Earlier this year, Motion launched its inaugural Women of Impact award in honor of International Women’s Day. The award was created to honor hardworking, inspiring and innovative women who choose to challenge in the marketing, advertising, public relations and communications fields. We received so many entries filled with impactful stories, and judging was based on three criteria – Quality and Clarity, Results and Depth of Impact. This year’s finalists included Niamh Welan-Reiter, Global Lead of Corporate Communications and Brand, Avanade, Virginia Develin, Co-CEO of Current Global and Wendy E. Parks, Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications at College of DuPage (COD).
We are pleased to announce that Wendy Parks been named the 2021 Women of Impact Winner.
Since joining COD in 2017, Parks has overseen strategic communication efforts, the News Bureau and Community Engagement, while spearheading executive communications for the Office of the President and a multitude of other key stakeholders. Under her leadership, the Office of Marketing and Communications earned several awards including honors from the international Telly Awards, the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations and the Illinois National School Public Relations Association.
“We are thrilled to bestow Wendy Parks with our first-ever Women of Impact award because of her direct and lasting impact on the careers of women in Chicago,” said Kimberly Eberl, Founder and CEO of Motion. “In her nearly four-year tenure at College of DuPage, Wendy has consistently demonstrated exceptional growth, impact and change and truly embodies the values consistent with the International Women’s Day mission. We look forward to continuing to recognize exceptionally talented Chicagoland women in the communications field with the Woman of Impact award for years to come.”
Over the years, several of Parks’ colleagues have praised her for her guidance and immeasurable influence she has had on their own careers. An award entry quote from one woman read, “Wendy’s guidance and friendship have been invaluable as I’ve navigated rapid changes in my career. She is a constant source of encouragement and I am inspired by how she approaches every decision with immense respect for process, while understanding the dynamics of human nature balanced with corporate strategy.”
In her acceptance, Parks acknowledged the support of her family, friends and colleagues at COD and added, “I would not be here today had it not been for the support and guidance of those who paved the way before me. My mother, my grandmother and my godmother were the strong women who set great examples for how to give back. I too believe that each one must teach one.”
To see Wendy’s full acceptance, click here.
As the recipient of this year’s award, Parks will receive a $1,000 donation from Motion. Parks, in conjunction with the COD financial aid department, will use that money to create a one-time scholarship that will be given to a female student. We congratulate Wendy and all of our nominees who continue to impact future generations each day.
The Women of Impact award will be an annual award launched each February in honor of International Women’s Day.
