A Night of Celebration and Legacy: 2024 PRSA Colorado Gold Picks Awards
A Night of Celebration and Legacy: 2024 PRSA Colorado Gold Pick Awards
The 2024 PRSA Colorado Gold Pick Awards was a night to remember, as public relations professionals from across the state gathered at Stick and Feather in Denver to celebrate excellence in our industry. Hosted by our current president, Alicia V. Nieva-Woodgate and president-elect, Samantha Coulter, this annual event highlighted not just the outstanding work done by our peers but also the enduring legacies of those who have shaped the field of public relations in Colorado. Congratulations to all the winners!
We encourage everyone to share their congratulations with this year’s winners and continue the conversation on social media using the hashtags #PRSAColo and #GoldPicks24.
Honoring the Legacies of Jane Dvorak and Sharon Linhart
One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was the renaming of two prestigious awards in honor of Jane Dvorak and Sharon Linhart—two icons in Colorado’s PR community.
The Jane Dvorak Mentor of the Year Award was established to recognize PR professionals who have shown exceptional commitment to mentoring others, a quality that Jane Dvorak has exemplified throughout her career. Her influence on the next generation of PR professionals has been profound, and this award ensures that her legacy of mentorship continues to inspire.
Similarly, the Sharon Linhart PR Person of the Year Award was created to celebrate a PR professional who has made significant contributions to the field, reflecting Sharon Linhart’s remarkable leadership, vision, and dedication. The inaugural award honored an individual whose work in digital media and strategy has set new standards for excellence in our industry.
These awards serve as a reminder of the lasting impact that dedicated professionals can have on their peers and the industry at large, ensuring that the legacies of Jane and Sharon continue to inspire future generations.
Supporting the Next Generation: PRSSA and the ICON Fundraiser
The evening also shone a spotlight on the future of public relations through the involvement of PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) students from the University of Colorado and Colorado State University. These students played a crucial role in ensuring the event ran smoothly, and their contributions were recognized with a well-deserved round of applause.
A key part of the evening was the fundraising effort to support these students in attending the ICON conference in Anaheim, California. These PRSSA chapters have seen significant growth and success, thanks in part to the support of sponsors and the dedication of the students themselves. The fundraiser is an important step in providing these future PR leaders with opportunities to learn, grow, and connect within the industry. The passion and energy they bring to their work reminds us all of the importance of nurturing the next generation of PR professionals. This year's fundraiser held special significance as CU Boulder's PRSSA president, Samantha Meldner, and Jane Dvorak took a moment to remember Jeremiah Park, one of PRSSA’s rising stars who interned with JKD & Company this summer. Jeremiah, who tragically passed away this past weekend, was a bright, shining star whose impact on the organization and the people around him will be deeply missed. His memory will continue to inspire us all.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Tradition
The 2024 Gold Pick Awards weren’t just about recognizing the past; the award ceremony was also about looking forward. As we celebrated the achievements of our peers, we reflected on the power of storytelling and the vital role we play in connecting ideas with audiences. The evening reinforced the idea that public relations is more than just a profession—it’s a calling that demands creativity, resilience, and a deep commitment to our communities.
A huge shout out to our Gold Pick Committee for their hard work in preparation for this year’s awards program and last evening’s event - Carling Spelhaug, Liz Viscardi, Alicia Nieva-Woodgate, Samantha Coulter, Jennifer Quermann, Anya Lofgreen, Bryanne Mitchell, Shannon Mueller and Nicole Plese.
For more details on the event and to see the full list of winners, read our press release here.
