2026 at 11:59pm ET

Standard entry fee: $395

*Entries received after January 16, 2026 will incur a late fee of $100 per entry

Extended Deadline: January 30, 2026 at 11:59pm ET

Extended deadline fee: $495