The garment decoration and branded merchandise industry got a big dose of inspiration this week, as Girls Who Print honored three standout contributors with prestigious awards. The 2024 award ceremony, part of the annual Girls Who Print Day on November 7, recognized individuals who are driving change, championing diversity, and fostering growth in the print and graphic communication industry.
These honorees embody the spirit of leadership, allyship, and innovation — qualities that continue to push the entire industry forward. Here’s a closer look at the winners.
Rising Star Award: Kiki Heron
Role: Account Manager, Training and Development Leader at Specialty Print Communications
Kiki Heron took home the 2024 Rising Star Award, an honor that highlights women who step up to lead, support their teams, and drive progress within their companies and the industry. Heron’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact of fresh perspectives.
Heron shared her gratitude for the recognition, saying:
“I am honored to receive recognition as a young woman in the print industry. I hope my journey can inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in this space, confidently share their ideas for innovation, and embrace leadership opportunities.”
Heron’s story is one that resonates with young professionals in the garment decoration space, especially those aspiring to make a name for themselves as future leaders.
Ally Award: Ryan LeFebvre
Role: Executive VP of Sales and Marketing at Specialty Print Communications
For the first time ever, Girls Who Print introduced the Ally Award, and the recipient was none other than Ryan LeFebvre. As a long-time advocate for the Girls Who Print mission, LeFebvre’s contributions have spanned more than a decade. He’s played a pivotal role in celebrating Girls Who Print Day and supporting graphic communication programs through internships and mentorships.
LeFebvre was visibly moved by the recognition, stating:
“I am truly humbled and honored to receive the first-ever Girls Who Print Ally Award. I am passionate about growing the next generation of print professionals and proudly support Girls Who Print. I believe in its importance to the industry now and in the future.”
This award signifies a growing emphasis on the role of allies in creating an inclusive print industry. For the garment decoration sector, it’s a call to action for leaders to step up and foster more opportunities for underrepresented voices.
Girls Who Print Girlie Award: Christine Hagopian
Role: President of Printing Industries of New England (PINE)
The Girls Who Print Girlie Award went to Christine Hagopian, a trailblazing leader who has spent 18 years empowering print professionals as President of the Printing Industries of New England (PINE). Her focus on education, networking, and innovation has helped PINE members thrive in a constantly evolving market.
As the first female president in PINE’s 137-year history, Hagopian reflected on the weight of this recognition, stating:
“As the first female president in PINE’s 137 years, it is with pride and passion that I lead this organization and the amazing team at PINE. I work on behalf of our membership without question or hesitation, and to be recognized for that is truly humbling.”
Her story serves as a powerful reminder of how perseverance and leadership can open doors for future generations of women in print. It’s a message that hits home for those in the garment decoration and t-shirt printing space, where mentorship and leadership are essential for growth.
Why These Awards Matter To The Industry
The Girls Who Print awards aren’t just about recognizing individual success — they’re about driving change in the print industry as a whole. Each of the honorees represents a different pathway to success:
- Leadership through innovation (Heron)
- Allyship and support (LeFebvre)
- Service and mentorship (Hagopian)
As Deborah Corn, President of Girls Who Print, explained:
“The 2024 Girls Who Print Day award recipients stand out for their dedication to the industry and the company, customers, and members they serve. On top of that is their dedication to supporting women across their careers in print, making the industry more welcoming for women and students, giving back to their communities, and advocating the Girls Who Print’s mission to ‘Empower Long and Prosper’ through their partnership.”
The message is clear: talent, leadership, and community impact go hand-in-hand. For professionals in garment decoration, this is a blueprint for creating a more inclusive, growth-oriented future.
About Girls Who Print
Girls Who Print is the largest network for women in print and graphic communications. Over the past 15 years, the organization has built a global community of more than 11,000 members. By focusing on mentorship, advocacy, and education, Girls Who Print has become a critical force in shaping the future of the industry.
For members of the garment decoration, branded merchandise, and t-shirt printing sectors, this network is a valuable source of inspiration, support, and opportunities for growth. Whether you’re just getting started or are a seasoned industry veteran, Girls Who Print is a reminder that there’s always room to lead, ally, and inspire.
How Girls Who Print Awards Are Shaping The Future Of Print
The 2024 Girls Who Print awards celebrate the power of leadership, allyship, and service. Through the accomplishments of Kiki Heron, Ryan LeFebvre, and Christine Hagopian, the print industry is seeing the transformative potential of inclusive leadership.
For garment decorators, screen printers, and custom t-shirt businesses, this moment is a powerful reminder to recognize talent within your own teams, support mentorship, and foster industry-wide collaboration. After all, a more inclusive industry is a more innovative one.
As the industry continues to evolve, keep an eye on Girls Who Print — their mission to “Empower Long and Prosper” is shaping the future of print, one leader at a time.
FAQ: Girls Who Print Awards 2024
1. What is Girls Who Print?
Girls Who Print is the largest global network for women in the print and graphic communication industry. It supports women through mentorship, advocacy, and education, with a community of over 11,000 members worldwide.
2. Who were the winners of the 2024 Girls Who Print awards?
The 2024 Girls Who Print award winners are:
- Kiki Heron: Rising Star Award
- Ryan LeFebvre: Ally Award
- Christine Hagopian: Girls Who Print Girlie Award
3. What is the Rising Star Award from Girls Who Print?
The Rising Star Award recognizes women who take initiative to lead, support their teams, and promote progress in the print and graphic communication industry.
4. Who won the Rising Star Award from Girls Who Print in 2024?
Kiki Heron, an Account Manager and Training and Development Leader at Specialty Print Communications, won the 2024 Rising Star Award for her contributions to leadership, innovation, and mentorship.
5. What is the Ally Award from Girls Who Print?
The Ally Award recognizes individuals who actively support and champion the mission of Girls Who Print. This award highlights those who create opportunities for women in the print industry through mentorship, advocacy, and partnership.
6. Who won the Ally Award from Girls Who Print in 2024?
Ryan LeFebvre, Executive VP of Sales and Marketing at Specialty Print Communications, won the 2024 Girls Who Print Ally Award for his ongoing support and advocacy for Girls Who Print initiatives and his dedication to promoting diversity in the print industry.
7. What is the Girls Who Print Girlie Award?
The Girls Who Print Girlie Award honors women leaders who make significant contributions to the print and graphic communication industry through leadership, mentorship, and community service.
8. Who won the Girls Who Print Girlie Award in 2024?
Christine Hagopian, President of the Printing Industries of New England (PINE), won the 2024 Girls Who Print Girlie Award for her 18 years of leadership, education initiatives, and unwavering commitment to supporting PINE members.
9. Why are the Girls Who Print awards important to the print industry?
The Girls Who Print awards highlight diversity, leadership, and advocacy in the print and graphic communication industry. They celebrate individuals who inspire change, support emerging leaders, and promote inclusive growth, all of which are essential for the industry’s continued evolution.
10. How can I get involved with Girls Who Print?
You can join Girls Who Print by becoming a member of its global community. Members gain access to mentorship, networking opportunities, industry events, and educational resources aimed at supporting women in the print and graphic communication industry.
