Arkansas Press Women members made their mark at the 2026 National Federation of Press Women Conference in Ellicott City, Maryland, earning national recognition for their professional work while contributing to the organization through leadership, service and professional development. The conference also provided an opportunity to celebrate members’ longstanding commitment to NFPW.
Several APW members were recognized in the 2026 NFPW Professional Contest, with members receiving a total of 41 awards in the contest and earning third place in the Affiliate Sweepstakes Contest.
The conference celebrated members’ years of service to NFPW. Eva Marie Pearson marked an impressive 50 years as a member, while Debbie Miller, NFPW president, celebrated her 40th membership anniversary. Michelle Parks marked 25 years of membership, and Carrie Hill, Brittney Osborn and Audrey Poff celebrated their five-year anniversaries.
APW members also contributed to the conference through leadership and professional development. Miller, as NFPW president, presided over the successful 2026 conference, bringing members together for professional development, networking, and fellowship.
APW member Helen Plotkin was honored for her 20 years of service in state and national contest service with APW and NFPW. She has most recently served as NFPW assistant contest director in 2023, NFPW national contest director from 2024 to 2026, and will serve as an advisor for the 2027 NFPW Professional Communications Contest.
Higgins served as NFPW secretary and led a lunch networking session focused on creating successful newsletters, giving attendees an opportunity to share ideas and practical approaches to newsletter development.
APW President Angie Faller was elected to the NFPW Election Committee and led a session on membership engagement and recruitment during NFPW’s first-ever Leadership Symposium. The session brought state leaders together to exchange ideas and strategies for strengthening membership and engagement.
From national contest awards and leadership roles to decades of membership and service, Arkansas Press Women members demonstrated their commitment to professional excellence and the NFPW community. APW congratulates all its members recognized at the conference and thanks those who continue to give their time and expertise to support the organization and its members.