Join your friends and colleagues at the 2024 Paragon Awards!
Initially created in 1983, the Paragon Awards encourage members to strive for public relations excellence and celebrate high-level work in categories that have evolved to include media relations, social media, integrated communications, and more.
The 2024 Paragon Awards will be held on Thursday, May 23, at Foxtown Station in Mequon, starting at 4:30 p.m. with the award program to begin at 5:00 p.m. A buffet-style dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. with a cash bar serving until 7:30 p.m.
The 2024 Communicators of the Year Awards will be presented to Milwaukee Diaper Mission’s founder and executive director Meagan Johnson and board member Mariah Riddlesprigger. Milwaukee Diaper Mission is a nonprofit organization that empowers families in need by providing a reliable source of free diapers and period supplies.
Meagan started the organization in 2020 as a young parent. Upon learning about the public health issue of diaper need and realizing that a basic needs bank in Milwaukee did not exist, she set out to create one. To date, Milwaukee Diaper Mission has distributed 1.8 million diapers and other essential supplies.
Mariah Riddlesprigger is the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the 
Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation and a board member of Milwaukee Diaper Mission. Together with her fiancé, Giannis Antetokounmpo, is a strong supporter and champion of the mission. The PRSA SE WI Chapter is encouraging members to donate diapers and wipes to benefit the mission by bringing supplies to the Paragon or through a cash donation online at https://www.milwaukeediapermission.org/
The 2024 Dorothy Thomas Black Award, which recognizes sustained superior performance in public relations, will be presented to longtime PR veteran Karren Jeske, APR. With more than 35 years of experience in the field, Karren has been active in PRSA throughout her career, volunteering in various leadership roles. At the local level, she served in multiple positions on the board starting in 2003, including treasurer, ethics officer, national convention delegate, and Midwest District Liaison.
Karren also volunteered as a mentor to countless college students and PRSSA members, and frequently presented to PR students at University of Whitewater and Mount Mary University. At the national level, Karren served on the Universal Accreditation Board, the National Professional Development Committee, and has judged awards for different chapters across the nation. She, herself, has earned multiple SEWIS Paragon awards. Karren earned her Accreditation in PR in 2003, has served on countless Readiness Review sessions and Panel Presentations, and has served as a coach for APR candidate.
NOTE: The PRSA SE WI Chapter is encouraging members to donate diapers and wipes to benefit Milwaukee Diaper Mission by bringing supplies to the Paragon Awards. Milwaukee Diaper Mission is a nonprofit organization that empowers families in need by providing a reliable source of free diapers and period supplies.
Questions, please contact Joette Richards at prsasewi@gmail.com.
Special thanks to our corporate table sponsors:
