The Southern Nevada chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners granted ImageWords Communications principal Ruth Furman a 2019 Women of Distinction Award in the Arts, Entertainment and Media category.
The Southern Nevada chapter of the nonprofit association, one of 60 such chapters nationwide, grants Women of Distinction Awards annually in a variety of categories to celebrate the accomplishments of women whose excellence and dedication sets them apart in their fields and inspires success. This year’s awards ceremony and luncheon took place May 7 at the Conference Center of Las Vegas.
Furman has more than two decades in public relations but started as a journalist, having earned a journalism degree from Indiana University.
“I’ve always appreciated the value of finding, and telling, a good story,” Furman said. “Pursuit of good stories inspired me as I entered corporate PR, and led me to start my own firm in 2001. I wanted to help people and businesses share their own stories, grow their brands and reach their goals.”
Furman moved to Las Vegas from the Chicago area in 1999 and became the go-to agent for area marketing and public relations firms. Her business’s clients include companies in construction, real estate, health care, law and professional services.
She has built a network in Southern Nevada and belongs to the Southern Nevada NAWBO chapter and the Southern Nevada Association of Women Attorneys. She has collaborated with several community groups including Dress for Success of Southern Nevada and CASA Foundation.
Furman also gives speeches, often unpaid, to offer advice on business — PR, self-promotion, social media and business strategy.
Furman has a particular affinity for helping other businesswomen — her five-member part-time staff includes a new mother who needed a job and a military wife who wanted to break into public relations.
Also, once per quarter, Furman chooses a different woman who is starting her own business and helps her with marketing and public relations for free.
Furman’s recent successes with businesswomen include helping a coffeeshop owner book corporate events and helping an attorney gain media exposure on television and newspaper columns.
“I’ve overcome many obstacles, personal and professional, to come this far in my career, and I’m glad to help other women overcome their hurdles and succeed,” she said. “I talk a lot in my speaking engagements about ‘shining brighter.’ That means seeing women succeed professionally and showcase who they are and what they’re about.”
ImageWords Communications offers a full spectrum of public relations, communications and marketing, including writing and editing services, marketing consulting services, social media advising and media relations.