Amber Tai’s Experience at the 2023 Gracies Leadership Award

As I stood in front of the elevator, my palms became clammy with nervousness. Hesitating for a moment, I finally pressed the button to the top floor of Tribeca 360. The anticipation was almost overwhelming as the elevator ascended slowly. Being an international student who had only arrived in the United States three months ago, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension about the experience ahead.

When the elevator doors opened, I was greeted by a breathtaking view of the city skyline. Yet, even more impressive were the women I had come to see. They radiated confidence and expertise, inspiring me with their presence. Navigating through the event, I felt an immense sense of gratitude for being among such accomplished individuals. It was a dream come true to be part of this community and witness their success firsthand.

The Gracies Leadership Award event was more than just a ceremony; it was a symphony of voices, each narrating a unique story of struggle, triumph, and unwavering commitment to media excellence. The honorees, beacons in their respective fields, shared insights that resonated deeply.

Kay Olin, an icon in radio broadcasting, was the first I spoke to. She greeted me with a warm smile and listened intently to my background. In her award acceptance speech, she painted a picture of a journey marked by resilience and a passion for media. She emphasized the importance of mentorship, reflecting on her experiences as both a mentor and a mentee. Kay’s words were a powerful reminder that leadership in media is about elevating others as you ascend. Her speech moved me profoundly.

Rashida Jones, a trailblazer in news media, shared her vision of leadership that transcends traditional boundaries. Her powerful speech testified to the impact of diverse voices in shaping media narratives. Rashida’s ascent to President of MSNBC was not just a personal achievement but a significant breakthrough for women in leadership roles across the industry.

Rosalyn Durant, Executive Vice President at ESPN, added another layer to the narrative. Her speech focused on the dynamic and evolving nature of the media industry and the critical role of adaptability and innovation in driving success. Rosalyn’s journey in the traditionally male-dominated sports media landscape highlighted the importance of perseverance and breaking barriers. Her message was unequivocal: embracing change and challenging the status quo are vital for progress.

A common theme in all the speeches was the emphasis on change and evolution in the media industry. The honorees spoke of the challenges they faced, not just as professionals but as women in a competitive and often unforgiving landscape. They underscored the need for courage in confronting external barriers and personal limitations.

The speeches also celebrated the collective strength of women in media. The honorees acknowledged their responsibility to the next generation, emphasizing the need to create opportunities and foster an environment where young women can thrive and lead.

In conclusion, the acceptance speeches at the Gracies Leadership Award event were more than expressions of gratitude; they were a call to action. They urged us to embrace change, support one another, and continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible for women in media. The event was a reminder that while the journey towards gender equality in media is ongoing, the strides made by these remarkable women have laid a strong foundation for future generations.

Towards the end of the event, I found myself standing beside the stage, hoping for a chance to speak with any of the recipients. Fortunately, I met Durant and introduced myself. Far from being standoffish, she listened to my words earnestly and offered practical and insightful suggestions about navigating the industry in America. She encouraged me to pursue my passion relentlessly and to never give up, regardless of the challenges ahead.

I left the event feeling inspired and motivated, with a renewed sense of purpose. I realized that connecting with industry experts like Durant was crucial to my success, and that networking and building relationships were essential parts of the journey. I was grateful for the encounter and the valuable advice I received, knowing it would stay with me for a long time.

Amber Tai is a recipient of the 2023 Google News Initiative Student Fellowship. She is a Journalism student at Boston University, and we look forward to seeing how she continues to shape the world of media in the future.

Alliance for Women in Media Honors Eight Female Leaders at the Gracies Leadership Awards

Photos from the event can be found here.

November 13, 2023 (New York, NY) – The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) hosted the Gracies Leadership Awards luncheon, on Monday, November 13 at Tribeca 360° in New York City, recognizing the outstanding contributions of eight remarkable female leaders. This year, the event ushered in a new era featuring the Inaugural Gracies Icon Award recipient, Delilah, who’s inspiring life and career was highlighted with a captivating fireside chat alongside Erica Farber, President & CEO, Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB).

“Very few people in the world are known by one name, and here we have Delilah.”  When asked her thoughts on receiving the first ever Gracies Icon Award, Delilah exclaimed, “I am so blessed and so honored and thank you… I won a Gracie years ago and I thought that was the top for me.”

The eight honorees represent a diverse array of talents and achievements across various media platforms, ranging from broadcasting to digital media. Their stories serve as an inspiration to aspiring female leaders, including students attending as part of the Google News Initiative Fellowship, encouraging them to break barriers and make a lasting impact.

Highlights from the speeches include:

• Kay Olin, AWM Legacy Leadership Award recipient, began her remarks by saying, “Thank you seems like such an inadequate word to express how honored I am today…the only thing better than awarding a Gracie, is receiving one.” Olin continued, “The most humbling thing about standing here and accepting this award, it’s not about one person, leadership is a shared experience, it’s teamwork—to my village, I say Thank You.”
• Susan Larkin, Chief Operating Officer, Audacy, began her acceptance noting, “There’s two words that you’ll hear through my remarks, gratitude and team… we know as leaders, we don’t do this ourselves.”
• In accepting the honor, Rashida Jones, President, MSNBC, said, “We are leaders here, for a mission and with a responsibility… while becoming the first in anything is an incredible honor, and one that I take very seriously, I know for a fact no one ascends on their own. It takes a village of supporters, mentors and sponsors for each one of us to get here, and I’ve been lucky to have a host of mentors, many of them women, but even luckier to be a mentor… because it’s important to pay it forward.”
• Suzanne Grimes, President, Westwood One and EVP of Corporate Marketing at Cumulus Media, highlighted a previous battle with breast cancer and pivotal life event, noting the frequent stigma around women’s health issues and proudly stated, “as women and leaders we have the power to change this dynamic.” 
• Rebekah Dopp, Executive Vice President, Distribution, Strategy and Affiliate Relations, The CW, concluded her acceptance by emphasizing, “Our industry and the work that we do is critical. Everyone belongs here and our industry must reflect the society we live in… in this circle, let’s continue to celebrate what unites us and overcome what divides us.”
• Rosalyn Durant, Executive Vice President, Programming & Acquisitions, ESPN proudly pointed out, “Over half the executives at ESPN’s table are women, let us acknowledge that is what true leadership looks like, and that’s what real change agency looks like.”
• Lori Locke, Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), expressed gratitude “I want to thank my work colleagues at Warner Bros Discovery, some of those are here to support me, we make an incredible team together… #oneteam I am committed to upholding the principles ­­­­­of leadership that this Gracie Award represents.”

“This room is unique, bringing together leaders from television, streaming, radio, audio and digital medias in one space… the only experience of its kind.” said Becky Brooks, President, AWM/F.

 “We exist to connect, recognize and inspire women across our industry. This program is one of my favorite events as it reflects those three pillars,” added Heather Cohen, Immediate Past Chair, AWM/F and President, The Weiss Agency. “Each of these women have such a tremendous impact on our industry. They all have accolades and accomplishments, and we have an opportunity to hear from each one personally… and notable today, what an honor to have Delilah, one of the greatest in our business, as our inaugural Gracies Icon Award recipient.”

Throughout the event, the common themes of lifting the next generation, that achievement happens through nurturing relationships and building great teams were reiterated and reflect AWM’s mission of connecting, recognizing and educating women in media.

Sponsors of the event include: Audacy, Clear Channel Outdoor, Cumulus Media, ESPN, Exponent, Google News Initiative, Katz Media Group, KPMG, NBC Universal News Group, NCTA-The Internet & Television Association, Warner Bros. Discovery, Westwood One, and WideOrbit.

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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 Ditto 
859.514.3008
jennyditto@allwomeninmedia.org

Alliance for Women in Media Announces Radio Legend Delilah as Inaugural Recipient of the Gracies Icon Award

October 10, 2023 – The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) is proud to announce radio legend Delilah will be honored with the inaugural Gracies Icon Award at the 2023 Gracies Leadership Awards. Delilah, often referred to as the “Oprah of Radio,” will be celebrated for her outstanding contributions to the world of radio and her unwavering commitment to uplifting and empowering listeners.

“We are thrilled to present the first-ever Gracies Icon Award to Delilah,” said Becky Brooks, President of the Alliance for Women in Media. “Delilah’s remarkable career in broadcasting has been a source inspiration and empowerment for countless women in the industry. Her commitment to connecting with her audience through the airwaves is truly exceptional. Delilah embodies the spirit of the Gracie Awards, and we are honored to celebrate her achievements at this year’s event.”

With a career spanning over three decades, Delilah has captured the hearts of millions with her soothing voice, open heart, and love for music. She currently holds the title of the most-listened-to woman on radio in the United States.

Delilah’s career has garnered numerous accolades, including her induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2016 and the prestigious National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Broadcast Hall of Fame in 2017. Her induction into the NAB Broadcast Hall of Fame was a historic moment, marking the first time in 35 years that a woman received such a distinction. Delilah also earned a coveted Marconi Award for “Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year” from the NAB in 2016. Furthermore, she is a regular recipient of the “Most Influential Women in Radio” honor by Radio Ink and previously received the “Outstanding Host Entertainment/Information” award at the Alliance for Women in Media’s 37th Annual Gracie Awards Gala.

Delilah’s unique blend of storytelling, empathetic listening, and encouragement, all accompanied by adult contemporary music, has made her a top-ranked radio host with both female and male listeners in cities across the nation. She has described her show as a “safety zone where listeners take off their armor, slip into a ‘Mr. Rogers’ cardigan, sit around the electronic hearth, and share their secrets.”

In addition to her illustrious on-air radio career, Delilah is an author and also a radio station owner, purchasing the radio station that provided her with her broadcasting start at age 14, KDUN AM in Reedsport, Oregon, in 2021.The station was bankrupt at the time of her purchase, providing her an opportunity to restore the only local market media resource to the community.

Beyond her work in radio and writing, Delilah’s dedication to improving the lives of children is truly remarkable. As a mother of 15 children, 12 of whom she adopted, she founded the Point Hope foundation in 2004 as a voice for forgotten children worldwide.

The Gracies Icon Award celebrates Delilah’s outstanding career, dedication to her listeners, and her relentless commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. AWM is proud to honor her at the Gracies Leadership Awards on November 13 at Tribeca 360° in New York City, alongside previously announced honorees, Rebekah Dopp, Rosalyn Durant, Suzanne Grimes, Rashida Jones, Susan Larkin, Lori Locke, and Kay Olin.

Special thanks to sponsors of the Gracies Leadership Awards including, Audacy, Clear Channel Outdoor, Cumulus Media/Westwood One, ESPN, Google News Initiative, Katz Media Group, NBCUniversal News Group, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, and WideOrbit.

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 Ditto 
859.514.3008
jennyditto@allwomeninmedia.org

ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MEDIA ANNOUNCES GRACIES LEADERSHIP AWARDS TO HONOR SIX WOMEN IN MEDIA

Kay Olin to Receive AWM Legacy Leadership Award November 13 at Tribeca 360° New York

October 5, 2023 – The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) proudly announces the distinguished recipients of the 2023 Gracies Leadership Awards, celebrating the remarkable achievements and groundbreaking contributions of women in leadership.

The awards luncheon will take place at Tribeca 360° in New York on Monday, November 13, promising an unforgettable afternoon celebrating the accomplishments of these extraordinary women and their collective influence on future generations.

This year’s honorees represent a formidable group of industry leaders:

1. Rebekah Dopp, EVP, Distribution, Strategy & Affiliate Relations, The CW
2. Rosalyn Durant, EVP, Programming and Acquisitions, ESPN
3. Suzanne Grimes, President Westwood One and EVP Corporate Marketing, Cumulus Media
4. Rashida Jones, President, MSNBC
5. Susan Larkin, COO, Audacy
6. Lori Locke, EVP and Chief Accounting Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery

In addition to honoring these exemplary leaders, AWM will recognize Kay Olin, Owner and President of Olin and Associates, and former President of Local Focus, with the Legacy Leadership Award. This award acknowledges her profound impact on the organization and her distinguished service in leadership roles, including her tenure as past AWM Chair.

Becky Brooks, President of the Alliance for Women in Media, remarked, “We are immensely proud to honor these leaders in media who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also served as beacons of inspiration for future generations. Their unwavering dedication to shaping the media landscape with inclusivity and innovation makes them true leaders in every sense. We look forward to celebrating their outstanding achievements at the Gracies Leadership Awards, as they continue to illuminate and advance the path forward for all women in media.”

Special thanks to sponsors of the Gracies Leadership Awards including Audacy, Clear Channel Outdoor, ESPN, Google News Initiative, Katz Media Group, NBCUniversal News Group, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, Westwood One and WideOrbit.

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 Ditto 
859.514.3008
jennyditto@allwomeninmedia.org

Megan Hatlee’s Experience at the 2022 Gracies Leadership Award

Being chosen as a 2022 Mattel Fellowship recipient at the Gracies Leadership Awards was an experience I will never forget as I continue to develop my career as a media professional. Throughout the afternoon, I was able to absorb wisdom from leading women in the media industry, including Soledad O’Brien, Nancy Daniels, Debra OConnell, and Wendy Goldberg. Every honoree had a unique and inspiring story to tell. One of the most important lessons I learned from these women and their stories is that adversity is common and can be defeated, and challenges can be overcome through the power of unity and the support of one another. I left the Gracies Leadership Awards with an overwhelming feeling that I can find success in any field of work that I may decide to pursue in the future. This is largely due to the fact that I stand on the shoulders of women before me who have helped pave the way and who have broken glass ceilings in order to open doors for those following in their footsteps.

I also had the opportunity to network with individuals from a variety of media companies on a multitude of platforms. I spoke with men and women who have spent decades in the broadcast radio industry and shared their experience of having lived through the evolution of radio and
seeing first-hand the changes that have occurred through time. Some others in attendance had just started their careers in the industry, getting their feet wet in television or advertising. We shared our common goals for the future and issues currently at hand in the media industry. There was a wealth of information to be learned from every individual in attendance, be it an
honoree, an AWM board member, or a fellow student being sponsored by Mattel or the Google News Initiative.

I am beyond grateful that I had the opportunity to share this experience with other women studying journalism and media from across the country. We fostered friendships, shared life stories, and discussed our passions about the future of the media industry. Being able to spend the afternoon with ambitious, like-minded women was an invaluable experience. Knowing that I am entering the media industry with so many courageous and driven women by my side is both comforting and empowering. I would like to extend my gratitude to Mattel for making this fellowship possible and to the Alliance for Women in Media for hosting the celebratory Gracies
Leadership Awards ceremony where women in the media industry can be recognized for their outstanding efforts and groundbreaking contributions to society.

Megan Hatlee is a recipient of the 2022 Mattel Student Fellowship. She is currently a student at Southern Illinois University, and we look forward to seeing how she continues to shape the world of media in the future.

Alex Dusky’s Experience at the 2022 Gracies Leadership Award

I will never forget receiving the email that I was one of seven students chosen to receive the Mattel Fellowship this year. This is such a huge honor not only for myself, but for my University, as no Oklahoma State University student has received such recognition. At the awards ceremony, I was welcomed by none other than Valerie Blackburn, who truly embodies a woman leader in media. Her pure joy to be at the event and kindness towards me was enough to show that many more wonders were in store for me the rest of the afternoon.

I was surrounded by so many wonderful women, both executives in the industry, as well as my peers. It was great to be able to speak with both the other Mattel Fellows and Google News Initiative Fellows. Learning what other females my age are doing at their individual universities was empowering in itself, but little did I know what awaited me from the eight honorees. All of these women had such powerful, yet humble speeches, and each one made sure to appreciate everyone who helped shape them to be the leader they are today. 

This was an amazing opportunity to network and talk one-on-one with those in my industry, specifically Marie Donoghue. She gave a wonderful speech focusing on women in sports and sports media and seeing how she has made it to the top further encourages me to continue to strive for success. 

Thank you to Mattel for making the opportunity for me to attend such an event possible and to the Alliance for Women in Media for hosting the wonderful Gracies Leadership Awards. Continually recognizing and honoring women leaders is how we encourage young women in the industry, and I for one am confident we as a society are heading in the right direction. 

Alex Dusky is a recipient of the 2022 Mattel Student Fellowship. She is currently a student at Oklahoma State University, and we look forward to seeing how she continues to shape the world of media in the future.

Lisa Setyon’s Experience at the 2022 Gracies Leadership Award

When I found out that I was selected to attend the Gracies Leadership Awards in New York City, a large smile illuminated my face; I simply couldn’t believe that I was going to have the incredible opportunity to hear from high-achieving women in the industry including keynote speaker, Soledad O’Brien, who has greatly shaped my decision to work in the journalism field.

For me being chosen not only meant that I was going to hear from powerful women in the industry, it also made me realize my worth. Growing up in France, I was accustomed to often being the only black face in the room ‑ and the one ­who people would routinely bet against. They assumed I wouldn’t succeed and, consequently, wouldn’t push me to do better. When I moved to the United States for my undergraduate and master’s degree and saw the larger amount of women of color in media, I regained faith in myself and felt motivated to succeed even more because I was not alone.

Attending the Gracies Leadership Awards reinforced that state of mind.

From the moment I entered the room of the Tribeca 360 11^th floor, I felt inspired, proud and happy. There was so much diversity in the room but also so much power. The room was filled with the promise that the media industry is heading in the right direction. Since my selection, I’d read the honorees’ biographies at least ten times. That day, I read them again on one of the walls in order to keep reminding myself that it was a true honor to be at the Gracies event.

Shortly after that, I sat in the main room with the rest of the guests and the Google News Initiative team. We all chatted and networked for a while and the honorees’ speeches started shortly after.

I felt inspired by each and every one of the honorees and their journeys to success. I enjoyed them sharing not only the accomplishments in their lives but also times where things did not go as planned yet ended up working out. Sharing the good and bad made me realize that despite their accomplishments, these amazing women were also humans, like me.

I felt particularly inspired by Kim Godwin’s speech. Indeed, her speech on not being seen and being denied certain opportunities resonated with me the most: “For every person who didn’t see me, there was a person who did,” Godwin said. “For every person who denied me an opportunity, there was person who gave me one. Because people gave me a chance, I have decided I will give others a chance.”

As I heard Ms. Godwin’s speech, I started tearing up a little because it reminded me of so many times I had the feeling that I didn’t fit in. As bad as it may sound, hearing that a woman as accomplished as her has also had to endure some of the same things as me made me feel less alone. But it has also made me realize that oftentimes when I was being told that I was too angry, too obsessed with including more diversity in the workspace, I was making valid points.

Black women are often portrayed as being angry, being too strong to the point of being inhuman. One main thing that I took away from my experience at the Gracies Leadership Award is that when you fight for respect and for what you truly believe and want, you will find a way to get where you want to be. Some of the honorees said that a few years ago, they would have never thought that they could have had the job position that they have now. The media’s industry willingness to change things, to hire more people of color and accept more different points of view will keep leading to more impactful and powerful changes in the industry. To me, that’s one of the most significant innovations of the coming years.

Lisa Setyon is a recipient of the 2022 Google News Initiative Student Fellowship. She is currently a student at Stanford University, and we look forward to seeing how she continues to shape the world of media in the future.

Phoebe Chen’s Experience at the 2022 Gracies Leadership Award

My name is Phoebe Chen, and I’m a senior student at Boston University studying journalism and will be joining Bloomberg News as a Content Producer soon in December. I’m all about storytelling — It’s why I read, why I write and why I love hearing people’s stories. It’s why I’m pursuing a career in journalism. I will stop talking about myself here since all I did was watch, listen, and pay attention to the outstanding women I met on a wonderful afternoon at Tribeca 360.

I was honored to be selected as one of the Google News Initiative fellows to attend this year’s Gracies Leadership Award. It was an amazing opportunity to attend the award as a student, which, I’m not going to lie, was a little intimidating at first. I mean, that was a reasonable feeling for a student sitting with a group of the most influential figures in the media industry, right? But as the award started, my attention shifted to the speakers, who offered life-changing speeches that stayed in my mind for the next few days. What they have achieved in their career and for the growth of the industry are something no words could hold, yet, they were so humble and were still settling for more.

In my opinion, the Asian perspective is immensely underrepresented on the global stage, and I have witnessed how news could make a difference. The advancement of news inclusiveness is one of the main drives of my passion for news production — But before changing the world, we have to make changes from the inside. Noted from the award, according to a study spanning 20 years, “across 114 countries, women comprise only 24% of the people we read about, see, or hear from on television, radio, and in the newspapers.” Despite the disadvantage, we women did not and would not step back but only become motivated — I was touched by all the winners and speakers for their courage, perseverance, and commitment towards inclusiveness in media. The role of women in media is gaining recognition for striving for media freedom, pluralism, independence, and safety. I can never express my gratitude for these great women who paved the way for our generation.

Taking this chance, I also want to touch on what I think will be the most significant innovation in news in the next 10 years. We all know that news is always timely, and it never stops changing. However, the way the news is being reported is also changing — apparently, it is a corresponding effect of the rise of streaming services and our dependence on the Internet. Not everyone watches TV anymore, but almost everyone consumes news on their laptop or cellphone. Thus, I consider digital journalism to be one of the most important tools moving forward for creating positive change in the world and establishing an informed global citizenry. I believe that all of us in the media industry — both students and working professionals — play leading roles in this process.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to attend the award and meet all the outstanding female figures in the media industry — it was a dream come true.

Phoebe Chen is a recipient of the 2022 Google News Initiative Student Fellowship. She is currently a student at Boston University, and we look forward to seeing how she continues to shape the world of media in the future.

Aria Young’s Experience at the 2022 Gracies Leadership Award

Women are the present and future of media. I felt deeply inspired by all the pioneering women in media that spoke by the podium at the 2022 Gracies Awards. Standing on the shoulders of these women, I can see the future of media being more remarkable and innovative than ever. In my opinion, the most significant innovation in news in the next 10 years will be AI technology. I think journalists will use artificial intelligence to enhance their reporting. Through augmented reporting, journalists can utilize content generated by AI machines, such as macro data trends and phenomenons, and focus on deriving insights instead of gathering information. The journalist’s role will evolve from a one-dimensional news gatherer to news curator. Future journalists will develop better decision making and narrative creating skills because of AI reporting.

Aria Young is a recipient of the 2022 Google News Initiative Student Fellowship. She is currently a student at New York University, and we look forward to seeing how she continues to shape the world of media in the future.

Caitlyn Moran’s Experience at the 2022 Gracies Leadership Award

Caitlyn Moran is a recipient of the 2022 Mattel Student Fellowship. She is currently a student at Hofstra University, and we look forward to seeing how she continues to shape the world of media in the future.