Director of Alumni Relations, Hilary S. Lyn, MS, MA, Receives the 2023 Clarion Award for Best Conference

The Association for Women in Communications’ prestigious Clarion Awards, which have celebrated excellence in communication since its inception in 1973, have recognized Hilary S. Lyn for her outstanding achievement in the field.

Hilary S. Lyn, M.S., M.A.

The Clarion Awards, aptly named after the medieval trumpet renowned for its clarity, acknowledge excellence across 100 categories within the vast spectrum of communication disciplines. These accolades are highly coveted by both women and men and are symbolic of excellence in communication. Recipients of Clarion Awards hail from media conglomerates, leading corporations, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions.

Hilary’s achievement stems from her leadership of Fielding’s largest global web series, “Global Leading and Learning: Co-Creating an Equitable Future—Social Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the 21st Century.” This groundbreaking conference unfolded over four consecutive days, featuring 34 sessions delivered by 85 presenters from 13 countries. The event garnered historical attendance and engagement, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds, including alums, board members, faculty, students, prospective students, and staff. Notably, the conference also offered continuing education sessions approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Hilary expressed her gratitude for this recognition, and said, “Receiving this award is a deeply personal milestone, and it would not have been possible without the unwavering support of President Rogers and a shared vision with Fielding’s dedicated staff colleagues, alums, students, and faculty.”

Dr. Dana Laursen, a Fielding alum from 1996, shared her perspective on the conference’s impact, stating, “I haven’t participated in many events with Fielding for a number of years, but I have always considered Fielding my go-to place for thought-provoking, life-enhancing discussions, and for being in the presence of a supportive, brilliant community of friends. Hilary put together the perfect event to highlight these strengths of the community experience, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to attend virtually.”

In addition to her role as Director of Alumni Relations, Hilary holds a master’s degree in kinesiology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, as well as a master’s degree in organization development and leadership and a certificate in evidence-based coaching from Fielding Graduate University. With over 25 years of experience in development and communications, Hilary has consistently driven year-over-year growth through transformative engagement strategies during her 11-year tenure at Fielding. Prior to her nonprofit endeavors, she was an award-winning account executive at Fortune 500 company Fidelity National Title. Beyond her professional role, Hilary is a staunch advocate for female entrepreneurship and leadership development through her coaching and consulting business, focusing on health, wellness, leadership, and organizational development. She currently serves as the president of the Association for Women in Communications, Santa Barbara, available at awcsb.org.

Hilary is not only a dedicated professional but also an active volunteer for the Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation and a member of prominent organizations, including the International Leadership Association (ILA), the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), Fielding Graduate University Global Inclusion Council, Graduate School Alliance for Education in Coaching (GSAEC), and the Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee.

The 2023 Clarion Award winners were honored in a virtual ceremony on September 28, 2023.

The Global Leading and Learning videos are available here on Fielding’s YouTube channel.

Hilary can be contacted at hilarylyn@fielding.edu.