Charmaine Riley, a 2014 Western Washington University graduate, stepped into the role of president of Washington Women in Public Relations in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 1.

WWPR is a professional society that supports women communicators in the Washington, D.C., market and beyond. The organization provides leadership opportunities, mentorship, industry networking and more in professional development, according to the WWPR 2026 board of directors and advisory council announcement. 

Riley has spent four of her 11 years in the public relations industry as a member of WWPR. During her first two years with the organization, she served as the co-chair of the Emerging Leaders Awards, which celebrates women ages 25 to 35 as they climb in the PR world. In 2025, the incoming president asked Riley to become vice president, which led to her accepting the role as president this year. 

Riley is the current director of communications at American Beverage, an organization that represents the non-alcoholic industry. She leads partnerships, events and strategic messaging for brands like Coca Cola, Pepsico and Dr. Pepper. Outside of working at American Beverage, she is active in civil engagement and activism while also being a proud dog mom. 

“I felt a little bit of imposter syndrome,” Riley said, explaining her experience coming into the role of president at WWPR. “I was preceded by a lot of great women who own their own businesses or are at the top of their game in their career, but because of the support from the women in the community and people in my life, I was able to go from imposter syndrome to being confident that I was taking on this role.”

Riley noted that the environment in Washington, D.C. differs from the Pacific Northwest because of how fast-paced it is. She brings an empathetic and down-to-earth presence to the role, balancing Washington, D.C.’s intensity with the grounded perspective she developed in the Pacific Northwest.

Under Riley’s leadership WWPR has hit the ground running. The organization just completed their annual meeting where members and non-members get together to kick off the new year. Then, guest speaker Erica Loewe taught listeners about storytelling, strategy, credibility and owning your voice. Then, WWPR hosted a party with other communications groups in D.C., including the American Marketing Association and the Advertising Association, Riley said. 

“One of my goals this year is to make sure we support the whole woman, not only as they reach their professional goals, but we’re supporting where they’re at and who they are,” Riley said. 

Riley credits Western for how the journalism program led her to her leadership role with WWPR. She encourages current students and recent graduates to stay open to new opportunities.

“Take the chance, take the journey and put yourself out there,” she said. “You never know where you’re going to end up.”