Whether you're inside our outside of the beltway, you may have heard of FD Dittus Communications, a self proclaimed "street fighter" agency that counts Citigroup, IBM, Dell and McDonalds as clients.

The Washington Post's Thomas Heath recently interviewed founder Gloria Dittus about being a woman in PR, big client wins and how she crafts invite lists to big events.

On the changing role of PR:

In recent years, we have seen corporate crises turn quickly into political crises -- making public affairs work even more important. Today, it's more critical than ever that companies take an integrated approach to PR, government relations and investor relations. Thirty years ago, only the most regulated businesses had to pay close attention. With government touching more and more businesses at every level, a shrinking universe and a 24/7 news cycle, today, smart public affairs programs are an essential part of any successful business strategy.

On crafting invite lists to big events:

It's like making a good gumbo: a little of this, a little of that and some spice to add just the right kick. This is a serious town, so I have always believed you need to start with vital issues of the day, add some serious policy wonks together with key industry players and top it off with just the right mix of journalists, and you have a gumbo that would make any chef proud. Of course, if you add a few Cajuns to the bunch, you are guaranteed success.

Being a woman in PR:

Both my mother and my grandmother raised me to believe that I could do anything. While I am sure "glass ceilings" existed, I just never knew they applied to me. As a girl raised in the South, my role models were all steel magnolias -- soft and beautiful on the outside but strong and tough on the inside. Learning from those women certainly helped me along the way. At the end of the day, I just want to be known for good, smart work.

Read the full interview here.