Girls Who Print Announces 2025 Award Winners, Introduces New Career Development Framework for 2026

Girls Who Print (GWP), a nonprofit organization and the world’s largest network dedicated to advancing the careers of women in the print and graphic communications industry, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Girls Who Print Awards following its annual global conference held on November 13. The virtual event brought together nearly 400 registrants, with more than 100 participants joining live on Zoom and nearly 900 chat interactions. The program delivered nine sessions featuring more than a dozen speakers and panelists, reflecting strong engagement and momentum across the global community.

2025 Girls Who Print Award Honorees

Girls Who Print Ally Award

Neil Felton, CEO, FESPA

Girls Who Print presented the 2025 Ally Award to Neil Felton for his leadership of Print for Good, an initiative of the FESPA Foundation that transforms surplus event materials into educational resources for schools around the world. In 2024, the program redirected 1.5 tons of printed materials to five schools in Africa, providing posters, rulers, t-shirts, and learning tools that supported more than 850 students. Felton shared updates during the conference, noting that the initiative is expanding to Brazil, Mexico, Malawi, and additional regions. Girls Who Print recognized Felton for demonstrating how print can uplift communities, create safer learning environments, and inspire global engagement far beyond the page.

Rising Star Award

Tara Seth & Mackenzie Griffin — Ferris State University

The Rising Star Award honors emerging professionals who are shaping the future of print through innovation, visibility, and leadership. This year’s recipients, Tara Seth and Mackenzie Griffin, co-hosts of the Talk More Print podcast, were recognized for their growing influence as student leaders and industry advocates. Seth and Griffin have become highly visible voices for young professionals, appearing on conference stages, participating in industry events, and mentoring students who are exploring pathways into print. Their work demonstrates initiative, creativity, and a willingness to support others.

The Girlie Award

Ayanfeoluwa Ibitoye — Regional Director, Girls Who Print Africa

Girls Who Print presented its highest honor, the 2025 Girlie Award, to Ayanfeoluwa Ibitoye for her exceptional leadership in expanding Girls Who Print across Africa. As Regional Director, she has built a growing network that brings women together for education, connection, and career support. Her work has increased visibility for women in print, strengthened community engagement, and encouraged participation from students, emerging talent, and established professionals. The award included a $5,000 grant to support her ongoing efforts and future initiatives across the continent.

2026 Focus: The ARC

Girls Who Print enters 2026 with a strengthened commitment to advancing women in print through the launch of The Advancement Resource Center (ARC), a structured framework designed to support career development at every stage. ARC brings together access to subject matter experts, on-demand education through The Print University, and the community and career support that help members build skills, expand knowledge, and move forward with confidence.

Through ARC, members gain practical tools, expert insight, mentorship connections, collaboration opportunities, and professional resources that align with the real needs of women working across every segment of the print and graphic communications industry.

“Our mission continues in 2026 with a structured framework that supports women in print throughout their careers,” said Deborah Corn, Executive Director of Girls Who Print. “The ARC and Print University strengthen that mission by expanding access to experts, education, skill building, mentorship, and professional development that help women advance on their own terms. Membership and sponsorship contributions are essential to powering our mission, expanding our offerings, and strengthening our global community. We deeply appreciate the companies that support our work and look forward to welcoming many more in the coming year.”

Watch the GWP Awards presentation and the replays from FEMPIRE: Build It. Own It. Rule It. on YouTube @GirlsWhoPrintGlobal.

To join or sponsor Girls Who Print, visit GirlsWhoPrint.org.

Pictured above (from left): Neil Felton (FESPA), Ayanfeoluwa Ibitoye (Girls Who Print Africa), Tara Seth and Mackenzie Griffin (Ferris State University)