Brenda K. Foster, M.P.A., Senior Vice President of Vanguard Communications has been named a PR News Top Women in PR for her far-reaching impact on the field of strategic communications and public relations.

Every year PR News, a premier weekly communications publication, recognizes a group of women trailblazers who have had a tremendous effect in communications through their leadership and impact. Foster will be recognized, along with her peers, at the Top Women in PR Awards Luncheon on Friday, January 25, 2019, at the Grand Hyatt in New York City.

“I’m honored to be on a list with strong and creative women who have dedicated their lives to making a difference,” said Foster. “Our social change work at Vanguard, while challenging, is also incredibly rewarding. Using the power of PR to improve the lives of people and the health of the planet continues to keep me motivated and excited about the potential of this profession.”

For the past 30 years, Foster has helped nonprofits and government agencies achieve their social change goals. Her 24-year tenure at Vanguard has seen her work on a wide range of progressive causes, from environmental advocacy to education, and public health to public power. Foster’s knowledge across all areas of communications is as deep and diverse as the subject areas she supports. She has counseled Farm Aid for more than two decades as it builds momentum for the family farm food movement, and she has helped the American Psychological Association connect the dots for Americans on the impact of stress on their health via its Stress in America™ survey. She’s also currently educating legislators and first responders about life-saving stroke surgery on behalf of the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery.

“The communications profession is constantly evolving, and we need to educate ourselves on the latest trends and innovations every single day. Brenda not only stays ahead of the curve but also ensures that she brings all our staff on the journey with her so we can continue to be effective advocates for our clients,” said Maria Rodriguez, president and CEO of Vanguard Communications. “We’re thrilled that her significant contributions to our clients and the world that we live in are being recognized and rewarded.”

While not advancing the causes of her clients, Foster is generous with her time and her experience. She co-founded Progressive Communicators of DC, which has a membership of about 1,500 top communications professionals working for causes that matter to the U.S. and the world. She is also an adjunct professor at American University, where she teaches courses in strategic planning, writing and management. She has served her community of Manassas Park, Va., as chair of the Manassas Park City School Board for nearly a decade, taking on issues such as equity, school lunch and school safety.

To learn more about Vanguard Communications, visit vancomm.com, “like” Vanguard on Facebook, and follow Vanguard on Twitter and Instagram.

Vanguard Communications is a Hispanic woman-owned public relations and social marketing firm whose work is powered by and for people — the individuals, families and communities whose voices are the fuel for change. Since 1987, Vanguard has been working in the areas of health, wellness, energy, environment, education, international development, and diversity and inclusion in order to foster healthy communities and a thriving planet.