PRWeek’s Women of Distinction program celebrates the achievements of the PR industry’s top women leaders, whose leadership, creativity and insight continue to inspire everyone who encounters them. Alongside PRWeek’s Women to Watch, these stellar individuals in both groups set the bar high, both for their peers and generations to follow.

“Women make up 80% of the increasingly influential PR profession,” said Steve Barrett, PRWeek’s editorial director. “The Women of Distinction and Women to Watch class of 2025 will truly be an inspiration to everyone working in PR.”

Melissa Ben-Ishay

CEO and Cofounder, Baked by Melissa

Melissa Ben-Ishay is a NYT bestselling author, and Co-Founder & CEO of Baked by Melissa, the NYC-based dessert brand famous for its handcrafted bite-size cupcakes and treats. Now in its 16th year of business, the company operates 11 retail locations and an online storefront with nationwide shipping. With its highly acclaimed assortment of handmade flavors, gift boxes for every occasion and custom shipping packaging, Baked by Melissa has become a premiere gifting destination across the U.S.

In 2020, Melissa gained popularity on social media with viral videos of her salads, all rooted in her food philosophy about balance: If you get your nourishment from mealtime, you can enjoy dessert every day. Today Melissa’s highly engaged community of over 4 million followers recreate her recipes at home, including the viral Green Goddess Salad, one of the most searched recipes on Google in 2022.  Melissa has since been recognized as one of social media’s most influential recipe creators by INSIDER, Mashed, Yahoo and more. Her newest cookbook, Come Hungry, released January 2024, became an instant New York Times bestseller. She has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, People magazine, on TODAY Show, GMA, Drew Barrymore Show and more. Recent accolades include Inc. Female Founders 100 List, Create & Cultivate’s Top 100, and AdWeek’s Women Trailblazers, Inc Best in Business and more.. Today, Melissa still conceptualizes every new flavor at Baked by Melissa, and is on a mission to make people happy with her bite-size treats and empowering tips for the home kitchen - one bite at a time. For more information, visit bakedbymelissa.com.

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