Women in Government Relations

What Women in Government Relations does

Women in Government Relations (WGR) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional association founded in December 1975 and incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1977, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization serves women professionals working in government relations, public affairs, lobbying, and policy advocacy across federal, state, and local government, private sector, nonprofit, and vendor/supplier entities. Its mission centers on advancing women's leadership in the government relations field through professional development, networking, mentorship, and career advancement programming.

WGR's product portfolio is organized around a tiered membership model (Private Sector $235/year, Public Sector $55/year, Non-Profit $180/year, Vendor/Supplier $245/year, Associate $120/year, Full-Time Student $45/year, plus a premium Executive Leadership Forum tier at $750–$1,500/year), signature annual events (Leadership & Advocacy Conference, DEI Summit, Governors Reception, Congressional Reception, Excellence in Advocacy Awards), and ongoing programming including the Direct Connect to Congress educational series, Judy Schneider Fellowship, Mentoring Program, Leadership Coaching, Speakers Bureau, and Job Board. The underlying technology stack is built on YourMembership.com association management software for the member portal, event registration, job board, and community functionality, with supplementary tools including Zoom for virtual events, Vimeo for video content, Cognito Forms for applications, and Facebook/LinkedIn social login integration. In 2025, WGR launched a new community platform, mobile event app, and announced an upcoming website redesign and resource library.

Revenue is generated through five primary streams: annual membership dues (recurring subscriptions across six tiers plus the Executive Leadership Forum premium tier), event registration fees (ranging from $10 to $675 depending on event and member status), the Empowerment Partnership Program (a corporate sponsorship model with flexible credit-based bundling for visibility, events, and branding), job board postings targeting the government relations industry, and donations through the newly launched 501(c)(3) Foundation / 1975 Fund. WGR reports a network reach of 25,000+ members, with 1,000+ active members and 275+ expected attendees at its flagship annual conference. As a 501(c)(6), membership dues are tax-deductible as business expenses but not as charitable contributions, and the organization reports no publicly disclosed revenue figures.

Name

Women in Government Relations

Legal name

Women In Government Relations, Inc.

Website

https://wgr.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Women in Government Relations is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional association founded in 1975, serving women in government relations and public affairs through tiered membership, signature events, professional development, and a 25,000+ member network headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Association Services

NAICS

Professional Organizations (813920), Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Affairs & Government Relations (MPAAADAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment (BPAGABAF), Government & Public Sector Conferences (MPAGAGAH)

Keywords

• Government relations association
• Professional membership network
• Advocacy and lobbying training
• Women leadership development
• Public affairs networking

Headquarters

HQ city

Alexandria

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership dues from individual members across multiple tiers: Private Sector ($235/year with $50 initiation fee), Public Sector ($55/year), Non-Profit ($180/year), Vendor/Supplier ($245/year with $50 initiation fee), Associate ($120/year), and Full-Time Student ($45/year). Dues are tax deductible as a business expense under 501(c)6 status.
2. Event Registration Fees: Revenue from registration fees for signature events including Leadership & Advocacy Conference (ranging from $175-$675 depending on membership status and sector), DEI Summit ($125-$175), Education Legislative Forum ($10-$45), and various task force/committee events.
3. Empowerment Partnership Program: Corporate sponsorship/partnership revenue through the Empowerment Partnership Program, which replaces traditional sponsorship models. Partners gain year-round visibility across WGR's website, social media, events, and direct communications with the 25,000+ member network. The program includes flexible credit system for bundling memberships, event sponsorships, educational programs, and branding opportunities.
4. Executive Leadership Forum Membership: Premium executive-level membership tier: $1,500/year for private sector, $1,250/year for nonprofit sector, $750/year for public sector. Includes invitation-only small-group dinners, roundtables, executive programs, priority event access, and year-round visibility.
5. Job Board Postings: Employers pay to post job openings on WGR's job board, which targets the government relations industry's professional community. Resume searching and posting available exclusively to members.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Women in Government Relations (WGR) is a non-partisan 501(c)(6) professional association that delivers tiered individual memberships, signature advocacy events (Leadership & Advocacy Conference, DEI Summit, Governors Reception, Congressional Reception), the Empowerment Partnership Program for corporate sponsors, and professional development programming such as the Direct Connect to Congress educational series, Judy Schneider Fellowship, mentoring, and leadership coaching for women working in government relations and public affairs.

Product overview

Women in Government Relations (WGR) is a professional association organized as a 501(c)(6) that offers a comprehensive portfolio of membership-based products and programs. The core offerings include tiered membership programs (Private Sector, Public Sector, Non-Profit, Vendor/Supplier, Associate, and Student), the Executive Leadership Forum for senior executives, the Empowerment Partnership Program for organizational partners, and the Judy Schneider Fellowship for emerging professionals. Signature events include the annual Leadership & Advocacy Conference, DEI Summit, Governors Reception, Congressional Reception, and Excellence in Advocacy Awards. WGR also provides professional development through Direct Connect to Congress educational series, a Mentoring Program, Leadership Coaching services, a Speakers Bureau, and a Job Board. The organization supports 9 task forces covering policy areas (Education, Energy/Environment/Agriculture, Financial Services, Health & Social Policies, PACs/Politics/Grassroots, Regulatory Affairs, State Relations, Technology/Innovation/Security, Transportation/Infrastructure) and 6 committees for organizational operations. The 1975 Fund is the affiliated 501(c)(3) foundation supporting scholarships and the fellowship program.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• WGR Membership Programs Tiered annual membership for individual professionals in government relations and public affairs, with six categories (Private Sector $235/yr, Public Sector $55/yr, Non-Profit $180/yr, Vendor/Supplier $245/yr, Associate $120/yr, Full-Time Student $45/yr) providing access to networking, events, job board, and professional development.
• Executive Leadership Forum Premium membership tier for senior executive-level women offering invitation-only small-group dinners, roundtables, executive programs, and priority access to WGR events and year-round visibility, priced $1,500/year (Private sector), $1,250/year (Nonprofit), and $750/year (Public sector).
• Empowerment Partnership Program Corporate partnership program replacing traditional sponsorship with a flexible credit system that bundles memberships, event sponsorships, educational programs, and branding opportunities, providing year-round visibility and access to WGR's 25,000+ member network.
• Judy Schneider Fellowship Year-round fellowship program established in 2015 providing 360-degree professional development, complimentary WGR membership, and free event registration to develop the next generation of government relations professionals.
• Leadership & Advocacy Conference Annual two-day flagship conference drawing 275+ women for leadership development, policy insights, and networking with industry leaders across government relations, public affairs, and advocacy.
• DEI Summit Annual national Diversity, Equity & Inclusion virtual summit (with an in-person reception) exploring belonging-centered practices, inclusive communications, and stakeholder engagement strategies for government relations professionals.
• Governors Reception Annual networking event connecting state government relations professionals with governors and their staff, celebrating leadership in public service.
• Congressional Reception Bipartisan annual networking reception connecting members with high-level Hill staffers and Members of Congress.
• Excellence in Advocacy (EIA) Awards Annual awards program recognizing everyday advocates who represent their issue, cause, or organization in the public policy arena, with categories including Advocate of the Year, Advocate on the Rise, Excellence in Advocacy by a Volunteer Leader, Excellence in Federal/State/Local Issue Campaigns, Excellence in Women's Issues Campaign, Innovation in Advocacy, Communications in Advocacy, and Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Direct Connect to Congress Virtual educational series created by Judy Schneider covering House Procedure, Senate Procedure, Committee Procedure, the Amendment Process, and practical lobbying strategies.
• WGR Mentoring Program Structured five-month mentoring program connecting women across the government relations profession in small groups of one mentor and two to three mentees.
• Leadership Coaching Free and discounted coaching consultations with experts offering resume development, interview skills, salary negotiation, personal branding, and career enhancement services for members.
• Speakers Bureau Directory of 1,000+ WGR members and non-members available for speaking opportunities, designed to amplify voices of women and highlight thought leaders in government relations.
• Job Board Government relations industry job board for employers to post openings and access 1,100+ members, with resume posting and job alerts available exclusively to members.
• 1975 Fund Affiliated 501(c)(3) foundation launched in 2026 providing scholarships, memberships, and program support for women in government relations, including the Judy Schneider Fellowship.

Quantifiable outcome

• 275+ attendees at annual Leadership & Advocacy Conference
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Bloomberg GovernmentflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerBloomberg Government partners with WGR through the Empowerment Partnership Program. President Arielle Elliott states: 'Women in Government Relations does important work, providing professional development & networking opportunities for women in every stage of their career. Our partnership is a win-win for our business goals & staff development.'
• BP America Inc.flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerBP America Inc. partners with WGR through the Empowerment Partnership Program. Senior Director Suzanne Swink states: 'Our partnership allows us to support WGR's mission of creating powerful female advocates while also being provided a platform to engage and network with high-level thought leaders. We're proud to partner with WGR.'
• AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerAAMC is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner, gaining visibility with WGR's 25,000+ member network and access to women leaders in government relations and public policy.
• AxoncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAxon is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner, providing year-round visibility and exclusive access to WGR's network of women shaping public policy.
• Fiscal NotecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFiscal Note is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner with prominent recognition across WGR's website, social media, and signature events.
• National JournalcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNational Journal is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner, connecting with government relations professionals through WGR's programming and events.
• Ballard Spahr LLPcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBallard Spahr LLP is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner. Kate Belinski serves as WGR's General Counsel, demonstrating deep partnership integration.
• GSKcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGSK is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner, gaining visibility among women leaders in government relations and public policy.
• NAHB (National Association of Home Builders)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerNAHB is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner with recognition across WGR events and communications.
• State & Federal CommunicationscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerState & Federal Communications is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner, connecting with government relations professionals through WGR's network.
• The HillcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Hill is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner, providing media visibility and connection with government relations professionals.
• VisacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerVisa is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner, gaining access to WGR's network of women shaping public policy.
• Arnold & Porter (A&P)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerArnold & Porter is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner, connecting with government relations professionals through WGR's programming.
• AARPcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAARP is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner, engaging with women leaders in government relations and public affairs.
• ACLI (American Council of Life Insurers)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerACLI is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner with visibility across WGR's events and member communications.
• Clean Fuels Alliance AmericacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerClean Fuels Alliance America is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner, connecting with policy professionals through WGR.
• HologiccoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHologic is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner, gaining visibility with women shaping public policy.
• Liberty MutualcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLiberty Mutual is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner, engaging with government relations professionals through WGR's network.
• LyftcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLyft is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner, connecting with women leaders in public policy through WGR events and programming.
• Narrative StrategiescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNarrative Strategies is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner, engaging with government relations professionals.
• NeurocrinecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNeurocrine is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner, gaining access to WGR's network of women in government relations.
• QuorumcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerQuorum is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner, connecting with government relations professionals through WGR.
• VolvocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerVolvo is a 2026 Empowerment Partnership Program partner, engaging with women shaping public policy through WGR's network.
• Share Our StrengthcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerShare Our Strength is a Diamond Level sponsor of the 2026 DEI Summit, demonstrating commitment to WGR's diversity, equity, and inclusion programming.
• George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEPL partners with WGR to offer the Executive Women's Leadership Program (EWLP), a three-day virtual leadership intensive. WGR members receive 10% discount, with up to 20% off if five or more WGR members enroll.
• NextEra Energy ResourcesflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerNextEra Energy Resources is an Award Level sponsor of the 11th Annual Governors Reception, presenting awards and gaining prominent recognition.
• Heartland ForwardflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerHeartland Forward is an Award Level sponsor of the 11th Annual Governors Reception.
• National Governors Association (Governors Association)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerNational Governors Association is a Diamond Level sponsor of the 11th Annual Governors Reception, engaging with state government relations professionals.
• LillyflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerLilly is a Diamond Level sponsor of the 11th Annual Governors Reception.
• America's Credit UnionsflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerAmerica's Credit Unions is a Diamond Level sponsor of the 2026 Congressional Reception, connecting with congressional staffers and government relations professionals.
• BGRflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerBGR is a Platinum Level sponsor of the 2026 Congressional Reception, engaging with high-level Hill staffers and government relations professionals.
• PMIflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPMI is a Platinum Level sponsor of the 2026 Congressional Reception.
• UberflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerUber is a Platinum Level sponsor of the 2026 Congressional Reception.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves2 records

Broad incumbents

• Public Affairs Council: The Public Affairs Council is the leading nonpartisan trade association for public affairs professionals across all sectors. It is a broad-incumbent peer to WGR — overlapping government relations professional development space but not women-focused, and serving a larger cross-gender constituency.

Direct peers

• Women in Public Finance: Women in Public Finance is a nonpartisan professional organization supporting women in the public finance and government sectors. Direct peer to WGR with a similar gender-focused professional association model, networking events, and advocacy mission — narrow sector overlap.
• The International Women's Forum: IWF is a global membership organization of preeminent women leaders across diverse professions including government, policy, and corporate sectors. Direct peer as a women-focused professional leadership association with comparable membership-tier, event-driven, and global networking model.
• Women in Government: Women in Government is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization supporting women state legislators and public officials. Direct peer for women-focused government/public affairs professional development, comparable mission and member-advancement focus.
• National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics: The National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics is a membership association for lobbyists and government relations professionals, providing education, ethics certification, and advocacy training. Direct peer in the government relations professional association space with overlapping educational programming model.
• American League of Lobbyists: The American League of Lobbyists (now part of the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics) historically served as a membership organization for Washington-area lobbyists. Direct peer historically to WGR in the D.C. lobbying professional community, with comparable networking and educational event programming.
• Catalyst: Catalyst is a global nonprofit advancing women in the workplace through research, advisory services, and events. Comparable mission around women's professional advancement with research-driven thought leadership and corporate partnership model.

Emerging players

• National Association of Women Business Owners: NAWBO is a membership organization for women business owners. Comparable women-focused professional membership model, though focused on entrepreneurship rather than government relations — partial overlap in audience and corporate sponsorship ecosystem.

Others

• Council of State Governments: CSG is a nonpartisan, interstate organization serving all three branches of state government. Adjacent ecosystem participant to WGR — not a direct competitor, but a relevant body in the state government relations space where WGR operates its State Relations task force.
• Government Affairs Institute: The Government Affairs Institute is a training organization providing professional development for government affairs professionals. Adjacent/educational peer to WGR, overlapping in legislative procedure education (similar to WGR's Direct Connect program).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/wgrdc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/women-in-government-relations

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles23 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Women in Government Relations