Whitney Lee, a School of Communication (SCOM) alumna, has been named Scarlett Magazine’s Woman of the Year for the fourth consecutive year. Scarlett Magazine is a publication that highlights women’s fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and health through creative editing that captivates its audience. Lee was recognized this year for her influential work as founder and CEO of her public relations agency, True Story PR!
“Being named Scarlett Magazine’s Woman of the Year for the fourth year in a row is deeply meaningful, not because of the title itself, but because it reflects sustained work, trust, and impact over time,” Lee said.
True Story PR was established with a mission to remove unnecessary friction within the public relations industry. Lee has witnessed many influential brands miss opportunities because of the company’s structure. Lee built True Story PR on a foundation of trust, collaboration, and integrity, allowing her team to move quickly and thoughtfully without compromising their values.
“At its core, True Story PR was designed to treat public relations as what it truly is: not just pitching or press releases, but long-term reputation stewardship that shapes how people think and feel about a brand over time,” Lee said.
Over her 13 years of business, Lee describes how she has learned so much throughout building the foundation of her agency, which has taught her so much about herself. She has learned her style of communication, how she makes decisions, and how she collaborates with others, while maintaining high standards for the agency. Throughout the journey unexpected challenges have allowed her to remain grounded in her faith and have shaped her growth.
“Challenges arise, situations change, and unexpected obstacles are part of the process, but I’ve learned that none of them are defeating. Every experience reinforces the same truth: I can adapt, I can lead, and I will figure it out,” Lee said.
Lee finds ways to stay humble in her work by remembering that external validation is a byproduct, not the initial goal. To her, repeated recognition reflects that her work continues to make an impact on those around her.
“The real work happens behind the scenes: advising clients through hard decisions, protecting reputations when the stakes are high, and helping brands tell their stories in a way that allows people to truly feel connected to the company’s mission,” Lee said.
Lee is dedicated to keeping her work rooted in service, results, and growth, both for her clients and for herself. She emphasized that past success does not guarantee future relevance, and that mindset keeps her focused on learning, evolving, and staying dedicated, even when no one is looking.
“By trusting others and stepping out of the weeds, I preserve the mental bandwidth needed to lead strategically and creatively, which ultimately serves both the business and the people I work with,” Lee said.
As she continues to grow her business, Lee hopes True Story PR will change the way businesses approach public relations. Her goal is to help leaders understand that PR is about positioning, trust, and credibility and that those factors come together over time when managed properly.
“I hope True Story PR changes the way businesses think about public relations – not as a short-term marketing function, but as a long-term business asset,” Lee said.
To connect with her, check out her firm here!