Charmaine Riley — A Capitol Communicator Profile
Editor’s Note: Capitol Communicators is a profile series spotlighting the people shaping the present and future of advertising, digital, marketing and public relations in the Mid-Atlantic. This profile features Charmaine Riley, Director of Communications, American Beverage, and President, Washington Women in Public Relations.
A bit of history to start us off: in 1970, men held more than 50% of the jobs in public relations. That shifted dramatically by the early 80s, when women held more than 50%. But, while women were welcomed into entry and mid-level positions, they faced systemic barriers trying to advance to leadership. In 1980, four D.C. women joined forces to overcome these barriers, by creating a network of women to provide community. They placed an ad in a local trade pub, and 35 women responded. They were on to something!
Today, Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) has become the premier organization for networking, mentorship, professional development and promoting and celebrating women leaders.
Charmaine Riley became WWPR President this year, to lead that effort and shape the next chapter. She’s marking three years as Director of Communications at American Beverage, work that includes partnerships, branding, and industry initiatives. WWPR recognized her previous work in civil rights communications with an Emerging Leaders Award in 2022. She was so taken by her very first WWPR event, she applied for the Board immediately! She is passionate about WWPR “meeting women where they are at” professionally and personally and helping them navigate these challenging times. As she says, organizations need to support their members through good times and bad. She also advises holding on to what inspires you, deeply, whatever this crazy world brings.
Charmaine, please tell us about yourself.
I’ve been in the communications and public relations field for over ten years, with work ranging from local transit and cancer research to civil rights and non-alcoholic beverages. While my work has varied, there’s always one constant: Focusing on improving communities across the nation.
My work only partially defines me. I’m a D.C.-area transplant from the great Pacific Northwest with a love for red wine and pop culture. As a proud dog mom and an auntie to two humans, I value laughter, empathy and good vacation in the sun.
You became President of WWPR this year. Tell us about your role and what you’re looking forward to.
I’m honored to serve as President in 2026. With the support of the exceptional WWPR Board, I look forward to leading the organization and ensuring we provide our membership with high-quality programming and events.
Most importantly, I want to lead us in meeting women in communications where they’re at – both professionally and personally. 2025 was a rough year for many, from mass layoffs to unexpected life events. WWPR has always been a place for women to gather, learn, and grow regardless of circumstances. Now halfway through my presidency, I can see in real-time our programming resonating with women at all levels of their careers. I can’t wait for what’s in store for the rest of the year.
What should people know about WWPR?
WWPR welcomes all. From college-age to post-retirement, regardless of sector or professional background, we’re here to support communicators across the region. It’s not just about professional development–it’s about making new, high-quality connections, awarding and recognizing our community, and allowing people to show up as their authentic selves.
A lot of professional organizations are seeing declines in membership, as our industry shifts and the economy of our region is feeling the adverse economic effects of federal government actions. Is this an issue for WWPR? If so, what can you do about it?
The organization has felt the impacts of the economy and actions of the federal government. But it inspired us to act. Under the leadership of 2025’s President Colleen Gallagher, WWPR started a scholarship program. This initiative provided scholarships to more than a dozen women in our field and region who had been affected by various challenging factors so they could still access networking and professional development opportunities. Times are tough, and the best any organization can do is support its membership through the good and the bad.
What’s your favorite WWPR activity?
My favorite WWPR activity is the Emerging Leaders Awards ceremony. The ELAs celebrate rising stars—women in communications between the ages of 25 and 35—giving them well-deserved recognition across the corporate, trade, agency, government, and nonprofit sectors. I was named an Emerging Leader in the nonprofit category in 2022 and then co-chaired the awards in 2023 and 2024. The program is close to my heart.
What are some of the challenges for you in your role at American Beverage?
One of the biggest balancing acts in my role at American Beverage is communicating with and supporting such a wide range of audiences and communities across the country. Because our industry supports more than 275,000 employees and operates facilities in all 50 states, I work closely with colleagues, mayors and community partners to share stories about the real impact we’re making and help connect communities to beverage choices and education. That’s also why organizations like WWPR are so valuable. Learning from communications professionals across industries has expanded my perspective and made me a stronger, more strategic communicator.
What are the skills that are necessary to be successful today?
Effective storytelling skills are essential. It’s important to humanize your message, whether you are highlighting a brand’s value or advocating for a specific position, because that’s the element that resonates with people and allows them to identify with your messaging.
What would help you sleep better at night? And what brings you joy during the day?
Respect for freedom of the press would help me sleep better at night. But what brings me joy during the day are all the journalists doing whatever they can to bring us critical news and analysis–domestically and internationally.
What advice helped you most in your career, and is that advice still relevant today?
A leader stands beside their team, not over or in front of them. I’m here to support and motivate others, while creating an environment where people can learn from mistakes and succeed. To me, showing power or rank doesn’t make someone powerful—real leadership is creating spaces and opportunities for everyone to contribute, grow and be recognized for their impact.
What professional advice do you have for others?
Never lose who you are at your core. It’s easy, especially in places like D.C., but try your hardest not to lose what inspires you, what drives you, why you do your job and what makes you, you. And don’t lose your empathy.
A personal note: This author is not a neutral observer of WWPR. I am a committed member. WWPR is always a source of energy, inspiration and community!
Capitol Communicators profiles will allow you to meet some of the most interesting and insightful pros in our region, learn how they stay ahead of the curve and pick up practical wisdom during a time of constant change.
Capitol Communicatoris a sister company of CommPRO.
