Vanguard Communications

02/19/2025

Say “hello” to our newest team member, Vice President Dana Chomenko, MA, PMP! Get to know a little bit about Dana and join us in welcoming her to Vanguard!

+ She has two daughters, Madison and Gabriella, who keep her super busy and bring lots of drama.
+ She is a diehard NY Giants fan, despite it being a rough decade for the team.
+ She and her husband like to host parties and are suckers for a good theme.

Welcome to the team, Dana!

02/04/2025

In February, our Communicator of the Month blog highlights the impact photography and film left on human history and culture. Today, these mediums are central to communication and have become essential tools for educating, connecting and inspiring social change. 📷📽️

Today’s innovations are tomorrow’s tools for change. In 2025, we highlight pivotal moments in history when technology reshaped the way we communicate. From the printing press to podcasting, technological breakthroughs have helped social change communicators bridge distances, transcend borders an...

01/29/2025

Are you curious how to create a powerful statement for your organization in response to the recent policy changes? Vanguard Communications’ VP Crystal Borde offers practical tips in her latest blog post on PRSA’s PRSay blog to assist communicators in determining if, when, or how to respond. Read more here: https://prsay.prsa.org/2025/01/29/the-return-to-the-statement-era-knowing-when-to-speak-out/

01/20/2025

"The time for sharing platitudes or words of support has passed." Read our blog More Actions Than Words on by Crystal Borde, Vice President and Diversity Equity and Inclusion Practice Lead.

Today, the nation observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal observance that honors the birth of civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and provides a platform for organizations to communicate their commitment to his fight for equity and freedom for all Americans. Organizations and....

01/09/2025

As we honor the life of President Jimmy Carter today, we reflect on his extraordinary legacy as a communicator and “Presidential Proponent of Peace.” His unwavering commitment to building a better world inspires us all. In our tribute, learn how his powerful communication skills helped him bridge divides, lead by example, and inspire action.

President Jimmy Carter's post-presidential life of public service as a private citizen was inspiring.

01/02/2025

Happy New Year! 🥳 For decades, technological breakthroughs have empowered individuals and movements to challenge the status quo and advocate for progress. Vanguard’s 2025 calendar and upcoming Communicator of the Month blogs will highlight 12 of these pivotal moments in history when technology reshaped the way we communicate.

In January, we are showcasing the moveable-type printing press – invented by Johannes Gutenberg in 1440, the “Gutenberg press” democratized knowledge by allowing the mass production of books and literature. 📖

Learn more about how this innovation revolutionized communications and the world on our blog! ➡️

Vanguard’s 2025 calendar highlights 12 pivotal moments in history when technology reshaped the way we communicate. In January, we are showcasing the printing press which democratized knowledge and literacy.

12/20/2024

In the spirit of reflection, we looked back at our top blog posts of 2024. Thank you for following along as we shared -centered strategies, analyzed media trends and more.

Here's to 2025! 🌟
https://vancomm.com/top-blogs-of-2024

12/18/2024

Last night, Vanguard Senior Vice President Brenda K Foster was inducted into the PRSA - National Capital Chapter Hall of Fame. Brenda has spearheaded our team of communicators to advance change in public health, mental health, education, diversity and inclusion, environmental protection, and sustainable agriculture for 30 years. Congratulations, Brenda!

We asked former and current Vanguardians to share what they’ve learned from Brenda that has helped them grow as professionals and as people.

Brenda K. Foster, SVP of Vanguard, was inducted into the National Capital Public Relations Hall of Fame during the PRSA-NCC annual gala.

12/17/2024

Have you checked out our Communicator of the Month series? If you are new here, every year we create a calendar featuring original artwork from our design team that highlights inspiring individuals whose voices and actions have made a lasting impact on our society.

In 2024, we celebrated 12 impactful authors and their books that have helped us to be better listeners and more informed activists. Through their words, they have taught us to see and to care about the people around us and the world we live in. In case you missed one, below is a recap of all the blog posts that highlighted these inspiring books.

In 2025, we will explore pivotal moments in history when technology reshaped the way we communicate. It’s not just a look back at history — it’s a reminder of the potential each innovation holds for empowering voices and driving social change. From the printing press to podcasting, inventions have helped us extend our reach.

In case you missed one of our 12 impactful authors and their books this year, this is a recap of all the blog posts that highlighted these inspiring novels.

12/16/2024

☃️ All of us at Vanguard wish you and yours a safe and wonderful winter season! ❄️

After a year of hard work, we hope that this winter can be a time of rest and renewal for you and your loved ones, and that you find the opportunity to focus on what is important to you this season. 🥂

12/13/2024

Yesterday, Vanguardians gathered to celebrate the winter season at our quarterly lunch! It was so great to have so many of us back in the office together 💜 The team enjoyed delicious tacos, rice, kale salad and desserts from Chaia Tacos in Georgetown!

12/11/2024

Engaging Generation Alpha starts with understanding their unique digital-first mindset, influences and values. Learn how to connect meaningfully with this future-shaping generation from what we know about them so far ➡️

This is part of a series of posts on In Practice exploring the challenges, opportunities and recommendations for communicators to inclusively and effectively engage specific underrepresented identity communities. At Vanguard, we define an identity community as a community of individuals who share id...

12/10/2024

🎉 Exciting news! Vanguard Communications is thrilled to announce that our very own Maria Rodriguez has been elected to a three-year communicator seat on the board of the National Press Club!

Congratulations, Maria, and thank you for your continued leadership and service to this prestigious organization for journalists and communicators.

Read more about the National Press Club’s new leadership here: https://pulse.ly/rkqya9vs0l

12/09/2024

We stand with the Tice family and all who advocate for journalist Austin Tice’s safe return, hoping that recent developments in Syria will lead to Austin's freedom and bring him home.

12/09/2024

📚 Need something to read over the holidays? Check out this recap of all the books in our 2024 Communicator of the Month series, which celebrates books that have helped us to be better listeners and more informed activists. 🌟

12/05/2024

In recent news, the term “diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)” has been increasingly weaponized, resulting in backlash against equity-based programs and initiatives.🤖✍️ On the Washington Women in Public Relations blog, Vanguard Associate Director Lelani Clark explores where AI has the potential to play a key role in driving positive social change in this highly charged moment.

Read it here ➡️ https://pulse.ly/ygasboqphp

By Lelani Clark In recent news, there has been a weaponization of the term Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and increased backlash against equity-based programs and initiatives. However, in taking the temperature of our current climate, I believe the fight has just begun. This highly charged mo...

12/04/2024

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12/04/2024

Black stories have power, but are we telling them completely? Our latest blog dives into the concept of developing Black narratives by intersecting experiences of race, gender, class and more for these multifaceted communities.

Black communities continue to face systemic challenges that are deeply rooted in historical and structural inequities, from the ongoing fight for racial justice to disparities in health care, housing and economic opportunity. The recent reversal of affirmative action in higher education and consiste...