By Emily Fraser
My husband calls my Creative Initiative Award my Heisman because it represents hard work, dedication and being the best. Anyone that watches football probably just got a chuckle out of his interpretation.
But, the award means so much more to me. When I look at it, displayed proudly in my living room, I think back on the challenges I overcame and the successes I celebrated in building AWC Austin’s social media presence.
When I first created the @AWCAustin Twitter profile, I remember receiving many blank stares at luncheons as I encouraged people to tweet during the presentations and use #AWCAustin. Today, it’s not uncommon to have as many as ten different people live tweeting at a luncheon! Starting the chapter’s blog was both scary and exciting, as I had dabbled in blogging, but nothing very serious or with any sort of regularity or schedule. The blog proved to be a great way to celebrate our members and their diverse talents and skills through spotlights and guest posts. I still enjoy reading the blog, even though I’m no longer managing it.
When Julie T. called to tell me I was chosen for the award and four people had nominated me, I was taken back. At the time, my contributions to the chapter were fun activities to keep me busy, but I had not yet thought about the impact and lasting impressions the social media sites could leave on all of our chapter’s audiences.
The honor really hit home when I began researching Anne Durrum Robinson, for whom the award is named after. I’m honored to be included in a list of women I look up to. And still today, I thank my four friends for taking the time to write a nomination. If a communicator in your life deserves recognition for outstanding work, I strongly encourage you to nominate them. You may leave a lasting impression.
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- Anne Lasseigne Tiedt, APR - January 6, 2024
- Cindy Friedman - December 6, 2023