Ragan’s Top Women in Communications Hall of Fame Class of 2026: Meet the inductees

Advice and anecdotes from the best.

This year’s Ragan Top Women in Communications Hall of Fame inductees have led global teams, advised the C-suite and had a hand in shaping the narratives behind major organizations. Their careers reflect the lasting influence that shines through in the very best communicators.

Ahead of next month’s Top Women in Communications Awards ceremony in New York City, we touched base with several of this year’s honorees to learn how they approach their roles as communicators and leaders, what keeps them inspired at work, and the instrumental people that they met along the way.

Ragan: What are some of the major lessons you’ve learned in your career in comms?

Megan Noel, chief corporate affairs officer at Covista: I’ve learned several crucial lessons throughout my career. First is the importance of continuous curiosity — whether it’s about an organization, an individual, a business issue or a stakeholder. Our job as communicators is to get into the minds of others and connect dots, so maintaining that curiosity about how others think, how organizations are built and how they operate is essential to success.

Second is a leadership principle I’ve lived by for more than a decade: when tackling a big project or campaign, create a B-level strategy and then drive A-level execution. I say “B-level” purposely. This isn’t to diminish big ideas, but because big ideas only work if you can execute them flawlessly. People’s trust in you will be built on your ability not only to think strategically but also to deliver exceptional execution.

Lastly, be kind and give back your time. I’ve had mentors and sponsors who opened doors for me and changed the trajectory of my career, so I feel a real responsibility to do the same. Kindness doesn’t mean soft. You can be direct and opinionated and still lead with generosity. That balance is really what great leadership looks like.

Is there someone instrumental in your comms journey that you’d like to tell us about?

Dana Anderson, director of communications at Avista: Early in my career, I worked with a colleague, Pat Lynch.  He helped develop my writing skills through his ruthless editing and he showed me the ropes of media relations. He was encouraging and helped build my confidence as a young communicator. In addition, Kim Zentz is another Avista colleague and mentor who was instrumental in my career growth. She placed a lot of trust in me and pushed me to do my best.

Grace Leong, chief executive officer at HUNTER: I was lucky enough to know and work for Barbara Hunter for the first 10 years of my career and then assume the CEO role of the firm she founded at age 62. Barbara Hunter was the first woman to own and operate a major public relations firm (Dudley-Anderson and Yutzy, now Ogilvy PR) and even more remarkably, she did all this in partnership with her sister Jean Schoonover, who was her co-CEO during a time when women bosses were rare. Barbara was smart, dedicated to serving her clients with the best ideas and an ethically driven, service-first counselor. Her example had a profound impact on my career and my life in general. Barbara’s example as a multidimensional woman; a mother, a business owner and a leader of a major firm with hundreds of employees, proved to me that anything is possible if you put in the time, show up smart and informed, operate with a service mindset and practice creatively and ethically. And most importantly, you need to lead with humility and integrity.

What inspires you each day you show up at work?

Goldie Taylor, senior vice president and chief communications and marketing officer at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

The mission.

At this stage in my career, I’m motivated by impact. Whether it’s advancing cancer research, shaping public understanding, or mentoring the next generation of communicators, I’m inspired by the idea that words and strategy can move institutions forward.

I’m also inspired by the people I serve at Dana-Farber. They are, among others, scientists, clinicians, patients, students and young communicators seeking their voice. I am grateful to be in the room and I don’t take that for granted. I wake up every morning, determined to keep listening, keep counseling, keep learning, and keep earning my seat. At its best, comms amplifies work that matters. And that is still a privilege.

What would you tell communicators who want to follow your path to the Hall of Fame?

Noel: Say yes to new opportunities, yes to new challenges and yes to things you wouldn’t normally consider.

I’ll give you an example — years ago, my boss asked me if I wanted to help our CEO on a special project. I wasn’t sure what it would entail, but I quickly said yes. That project became CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion, the largest coalition to advance DEI in the workplace and became a defining initiative in my career.

By saying yes to new opportunities, you push yourself out of your comfort zone. You grow in ways you may not have anticipated, work with people you might not have otherwise encountered and gain broader experience.

Taylor: First, master the fundamentals. Learn how to write. Learn how to think. Learn how to listen. Tools will change. Platforms will evolve. Clear thinking never goes out of style.

Second, don’t confuse proximity to power with influence. Real influence comes from credibility. Become the person leaders rely on when the stakes are high.

Finally, tie your work to mission and measurable outcomes. Communications is not decoration. It is infrastructure.

What do you think is the biggest topic communicators should be thinking about right now?

Trust.

We are operating in a fragmented, algorithm-driven, misinformation-saturated environment. Audiences are skeptical. Institutions are scrutinized. The bar for credibility has never been higher.

Communicators must become architects of trust, not just storytellers. That means transparency, data literacy, ethical use of AI, and a relentless focus on serving audiences, not just promoting brands.

If we don’t defend trust, someone else will define it for us.

Sean Devlin is an editor at Ragan Communications.

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