Each Friday this summer, IWPA’s 3rd Vice President and Professional Contest Chair Ana Mendez will shine a spotlight on one of our 2018 Mate E. Palmer/National Federation of Press Women Communications Contest Winners. This week’s featured communicator is Elise Sims…

Elise Sims, longtime member of IWPA, has had countless successes from her work as Public Relations and Publication Specialist of Vim and Vigor Magazine, Community Healthcare System’s family health magazine. This quarterly publication is available free to the public to enrich readers by spotlighting health, wellness, treatment options and patient care. The Fall 2017 issue went on to win first place in both the IWPA and the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW) communications contests for the category: Magazines.

From the publication we get a sense of Sim’s professional, heartwarming, and person-centered writing. The Community Briefs piece by Sims from the winning Fall 2017 issue focuses on a volunteer’s meaningful efforts. Sim’s wrote, “Since she started knitting, Mary has made more than 850 tiny hats, each stitched with love, and delivered them to the moms and babies at Community Hospital in Munster, St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago and St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart.” This highlight is just one of the wide range of topics from the magazine, including patient successes, information on how to cope with treatment, celebrity health spotlights, and overall community information that advocates for wellness. Sims’ contributions continue to emphasize the values that her publication reflects.

Of her recent wins Elise says, “It is especially gratifying to receive confirmation from your peers that your body of work is judged to be of the highest quality. I appreciate the opportunities that the Illinois Woman’s Press Association has provided through the years for me to learn, network and help advance my career.” Sims accentuates the supportive quality of IWPA as most important to her continuing professional success.

Congratulations to Elise on her impressive work and recognition!

Sign up for a free subscription to Vim and Vigor Magazine here!

Want to be a featured member and contest winner? Email IWPA Contest Chair Ana Mendez: mendez.school@gmail.com