ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MEDIA ANNOUNCES 2026 GRACIES LEADERSHIP AWARD HONOREES

Zenia Mucha to Receive Inaugural Gracies Vanguard Award;
Kristen Welch to Receive AWM Legacy Leadership Award;
Industry Leaders Recognized for Excellence and Impact

September 23, 2026 – The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) is pleased to unveil the distinguished honorees who will be recognized at the 2026 Gracies Leadership Awards on Monday, November 16, at Tribeca 360° in New York City. The annual event honors visionary women whose leadership, achievements and influence continue to shape the media landscape.

Zenia Mucha, Chief Brand and Communications Officer at TikTok, will receive the inaugural Gracies Vanguard Award. The new award honors individuals whose foresight and ability to anticipate change help define the future of media and the audiences it serves. Throughout her distinguished career, Mucha has demonstrated how strategic leadership, powerful storytelling and cultural relevance can create lasting impact. As the inaugural recipient, she embodies the spirit of a true vanguard: expanding what is possible while helping set the course for those who follow.

Kristen Welch, Chief Financial and Operations Officer at Illustrative Mathematics, will be honored with the AWM Legacy Leadership Award for her longstanding commitment to AWM and her contributions to the organization’s mission to advancing all women in media.

The following media leaders will be recognized for their accomplishments and visionary leadership:

• Marilu Galvez, General Manager, ABC7/WABC-TV
• Tina Perry, President, OWN TV Network & OTT Streaming
• Julie Talbott, President, Premiere Networks
• Erin Underhill, President, Universal Television

“The women we honor through the Gracies Leadership Awards have not only achieved extraordinary success in their own careers, they have helped shape the future of media through their vision, leadership and commitment to excellence,” said Becky Brooks, President of AWM. “For 75 years, AWM has championed the advancement of women in media, and we are proud to recognize leaders whose impact extends far beyond their organizations, opening doors, fostering innovation and inspiring the next generation of industry changemakers. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in New York this November.”

Tickets and additional information are available at allwomeninmedia.org/events/gracies-leadership-award.

The Gracies Leadership Awards will also spotlight the next generation of women in media through the AWM Foundation Student Fellowships. The program provides female students pursuing studies and careers in journalism, broadcasting, digital media, communications, content creation, production and related fields, the opportunity to attend the luncheon and connect with influential leaders. Applications open September 29 and close October 16.

Additionally, the luncheon will recognize the recipient of the 2026 AWM Foundation/NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Student Scholarship, with applications currently open through September 25.

For more information about the Alliance for Women in Media and the Gracies Leadership Awards, please visit allwomeninmedia.org

About the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM): The Alliance for Women in Media connects, recognizes and educates women across the media industry. AWM is a diverse community that facilitates industry-wide collaboration, education, and innovation. Established in 1951 as American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT), AWM is the longest-established professional association dedicated to advancing women in media. AWM harnesses the promise, passion and power of women in all forms of media to empower career development, engage in thought leadership, and drive positive change for our industry and societal progress.

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Media Contact:
Jenny Rayyan 
513.407.3637
jennyrayyan@allwomeninmedia.org

AWM Office Hours with Rashida Jones: Leading Through Change in a Digital-First Media Landscape

Drawing from her experience leading major media organizations and now building a global, digital-first company, Ms. Jones shared how intentional career decisions have helped her navigate industry disruption. Reflecting on her own journey, she encouraged attendees to be strategic about every career move, advising professionals to “be very intentional about what you do, where you do it, who you do it for, what companies [you’re] associated with, and also have a clear idea of how you can tell your story.” She emphasized that today’s media leaders must focus less on where content has traditionally lived and more on how audiences actually consume information, reminding attendees that organizations must “follow where they already are and reverse engineer from there.”

The discussion also explored entrepreneurship, emerging platforms, artificial intelligence, and professional development. For students and early-career professionals, Ms. Jones highlighted the unprecedented opportunities available today to create and showcase work independently. “You have a camera on your phone,” she noted. “Go create the content yourselves. You can be much more entrepreneurial in this space.” She also offered encouraging leadership advice for women navigating professional environments: “No one is going to out prepare me, not one person. I’m always going to do the work.” Her message throughout the session centered on confidence, preparation, and embracing opportunities, even when they require stepping outside of one’s comfort zone.

One of the strongest themes of the conversation was the value of relationships. Ms. Jones encouraged attendees to actively seek mentors both inside and outside their industries, noting that many of the most influential people in her own career came from unexpected encounters. Her advice was simple but powerful: put yourself in the room, meet new people, and start the conversation. For AWM members, the session served as a reminder of the power of connection, learning, and access to leaders who are shaping the future of media. These meaningful conversations are just one of the many ways AWM helps members build their careers, expand their networks, and stay ahead in a changing industry.

For more information about the AWM Office Hours program, please email amy.burton@allwomeninmedia.org.

AWM Office Hours Spotlight: Ann Hailer on Career Growth, Leadership, and Thriving Through Change

Reflecting on a professional journey that began unexpectedly after studying Soviet foreign politics, Ms. Hailer emphasized that career success is rarely linear. Instead, she encouraged members to embrace change, noting that growth often comes from being willing to take on new challenges before feeling fully prepared. As she reminded attendees, “We are never going to be 100% ready,” and some of the most valuable opportunities come from leaning into roles that stretch us beyond our comfort zones.

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the importance of building a strong personal brand and investing in relationships. Ms. Hailer encouraged members at every career stage to focus on integrity, trust, and reputation, describing these qualities as the foundation of long-term success. “A big part of that is your reputation,” she said, emphasizing that the way people treat others and build trust becomes a professional asset that endures through career changes, promotions, and industry shifts. She also highlighted the value of stepping outside formal job responsibilities, explaining that many of her greatest leadership lessons came from cross-functional projects, volunteer opportunities, and initiatives that weren’t part of her official role.

The conversation also explored the future of media in an era shaped by artificial intelligence. While acknowledging the uncertainty many professionals feel, Ms. Hailer encouraged members to focus on the skills that remain timeless. “It’s understanding audiences, it’s good storytelling, it is good customer service, it is understanding client needs,” she explained, stressing that while platforms and technology will continue to evolve, the human elements that create meaningful media experiences will remain essential. She urged attendees to think not only about today’s jobs, but about how their expertise can add value to the industries and opportunities that are still emerging.

The session concluded with a powerful reminder of why AWM’s Office Hours series exists: community. Ms. Hailer reflected on the importance of having a trusted network to navigate career pivots, leadership challenges, industry transformation, and life’s many transitions. “What it takes to be successful is to have a community like this,” she shared. These member-exclusive conversations continue to provide a unique opportunity to connect with accomplished media leaders, gain practical career advice, and build meaningful relationships with peers across the industry. If you’re looking for the kind of support, insight, and connection that can help shape your next chapter, AWM membership puts you in the room for conversations like these.

For more information about the AWM Office Hours program, please email amy.burton@allwomeninmedia.org.

Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Celebrates 51st Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon

Amy Richards and Gloria Steinem Honored with Inaugural Gracies Torch Award Hosted by ABC News’ Rebecca Jarvis at Cipriani 42^nd Street

PHOTOS: CLICK HERE *Credit: Getty Images for the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation

New York, NY – June 16, 2026 – The AWM Foundation (AWMF) presented the 51^st Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon at Cipriani 42^nd Street in New York City. Host Rebecca Jarvis, Chief Business, Technology & Economics Correspondent for ABC News led the program alongside an exceptional lineup of presenters, including Andrea Canning (NBC News), Crystal Rosas (Z100), Sara Sidner (CNN), and Scott Stanford (1010 WINS). The program concluded with Rebekah Dopp, Global CEO of the Better Business Bureau, presenting the Inaugural Gracies Torch Award to Amy Richards and Gloria Steinem in recognition of their decades of leadership, advocacy and commitment to creating opportunities for others.

“A Gracie Award can affirm a voice, elevate a career and open a door. For our student winners especially, it can be a moment that says, ‘You belong here,’” said AWM Foundation President Becky Brooks. “Through the Gracies, we are not only celebrating excellence—we are helping create the opportunities that strengthen the future of women in media.”

The Gracie Awards were presented to honorees which were previously announced (full list of honorees here) in recognition of individual achievement and outstanding programming by, for and about women in local and student television, radio, audio and digital platforms.

Highlights from the event included:

• Monica Bloom, Chair of the AWM Foundation and Chief Marketing Officer of Kino Lorber Media Group, opened the luncheon by emphasizing the reach and influence of the work being honored. “At a time when authentic voices and trusted reporting matter more than ever, the work of our Gracie honorees has a real and lasting impact,” Bloom said.
• Rebecca Jarvis, reflected on the essential role of local journalism and the lessons she learned from her mother, also a journalist. “Journalism depends on trust—on people who are willing to ask difficult questions, follow the facts, listen closely and tell stories with accuracy and humanity,” Jarvis said, recalling how her mother taught her “to ask the tough questions, even when there is a high cost of doing so.”
• Sara Sidner, CNN Anchor and Senior National Correspondent, spoke directly to the students in the room and reflected on lessons from the early years of her reporting career. “Know thyself,” Sidner said. “You have to understand who you are before you can truly tell someone else’s story.”
• Crystal Rosas of iHeart’s Z100 New York presented the Local Market Radio Awards and spoke about the unique relationship between radio professionals and their audiences. “Whether you are keeping listeners company, sharing important news or creating a moment of joy, radio has a way of making people feel connected,” Rosas said. “That is what makes local radio so powerful.”
• Megan Van Tine, Director of Corporate Communications at Hallmark Media, presented the 2026 Make Her Mark Scholarship to Hannah Carranza, a Film and Television student at Hofstra University. “Hannah’s story is proof that it only takes one person to believe in you to catapult a dream into reality,” Van Tine said. “We hope this scholarship reminds her—and everyone in this room—that her voice belongs in this industry, her vision matters and the path she is building is already meaningful.”
• Scott Stanford, Morning News Anchor at Audacy’s 1010 WINS on 92.3 FM, brought humor and warmth to the luncheon while recognizing the support surrounding the day’s honorees. He also acknowledged Colin Kaepernick, who attended as the “number one fan” of his wife, Gracie Award honoree Nessa.
• Andrea Canning, Correspondent for Dateline NBC, reflected on her beginnings in local news and the experience required to serve local communities. “Local news teaches you to handle breaking stories, think on your feet and ask better questions,” Canning said. “Most importantly, it teaches you how to connect with people, and I know firsthand the talent, dedication, resilience and heart it takes to do this work.”
• Rebekah Dopp, Global CEO of the Better Business Bureau and a member of the AWM Board of Directors, presented the inaugural Gracies Torch Award to Amy Richards and Gloria Steinem. “The most important measure of leadership is not what we accomplish for ourselves, but what we make possible for others,” Dopp said. “Amy and Gloria have spent decades showing us that leadership is a torch to carry together.”
• Amy Richards, inaugural Gracies Torch Award honoree, closed the program by reflecting on the responsibility to use individual achievement to create opportunities for others. “Our individual successes can’t stop with one person,” Richards said. “In the true spirit of the Gracies Torch Award, we promise to keep igniting others—because if each of us has a torch, there will be a lot more light.”

The AWM Foundation also invited attendees and supporters to continue investing in the next generation of women in media through the Gracies Gift & Experience Fundraiser. Proceeds support scholarships, mentorship, educational programs and professional development opportunities. To bid or donate, visit HERE.

The luncheon is made possible by generous sponsors including: ABC News, Audacy, Better Business Bureau (BBB), Disney, Graham Media Group, Hallmark Media, Hearst Television, Hofstra University, iHeartMedia, Katz Media Group, NBCUniversal Local, NCTA: The Internet & Television Association, and Red Apple Media/WABC.

The National Gracie Award honorees were recognized at the Gracies Gala, May19, at The Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills. Again, a full list of recipients may be found on the Alliance for Women in Media website.

About The Gracie Awards

The Gracie Awards is the largest fundraiser of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation which advances women in media through educational programs and scholarships. The Gracie Awards honors exemplary programming and individual talent created by, for, and about women. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has created partnerships and joint initiatives with the Emma Bowen Foundation, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), NCTA – The Internet & Television Association and other organizations philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation. For more information about The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation and the Gracie Awards please visit allwomeninmedia.org and follow us on X (@AllWomeninMedia), (#TheGracies), Instagram (@allwomeninmedia), Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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Media Contact:
Jenny Rayyan
859.514.3008
jennyditto@allwomeninmedia.org

Leading Through Change: Key Takeaways from AWM Office Hours with Mike McVay

Drawing on decades of experience, Mr. McVay emphasized that success in today’s environment requires a mindset shift away from platforms and toward audience connection. As he noted, “What should matter is where listeners consume audio…it’s about content, regardless of where you consume it.” This perspective set the tone for a wide-ranging discussion about how media professionals can remain relevant in a rapidly changing industry.

A central theme of the session was the importance of continuous growth. Mr. McVay encouraged attendees to commit to learning and self-improvement at every career stage, sharing advice that resonated deeply with participants: “Listen more than you talk…be driven to succeed…learn from your failures.” He reinforced that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about staying curious, adaptable, and focused on serving both your team and your audience. His practical guidance offered a roadmap for navigating both day-to-day challenges and long-term career development.

The conversation also underscored the power of authenticity and talent development. Mr. McVay spoke about the importance of understanding individual strengths and creating environments where people can thrive, noting that success comes from helping others perform at their highest level. This people-first approach, combined with a clear strategy around content and audience engagement, highlighted why his expertise remains so impactful across the industry.

AWM Office Hours continue to provide members with unparalleled access to industry leaders and actionable insights in an intimate, interactive setting. Sessions like this one not only inspire but equip members with tools they can immediately apply to their careers. If you’re looking to grow your network, sharpen your skills, and learn directly from top voices shaping media today, AWM membership, and Office Hours, are experiences you won’t want to miss.

For more information about the AWM Office Hours program, please email amy.burton@allwomeninmedia.org.

Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Announces Inaugural Gracies Torch Award Honorees Amy Richards and Gloria Steinem

ABC News’ Rebecca Jarvis to Host the 51st Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon

Presenters include Andrea Canning, Crystal Rosas, Sara Sidner and Scott Stanford

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) is proud to announce that Amy Richards and Gloria Steinem will receive the inaugural Gracies Torch Award during the 51st Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon on June 16 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Rebecca Jarvis, Chief Business, Technology & Economics Correspondent for ABC News, contributing anchor for Good Morning America, and creator and host of The Dropout, will serve as host of the event.

As the Better Business Bureau (BBB) reimagines its role for the next generation, the organization is expanding its century-long mission of advancing trust into a broader vision of leadership, impact, and opportunity. The Gracies Torch Award, created in partnership with The Alliance for Women in Media, celebrates leaders who embody BBB’s Four Cs of leadership: Character, Culture, Customers, and Community, and whose influence extends beyond personal achievement to create opportunity for others.

Amy Richards and Gloria Steinem are the embodiments of that vision. Together, they have spent decades elevating voices, opening doors, building movements, and creating pathways for future leaders. Their partnership reflects the very essence of the Gracies Torch Award: leadership that multiplies itself, creating lasting impact through trust, community, and the leaders it inspires.

Producer, writer, and activist Amy Richards has been at the forefront of feminist activism since co-founding the Third Wave Fund in 1992. Through her work as President of Soapbox, Inc., co-founder of Feminist Camp, and a prolific writer and producer, Richards has built platforms and structures that create opportunity and carry leadership across generations.

As a writer, lecturer, political activist, and feminist organizer, Gloria Steinem has spent decades advancing equality and organizing for justice around the world. Her leadership is marked by a steadfast commitment to feminism and ensuring all voices are included in the pursuit of progress.

“Amy Richards and Gloria Steinem have spent decades creating opportunities for others, amplifying voices that deserve to be heard, and demonstrating the power of leadership rooted in generosity and shared purpose,” said Becky Brooks, President of AWMF. “Their impact embodies the spirit of the inaugural Gracies Torch Award. We are also honored to welcome Rebecca Jarvis as host of the 51st Gracie Awards Luncheon, where her distinguished career in journalism and commitment to excellence make her a fitting part of this celebration.”

Jarvis brings extensive experience covering business, technology, economics, and global affairs to the Gracies stage. A two-time Emmy Award winner, she reports across ABC News programs including Good Morning America, World News Tonight with David Muir, Nightline, 20/20, and This Week with George Stephanopoulos. She is also the creator and host of The Dropout, the acclaimed podcast chronicling the rise and fall of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, later adapted into a Hulu original series.

The Gracie Awards, presented annually by AWMF, recognize outstanding individual achievement and programming created by, for, and about women in all facets of media. The Luncheon in New York highlights the work of local and student talent and programming, complementing the national awards gala held in Beverly Hills.

As part of the program, the AWM Foundation will also recognize Hannah Carranza, recipient of the Make Her Mark Scholarship, created in partnership with Hallmark Media. Carranza is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Television and Film at Hofstra University and was selected for her commitment to storytelling and her aspirations to build a career in media and entertainment.

The Luncheon will feature a dynamic lineup of presenters, including Andrea Canning (NBC News), Crystal Rosas (Z100), Sara Sidner (CNN), and Scott Stanford (1010WINS), each bringing a unique voice and perspective from across the media landscape.

Thank you to our sponsors: ABC News, Audacy, BBB, Disney, Graham Media Group, Hallmark Media, Hearst Television, Hofstra University, iHeartMedia, Katz Media Group, NBCUniversal Local, NCTA: The Internet & Television Association, and Red Apple Media/WABC.

The National Gracie Award honorees were recognized at the Gracies Gala, May 19, at The Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills. A full list of winners may be found on the Alliance for Women in Media website. For more information about the 2026 Gracies Luncheon or to secure tickets, please visit HERE.

About The Gracie Awards

The Gracie Awards is the largest fundraiser of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation which advances women in media through educational programs and scholarships. The Gracie Awards honors exemplary programming and individual talent created by, for, and about women. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has created partnerships and joint initiatives with the Emma Bowen Foundation, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), NCTA – The Internet & Television Association and other organizations philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation. For more information about The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation and the Gracie Awards please visit allwomeninmedia.org and follow us (#TheGracies), on Instagram (@allwomeninmedia), Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About BBB

BBB, Inc. is the global headquarters and governing body of the Better Business Bureau network, uniting more than 90 local BBB organizations across the United States and Canada, together with the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust and BBB TrustCore. It sets the standards, governance, and shared infrastructure that power one of the world’s most recognized and enduring credibility networks.

BBB.com/BBB.org is one of the most trusted sources of business information online, receiving more than 2 billion data requests each month from search engines, AI platforms, and consumers seeking trusted insight. In 2025 alone, users accessed more than 226 million pages of BBB business profiles and marketplace intelligence. With a Domain Authority of 91, BBB.com stands among the most authoritative platforms on the internet.

Across North America, BBB provides marketplace intelligence on more than 5.8 million businesses, including more than 380,000 BBB Accredited Businesses. But the strength of BBB is not just in its scale. It is in its presence. Local, trusted, and embedded in the communities it serves.

With more than a century of earned credibility and a system built on local relationships and shared standards, BBB occupies a unique position in the modern marketplace.

As trust becomes the defining currency of the digital economy, BBB is setting the standard for how credibility is built, verified, and sustained in the AI era and for the century ahead.

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Media Contact:
Jenny Rayyan
Senior Manager, Communications & Public Relations
Email: jennyrayyan@allwomeninmedia.org
Phone: 859-514-3008

ANDIE MACDOWELL HONORED WITH GRACIES ICON AWARD AT 51ST ANNUAL GRACIE AWARDS PRESENTED BY THE ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MEDIA FOUNDATION

YVETTE NICOLE BROWN HOSTED THE STAR-STUDDED EVENING FEATURING A POWERFUL PERFORMANCE BY MULTI-GRAMMY NOMINATED ARTIST MICKEY GUYTON

Tina Knowles, Monica Lewinsky, Julianne Hough, Danielle Fishel, Jameela Jamil, Abby Phillip, Katherine LaNasa, Leanne Morgan, and Paulina Chávez Among Winners in Attendance

Stevie Wonder, Chrissy Teigen, Kelly Rowland, Chuck Lorre, Minka Kelly, Raven-Symoné, Jordan Chiles, Natalie Morales, and Tal Anderson Among Presenters

Photos:
Link: https://dam.gettyimages.com/selects/alliance-for-women-in-media-foundations-51st
Photo Credit: Getty Images on behalf of Alliance for Women in Media Foundation

EPK: https://gettyvideo.digitalpigeon.com/msg/9DSlsFPQEfGlHAYmA7xYYQ/HUC9dAAQZV1awkTyTSA1WQ
Video Credit: Getty Images Video on behalf of Alliance for Women in Media Foundation

The Beverly Wilshire became a celebration of truth-telling, resilience, and women reshaping media tonight as the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) presented the 51st Annual Gracie Awards® during the organization’s landmark 75th anniversary year.

Hosted by two-time Emmy-nominated actress and producer Yvette Nicole Brown, the evening honored the women who are changing culture not only through visibility, but through honesty–from journalism and podcasting to entertainment, sports, and independent media. Throughout the night, themes of reclamation, reinvention, and authenticity echoed across the stage, as winners shared deeply personal stories about survival, aging, caregiving, grief, and using media as a force for connection.

“In 1951, more than 280 women in broadcasting came together and founded their own organization to make sure their voices couldn’t be ignored,” Brown told the crowd. “At a time when women were fighting just to be in the room, those 280 visionaries just built their own dang room.”

The night featured a surprise appearance by music legend Stevie Wonder, who took the stage to honor journalist Adai Lamar for her coverage of the devastating Los Angeles County fires, while four-time GRAMMY® nominee Mickey Guyton delivered an emotional performance of “Remember Her Name,” celebrating resilience, identity, and womanhood.

Becky Brooks, President of AWMF, reflected on the organization’s 75th anniversary and the evolving media landscape throughout the evening. “When we celebrate women in media, we’re not just giving awards, we’re saying: ‘Your work matters, your voice matters.’”

Andie MacDowell was honored with the esteemed Gracies Icon Award. During her speech, MacDowell reflected on aging publicly and authentically in Hollywood. “I have had the absolute audacity to age,” she said with a laugh. “And I love everyone who has embraced it as much as I have.”

ADDITIONAL NOTABLE MOMENTS

• Kelly Rowland took the stage to present Tina Knowles with her Gracie for her audiobook, Matriarch. “Recording this audiobook was pure therapy for me,” Knowles shared. “I laughed, I cried, and I experienced every emotion possible. In many ways, it helped heal places in me that I didn’t even know needed healing.” She also took a moment to thank her four daughters by name–Beyoncé, Solange, Kelly, and Angie–saying: “…for allowing me to be so honest, vulnerable, and open in sharing very personal stories that otherwise may never have been told.”
• Monica Lewinsky accepted her Gracie for Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky with a speech that brought the room to its feet. “You continue to give me something I spent years searching for: a space where I wasn’t just a headline,” she told the audience. “This is for everyone who’s ever been told their story is over. It’s not. It’s just beginning.”
• Chrissy Teigen presented Jamie Kern Lima with the Gracie for Best Online Video Host, joking that she first heard about Lima “while completely naked, standing in a spray tan tent,” before praising her as “such a champion of other women.”
• Senator Lauren Book delivered one of the evening’s most emotional speeches while accepting a Gracie for Lauren’s Kids Foundation, reflecting on surviving years of childhood abuse. She told the audience, “People often ask survivors why we didn’t tell. But the better question is: why weren’t we taught?”
• Katherine LaNasa was also honored for her performance in The Pitt, using her acceptance speech to reflect on the evolution of women’s representation onscreen and the next generation of storytellers shaping Hollywood. “Change happens in units of one. One plus one plus one plus one. And it’s happening,” she shared. “I see it in young creators like Quinta Brunson and Rachel Sennott and the young actresses on my show, who seem to know no bounds. They’ve got it, they’ve got the baton, now let’s keep running.”
• Chuck Lorre brought humor to the stage while presenting Leanne Morgan with her Gracie, joking, “Everyone is concerned that AI will take over the entertainment industry when in fact it’s women, clearly.”

The evening also spotlighted a broader shift happening across the media landscape, honoring women-led productions, independent journalism, subscriber-supported platforms, and creators building direct relationships with audiences during a time of massive industry transformation.

Additional presenters included Stevie Wonder, Jordan Chiles, Raven-Symoné, Minka Kelly, Natalie Morales, Lea Thompson, Tracy Spiridakos, Lauren Lapkus, Kit Hoover, Mary Holland, Tal Anderson, Natalie Alyn Lind, and Alyvia Alyn Lind.

Below, please find links to access house footage, including b-roll of arrivals, interviews with honorees and presenters, clips from the ceremony, and more.

Female-owned production companies produced the gala: Do Great Projects and Mythical Creatures, with Kristin Whalley serving as Executive Producer.

The Gracie Awards are proudly sponsored by ABC News, Bloomberg, CNN, Disney, ESPN, Hallmark Media, Jamie Kern Lima, Lauren’s Kids Foundation, Paramount+, Premiere Networks, Katz Media Group, BBC Studios, NCTA, and iHeartMedia.

For a complete list of award recipients and honorable mentions, please visit allwomeninmedia.org. Local and student award recipients will be honored at the Gracie Awards Luncheon on June 16 at Cipriani’s in NYC.

ABOUT THE GRACIE AWARDS
The Gracie Awards, presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, are the most celebrated honor for women in media — recognizing exemplary programming and individual talent created by, for, and about women. Named after the late Gracie Allen — comedian, businesswoman, and boundary-breaker — the awards carry forward her spirit of wit, ambition, and possibility. The Gracies are the AWMF’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting women in media through scholarships and educational programs. For more information, visit allwomeninmedia.org and follow @AllWomenInMedia. #TheGracies

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Press Assets:

Photos:
Link: https://dam.gettyimages.com/selects/alliance-for-women-in-media-foundations-51st
Photo Credit: Getty Images on behalf of Alliance for Women in Media Foundation

EPK: https://gettyvideo.digitalpigeon.com/msg/9DSlsFPQEfGlHAYmA7xYYQ/HUC9dAAQZV1awkTyTSA1WQ
Video Credit: Getty Images Video on behalf of Alliance for Women in Media Foundation

Press Contacts:
The Samonte Group
Michael Samonte | Michael@SamonteGroup.com
Alyssa Kind | Alyssa@SamonteGroup.com

Inside AWM Office Hours: A Candid Conversation with Cori Abraham

Ms. Abraham spoke candidly about the current state of unscripted television, describing it as “a real reset” driven by cord-cutting, consolidation, and changing business models. While acknowledging how painful this moment has been for many professionals, she emphasized that content isn’t disappearing – it’s being redistributed. “We’re still making content,” she noted, explaining how networks are rethinking where and how stories live, from FAST channels to AVOD platforms to podcasts. Her advice to professionals navigating uncertainty was practical and forward-looking: “As AI becomes more of a tool…I would suggest everybody embrace it and become an expert in it.”

The conversation also turned personal, as Ms. Abraham reflected on fear, confidence, and career longevity. Asked how she handled stepping into roles she felt underqualified for, she said simply, “Sometimes you just gotta throw yourself in the deep end.” She credited curiosity, learning on the job, and expanding her skillset as key to her resilience, encouraging emerging leaders to think beyond job titles. “Don’t just be able to make a show,” she advised. “Have skills that translate, because that’s where the fear comes from when an industry shrinks.”

AWM Office Hours are an exclusive member benefit designed to foster connection and real-world insight from top leaders across media. Sessions like this one with Cori Abraham are a reminder of the power of access; being able to ask questions, hear honest answers, and learn directly from those shaping the future of the industry. If you’re looking for community, perspective, and a seat at the table, AWM membership opens the door. Join us for future Office Hours and be part of the conversation.

For more information about the AWM Office Hours program, please email amy.burton@allwomeninmedia.org.

ANDIE MACDOWELL TO BE HONORED WITH GRACIES ICON AWARD FROM ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MEDIA FOUNDATION AT 51ST ANNUAL GRACIE AWARDS

YVETTE NICOLE BROWN TO HOST ON MAY 19 IN LOS ANGELES, WITH A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY FOUR-TIME GRAMMY®-NOMINATED ARTIST MICKEY GUYTON

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) today announced that acclaimed actress and global icon Andie MacDowell will receive the Gracies Icon Award, and that two-time Emmy-nominated actress, writer, and producer Yvette Nicole Brown will host the 51st Annual Gracie Awards® Gala on Tuesday, May 19, at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, in Beverly Hills. The evening will also feature a special performance by four-time GRAMMY®-nominated artist Mickey Guyton.

The Gracies Icon Award honors a woman whose impact extends far beyond entertainment, one who has reshaped how women are seen, what they can be, and what audiences expect. It is not awarded for a single role or moment, but for a body of work defined by authenticity, resilience, and an unwavering sense of self in an industry that rarely makes space easy.

From her Palme d’Or-winning breakout at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival, Sex, Lies, and Videotape, a film that pierced the cultural zeitgeist and remains one of cinema’s most resonant explorations of women’s voices and autonomy, to Green Card, Groundhog Day, and Four Weddings and a Funeral, MacDowell has proven herself one of the most compelling actresses of her generation. A four-time Golden Globe-nominated actress, she earned her most recent nomination for Maid, the critically acclaimed Netflix limited series opposite her daughter Margaret Qualley that became one of the platform’s most-streamed series of the year and was named one of AFI’s Top Television Programs of the Year. She currently stars in Hallmark’s beloved drama The Way Home, now in its fourth and final season. In 2025, she celebrated her 40th consecutive year as spokesperson for L’Oréal Paris – and when the world told women to disappear quietly, she embraced her naturally silver curls on a red carpet and started a conversation the culture is still having.

“Andie MacDowell belongs in the company of the legends who have carried this award before her,” said Becky Brooks, President of AWMF. “She has shown us what it looks like to lead with integrity, to grow with intention, and to stay fully, unapologetically herself, and she has done it in a way that has opened doors for women across the industry. We are honored to recognize her at the 51st Annual Gracie Awards.”

For Brown, this hosting role is personal. “My first Gracie for my work in Community was my first acting award – other than a certificate in high school drama,” Brown said with a laugh. “For it to be an award named after the amazing Gracie Allen meant the world to me. And to return this year as a Gracie winner myself, for Squeezed, a podcast close to my heart, makes this evening even more special. I hope it’s a fun, celebratory love letter to all the winners and to Gracie Allen herself.”

Yvette Nicole Brown is a two-time Emmy-nominated actress, writer, and producer best known for her role in Community. Her film work includes Dreamgirls, Tropic Thunder, and Avengers: Endgame, and she can currently be seen starring alongside Rainn Wilson and Lil Rel Howery in Code 3. In animation, she voices roles in Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out 2 and Disney Animation’s Zootopia 2. She is also the NAACP Image Award-nominated writer and executive producer of Always a Bridesmaid, streaming on Netflix, and hosts Squeezed with Yvette Nicole Brown, a podcast love letter to caregivers produced by Lemonada Media. A dedicated advocate, Brown serves on the national boards of DonorsChoose (where she is Vice Chair), EMILY’s List, MPTF, and SAG-AFTRA.

Mickey Guyton is a four-time GRAMMY®-nominated artist and country music trailblazer. With her debut album Remember Her Name, she became the first Black female artist nominated for Best Country Album, Best Country Song, and Best Country Solo Performance, and the first Black woman to perform on the GRAMMYs stage. Named TIME’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year and CMT’s Breakout Artist of the Year, Guyton has taken the global stage – from national broadcasts and major sporting events to international audiences – continuing to expand the boundaries of country music.

The Gracie Awards Gala is fundamentally rooted in supporting AWMF’s charitable endeavors. As a non-profit organization, AWMF is committed to developing educational programs, charitable activities, and scholarship initiatives that directly benefit women in the media. Through these investments, AWMF remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate growth, empowerment, and leadership opportunities for women throughout the industry.

Rose Gold Sponsors including ABC News, Bloomberg, CNN, Disney, ESPN, Hallmark Media, Jamie Kern Lima, Lauren’s Kids Foundation, Paramount+, Premiere Networks as well as Katz Media Group, BBC Studios, NCTA, The Internet & Television Association, NBCU, iHeartMedia, Hearst Media Group, Graham Media Group, Audacy and Hofstra University.

The complete list of this year’s winners and event details may also be found at allwomeninmedia.org.

About The Gracie Awards

The Gracie Awards is the largest fundraiser of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation which advances women in media through educational programs and scholarships. The Gracie Awards honors exemplary programming and individual talent created by, for, and about women. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has created partnerships and joint initiatives with the Emma Bowen Foundation, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), NCTA – The Internet & Television Association and other organizations that are philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation. For more information about The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation and the Gracie Awards please visit allwomeninmedia.org and follow us on Instagram (@allwomeninmedia), Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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Press Contacts:
The Samonte Group
Michael Samonte, Michael@SamonteGroup.com
Alyssa Kind (Furnari), Alyssa@SamonteGroup.com

Press Assets:
Gracie Awards logo here; courtesy of AWMF
2025 Gracie Awards sizzle reel here; courtesy of AWMF

THE ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MEDIA FOUNDATION AND HALLMARK MEDIA’S MAKE HER MARK ANNOUNCE RETURN OF STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP

Scholarship Program Provides Educational Funding and Mentorship Opportunities

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) and Hallmark Media are once again partnering to present the Make Her Mark Student Scholarship, a program designed to support female students pursuing creative careers in entertainment. Developed through the lens of Hallmark Media’s Make Her Mark, an on-the-job mentorship initiative created to support and increase representation of women behind the camera, the scholarship aims to help students pursue their studies while laying the foundation for long-term success in the industry.

Now in its second year, the Make Her Mark Student Scholarship will award $7,500 to one deserving student to aid her educational pursuits. In addition to financial support, the recipient will participate in a one-of-a-kind mentorship experience with Make Her Mark founder, Hallmark actor, and creative partner Ashley Williams, providing invaluable insight and guidance from an established industry professional.

“Just like the Make Her Mark program, this scholarship is about opening doors and empowering the next generation of filmmakers,” said Randy Pope, Hallmark Media’s senior vice president of physical production. “At Hallmark Media, we’re proud to support talented aspiring directors by ensuring they have the confidence, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.”  

“The AWM Foundation and Hallmark Media share a deep commitment to telling stories by, for, and about women. The Make Her Mark Student Scholarship marks a meaningful step toward supporting the voices that will shape the future of women-led storytelling,” said Becky Brooks, president of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation.

To review scholarship criteria and submission details, please visit: https://allwomeninmedia.org/foundation/scholarships

The scholarship recipient will be announced at the Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon on June 16, 2026, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

Contacts: Megan Van Tine | MeganVanTine@HallmarkMedia.com
Laurren Henning | LaurrenHenning@HallmarkMedia.com
Jenny Rayyan | jennyrayyan@allwomeninmedia.org

ABOUT THE ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MEDIA FOUNDATION (AWMF)

In 1960, the Alliance for Women in Media became the first professional broadcasting organization to establish an educational foundation. The AWMF supports and promotes educational programs, charitable activities and scholarships to benefit the public and media industry. The Foundation also produces nationally acclaimed recognition programs, including the Gracie Awards®, honoring exemplary programming created by, for or about women and individual achievement. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, educational organization. For the latest news on the Gracies, follow The Gracies on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. For more information visit www.allwomeninmedia.org/gracies.

ABOUT HALLMARK MEDIA

Owned and operated by Hallmark, Hallmark Media is entertainment’s leading destination for feel-good content. The company is home to linear and streaming destinations that bring joy to viewers year-round. Hallmark Channel features an ambitious slate of new, original movies, scripted series, and the popular annual holiday franchise, Countdown to Christmas. Hallmark Mystery features a unique mix of movies and acquired series focused on the lighter side of the suspense and mystery genres. Hallmark Family showcases timeless storytelling for the whole family centered around faith, love, and community. Subscription streaming service and membership program, Hallmark+ offers next-day access to all-new premieres, plus monthly discounts and rewards for shopping at Hallmark Gold Crown retail stores. For more information, please visit https://corporate.hallmarkmedia.com/.