AUSTIN, TX – Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) won the National Federation of Press Women’s (NFPW) 2025 National Communication Sweepstakes Award for the fourth time in five years.

The award is based on points assigned to winning national entries selected from first-place winners in related statewide programs throughout the country.

Dean Zaffirini’s 12 national awards included first place for her annual newsletter, Senator Judith Zaffirini Reports to the Families of District 21; five second place; two third place; and four honorable mentions.

Winners were announced at NFPW’s annual awards dinner in Colorado. Her other winning entries included her social media pages; external communications; crisis communications in response to boil water notices in Laredo; website; photography; videography; and speechwriting.

A communications specialist, businesswoman and former educator, Dean Senator Zaffirini has won more than 1,300 awards and honors for her legislative, professional and civic accomplishments, including more than 600 state and national awards in communication.

She also has won the Press Women of Texas Sweepstakes Award 12 times (2006, 2008, 2010-2017, 2019, 2021).

“Effective communication is at the heart of public service,” Dean Senator Zaffirini said. “This award reflects the ongoing commitment my staff and I share to keep our constituents informed, engaged and empowered.”

Dean Senator Zaffirini is the namesake of a courthouse in Webb County, student success center and medal for leadership and scholarship at Texas A&M International University, library at Laredo College, elementary school at United ISD, park and soccer mini-pitch in Laredo, road at Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, hospital suite in Austin and several endowed scholarships and grants. She is featured in 25 books and referenced in 22.

“Each recognition reinforces our responsibility to communicate clearly, compassionately and consistently with the families we serve,” she said.

Photo Credit: Gray Hawn

Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) won the National Federation of Press Women’s (NFPW) 2025 National Communication Sweepstakes Award for the fourth time in five years.

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