Former PPAI Publications Director Tina Berres Filipski says, “I worked directly with her during her years on the PPEF Board of Trustees, starting in 2013. Under Pat’s guidance, PPEF increased scholarships from $25,000 to $150,000, the highest dollar amount ever awarded in a single year at that time. Throughout her career, Pat has been a very well-liked and respected role model for all women working in the promo industry. No one is more deserving of this honor than Pat Dugan.” Speaking to the WLC crowd, Dugan said, “This award is really about us,” and added that she sees a healthy blend of women at all stages of their careers. “We can continue building women power. This award is a roadmap to keep us focused so we know where we are going.” Nominator and Spector & Co. Strategic Partnerships Director Kippie Helzel, MAS, says Dugan is an exceptional person. “She has been a fixture in this industry for as long as I can remember and was always a standout, even before I really knew her. From her days at Pilgrim Plastics to her current work at BUDGETCARD, she made the whole concept of selling custom-printed plastic exciting. She never let a customer down, worked all hours until the work was done and always stayed true to the work at hand.” Dugan says industry women need to keep the momentum going, nominating each other for esteemed awards like PPAI’s Hall of Fame. “1977 was the year the first person was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Today, we have 90 people who are inductees of this prestigious group. Only 11 are women,” said Dugan. “That’s a little more than 10 percent.” But in the last six years, seven women have been honored. Dugan said, “What incredible motion, and we don’t want to lose that. We need to mentor women coming up, and we need to nominate deserving women who qualify for any awards, boards and committees.” Despite her monumental career, Dugan says the honor took her by surprise. “It was incredible. There are just so many emotions. I never would have expected it.” Nominator Dale Johnson Cornell calls Dugan a “gentle giant.” She says, “She does not seek recognition for her involvements and achievements, but instead, feels it is simply the right thing to do.” Looking back, Dugan thanks the mentors in her life. “I was a very lucky person coming through this industry. I’ve had incredible mentors. I worked very hard, so when something happened, I was ready, but I never did it for that. It was just the way I am.” Women Of Achievement 2023 | Must Read PPAI: 111248 | ASI: 35375 | SAGE: 50327 | UPIC: ACCENTS | DC: 101273 888.287.7883 www.americanaccents.com Made & Printed in the USA Quick Turn Arounds Low Minimums Scan for more info! • B-flute corrugated board • Perfect for sample kits & product packaging • Full color digital imprint • Self-locking & easy to assemble • No die cut fees! AVAILABLE IN 63 DIFFERENT SIZES! MAILING BOXES 5 piece minimums PPAI • OCTOBER 2023 • 85
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