Banner Brunch
The Annual Awards & Scholarship Ceremony and Celebration of Women in Communications
Save the Date
Saturday, May 4, 2024
at The Austin Central Library
See you next year!
Join more than 100 brilliant communications professionals for a day of celebration, connections, and networking. Attendees enjoyed food, drink, and some extra-special surprises while celebrating award honorees and scholarship recipients.
2023 Banner Brunch wrapped with grand success!
Held on Saturday, April 29, 2023
Together we raised over $5,200.00 toward our scholarship fund. Thank you to all sponsors, volunteers and guests!
2023 Banner Award Winners
Outstanding Austin
Communicator Award
Jessica Scanlon
Hot Dog Marketing
About Jessica
Jessica is “Top Dog” at Hot Dog Marketing, helping service businesses and tech companies build stronger brands.
Hot Dog Marketing serves 150 businesses a year, and the company continues to grow because of our loyal customers and great referrals. Hot Dog Marketing has been named a top rated agency on several lists including #12 digital/website agencies by The Austin Business Journal. We were also named one of the nation’s best branding agencies in the nation by Clutch.co.
Jessica is a Forbes Council Member and Austin Under 40 award winner.
Outstanding Austin
Communicator Award
Michele Glaze
Samsung Austin Semiconductor
About Michele
Michele is Head of Communications & Community Affairs for Samsung Austin Semiconductor.
She is a business leader who leverages communications and marketing strategies to achieve impactful results. She has proven success in economic development, strategy, thought leadership, executive advisement, PR and marketing campaigns, digital channels, internal communications, community relations, special event planning, employee engagement programs and talent building. Her talents include consulting with companies of all sizes (global Fortune 500, SMB, Nonprofit) to create & launch strategic platforms that demonstrate business, customer or community value that aligns to business priorities.
Gene Barnwell Waugh Mentor Award
Kirsten Longnecker
About Kirsten
Kirsten is the VP of Marketing at Plinqit.
Kirsten is on a mission to transform visionary ideas into actionable, digestible, memorable content. B2B and B2C marketing executive with 20+ years of experience in corporate communications, content creation, lead gen, business strategy, events management, and PR.
Outstanding Member Award
Fabiana Meléndez Ruiz
About Fabiana
Fabiana is Director of Marketing and Communications at HEXAH, and a seasoned public relations (PR) professional and strategic storyteller. Even as a seasoned public relations professional, Fabiana has never stepped away from her joy to mentor colleagues of all levels as she has progressed in more senior roles. Fabiana uses her expertise in the field of communications for good. She has been featured in multiple articles, podcasts and more, giving industry advice and a voice of mentorship to readers and leaders on topics ranging from how to advance in your career while working remotely to how you can amplify LatinaX voices.
Anne Durrum Robinson
Creative Initiative Award
Elizabeth McQueen and Miles Bloxson, KUT’s Pause/Play
About Elizabeth and Miles
Elizabeth McQueen is an audio producer and podcast host at KUTX 98.9, Austin’s NPR music station. McQueen is also the host of the podcast This Song, as well as the producer for The Breaks, a hip-hop podcast. Before moving to public radio and podcasting, McQueen was a professional musician who started and played for the band Elizabeth McQueen and the Firebrands and a member of the legendary Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel.
Miles Bloxson is a producer and host for KUT 90.5 and KUTX 98.9. The Austin native and UT Austin graduate has a passion for technology, music and pop culture. She has interviewed such stars as Halle Berry, Samuel L. Jackson, Kristin Chenoweth, Morgan Freeman, Cee-Lo Green, Forest Whitaker and Robert Townsend.
She is the host and creator of the podcast and lifestyle brand Miles To Mogul.
Information provided by KUT / KUTX
2023 Scholarship Winners
The Julie Tereshchuk Scholarship
Melanie Salazar
The Jo Caldwell Meyer Scholarship
Ava Motes
Megan Harvey
Sponsors and Partners
Thank you so much to our annual sponsors and this year’s Banner Brunch sponsors and partners! If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor or partner, please contact our VP of Development at development@wcaustin.org.
&
Cocktails specially underwritten
in honor of Julie Tereshchuk
And Special Thanks to
Nominate
Recognize the outstanding Austin communicators, distinguished lifetime achievements, and amazing mentors in the Austin community.
Apply
Currently pursuing an education in the field of communications? Apply to be considered for our scholarships (deadlines apply each year).
Volunteer
Assist with the selection for awards and scholarships, organize the event, and ensure guests have a fantastic time at Banner Brunch.
Sponsor & Donate
Place your organization at the forefront of one of Austin’s most celebrated communications events. Sponsor, donate, or contribute raffle items!