Nomination FAQs

The following questions have been posed to PWIA by potential nominators and nominees. Our answers to the questions are provided.

Q: We are a public affairs firm and we do not lobby. What does PWIA consider to be the definition of Advocate?

A: PWIA defines advocacy very broadly as anyone who represents an issue, cause, organization or constituency in the public policy arena. This includes women working in government relations, public affairs, law, activism, campaigns, communications and the law.

Q: Can you better clarify/define the categories?

• Excellence in a Federal Issue Campaign – An effort wherein the advocate(s) successfully impacted the outcome of a federal legislative or regulatory problem or opportunity on behalf of their cause, issue, client, organization or coalition.
• Excellence in a State Issue Campaign – An effort wherein the advocate(s) successfully impacted the outcome of a state or local legislative or regulatory problem or opportunity on behalf of their cause, issue, client, organization or coalition.
• Excellence in a Campaign for Women Serving Women – An effort wherein women advocate(s) successfully impacted the outcome of a problem or opportunity on behalf of other women.
• Excellence in Advocacy on a Controversial Issue – An effort wherein an advocate successfully impacted the outcome of a legislative or regulatory problem or opportunity on an issue that could be considered controversial, unpopular or inflammatory.
• Excellence in Advocacy by an Up and Coming Practitioner – Recognizes the advocate for early achievements in her career and potential to be a successful contributor to the field over time.
• Excellence in Advocacy by a Veteran Practitioner – Recognizes the advocate for her achievements and contributions to the industry over the course of her career. (Note: Veteran does not mean military personnel in this context though we have had an awardee that is both a veteran and a senior career professional.)

Q: Is there a cost to nominate someone?

A: There is no cost to nominate someone. There is a small fee to attend the awards ceremony for people other than finalists and awardees who may attend for free.

Q: Can I nominate myself?

A: No, self-nominations are not permitted.

Q: Are there age requirements or restrictions for nominees?

A: No, there is no minimum or maximum age if the nominee meets the criteria set forth in the category requirements.

Q: Can men be nominated?

A: The spirit of the EIA awards is to recognize women in our field. However, certain scenarios may qualify such as a team effort where a man is working with women to achieve the goal. PWIA staff will assess on a case by case basis.

Q: How public is the nomination process?

A: The process itself is confidential. The only people reviewing the nomination forms and supporting documents are the judges and PWIA staff. However, the intent behind the Awards is to publicly recognize everyday advocates and the work they do so all nominees, finalists and awardees names will be made public along with the reason they were nominated. If there is sensitive information contained in the supporting documents, please flag it for the staff.

Q: Are there extensions on the deadline in extenuating circumstances?

A: No, the deadline is firm and will not be extended for individual nominations. PWIA staff may extend the deadline for all nominations if the need arises.

Q: I tried to submit a nomination form on the last day of the nomination period and had technical problems with your website. Will you accept the nomination by email?

A: When large numbers of nominations are submitted at once the online system can experience delays. If you have trouble, please alert the staff who will assess the situation and determine the best solution. The best way to ensure your nomination is entered on time and in its entirety is to submit it before the last-minute crush of the deadline.

Q: Will I receive a confirmation for my nomination when I use the online system?

A: Yes, you should receive an auto-generated confirmation email which you should hang on to as proof of your submission. If you do not receive an email it means your nomination may not have gone through. Contact the staff immediately.