diff --git a/bioimageio_collection_backoffice/_backoffice.py b/bioimageio_collection_backoffice/_backoffice.py
index 7879b1f..0199f95 100644
--- a/bioimageio_collection_backoffice/_backoffice.py
+++ b/bioimageio_collection_backoffice/_backoffice.py
@@ -183,7 +183,7 @@ def publish(
         notify_uploader(
             published,
             "was published! 🎉",
-            f"Thank you for contributing {published.id} to bioimage.io!\n"
+            f"Thank you for contributing {published.id} to bioimage.io! 🙏.\n"
             + f"Check it out at {published.bioimageio_url}\n",
         )
 
diff --git a/bioimageio_collection_backoffice/db_structure/version_info.py b/bioimageio_collection_backoffice/db_structure/version_info.py
index bdaf7ff..6380777 100644
--- a/bioimageio_collection_backoffice/db_structure/version_info.py
+++ b/bioimageio_collection_backoffice/db_structure/version_info.py
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ class TestingStatus(_DraftStatusBase, frozen=True):
 class AwaitingReviewStatus(_DraftStatusBase, frozen=True):
     name: Literal["awaiting review"] = "awaiting review"
     description: str = (
-        "Thank you for your contribution! 🎉"
+        "Thank you for your contribution! 💪"
         "Our bioimage.io maintainers will take a look soon. 🦒"
     )
     step: Literal[4] = 4