Women’s History Month: The Evolution and Impact of Women in Communications
The communications profession has roots in ancient Greece, where philosophers like Plato were known as “sophists” who taught the art of persuasion through rhetoric to noblemen seeking public office. Once excluded, women are now recognized for the crucial role they played in shaping modern communications. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s look back at the evolution of the industry and those who helped blaze the trail.
Shaping Corporate Communications
It wasn’t until the latter half of the 20th century that corporations began recognizing the need to manage their reputations through strategic communications. The growth of large institutions, coupled with heightened public awareness and new mass media, fueled demand for societal change. PR agencies like Edelman and Burson-Marstellar emerged, advising companies on how to address the day’s issues.
More women began entering the workforce during this era. Muriel Fox was the first woman to join a leading agency, Carl Byoir & Associates, before founding the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966. Similarly, in 1967 Barbara Hunter was the first woman to acquire a major agency, Dudley Anderson Yutzy, and in 1989 founded Hunter PR.
Even still, corporations often lacked a communications function, and those that existed lacked alignment with business objectives. The concept of communications’ business impact became clear following Johnson & Johnson’s iconic response during the 1982 Tylenol crisis. When seven people died from potassium cyanide-laced Tylenol capsules, the speed, transparency, and accountability in the company’s communications that followed are often cited as best practices for crisis communications and continue to inform strategies today. After this, more companies began to recognize the need for strategic approaches to navigate the evolving communication landscape and clear connection to business outcomes.
Women Changing the Game in the C-Suite
The advent of the internet and digital media changed the game again, as the scope of stakeholder communications expanded beyond traditional PR to include various digital and social channels. More women rose to leadership positions at Fortune 500 companies, bringing a fresh perspective to the C-Suite. In 1987, Marilyn Laurie became the first woman to join AT&T’s executive committee, making her the first female Chief Communications Officer of a Fortune 10 company. Then Judy Smith made history at NBC in 1992 as the first head of communications of a Fortune 500 company reporting directly to the CEO. Renowned for her crisis management work, she was also the first Black woman to lead a White House press briefing and inspiration for the lead character in ABC’s hit television show “Scandal.” Thanks to women like Laurie, Smith, and so many others, the work of communications professionals continues to gain mainstream visibility and increase influence in the business landscape.
Championing Diversity
Today fearless female leaders across all industries continue to challenge norms and break barriers – from the historic Biden-Harris’ first all-women White House communications team to the record-breaking number of female CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. As we reflect on Women’s History Month, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of all female leaders – past and present.
