AWM Foundation Extends Deadline for 51st Gracie Awards Entries

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) has announced an extension for submissions to the 51^st Gracie Awards. The extended deadline is January 29, while the regular deadline, with no additional fee, is January 22, (11:59pm ET).

The Gracie Awards, presented by AWMF, have recognized programming and individual excellence by women across all media for more than five decades. Submissions from television, streaming, radio, audio, and digital media are encouraged. A full list of the categories, including new categories for 2026 can be found here.

“As we build on the momentum of last year’s 50th anniversary celebration, extending the submission deadline allows more time to ensure that outstanding work from across the industry is recognized and considered.” said Becky Brooks, President of AWM/F.

Additionally, each entry directly supports the AWM Foundation, with the Gracies serving as the largest fundraiser of the year.  National winners will be honored at the Gracies Gala on May 19 at the Beverly Wilshire (A Four Seasons Hotel) in Beverly Hills. Local and student winners will be honored at the Gracies Luncheon on June 16 at Cipriani 42nd in New York.

The 2026 Gracie Awards entry eligibility air dates are from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. Entry details can be viewed at https://allwomeninmedia.org/gracies/call-for-entries/.

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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 Cable and Telecommunications 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.

Press Contact
Jenny Rayyan
Awards and Public Relations Manager
Jennyditto@allwomeninmedia.org
Ph: 859.514.3008

Make a Difference This Giving Tuesday: Support the AWM Foundation

On Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity, the AWM Foundation (AWMF) invites you to join its mission of advancing women in media through scholarships, mentorship, and educational programs. Your contributions this season will help sustain and expand initiatives that empower the next generation of women storytellers, journalists, and creators.

This Giving Tuesday follows a landmark year for AWMF, as the organization celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Gracie Awards, a historic milestone honoring half a century of honoring excellence in media created by, for, and about women. As AWM closes this milestone year, Giving Tuesday serves as the perfect bookend, a moment to reflect on decades of impact while fueling the future of women in media for generations to come.

How You Can Support:

1. Make a Donation: Visit https://allwomeninmedia.org/foundation/make-a-donation/ to make a tax-deductible donation or donate via Venmo @AWM-Foundation.
2. Spread the Message: Share personal stories, experiences, and the impact of supporting women in media on social media using the hashtags #AWMFGivingTuesday and #GivingTuesday.
3. Enter the 51st Annual Gracie Awards: The 2026 Call for Entries is open and each submission directly supports AWMF’s mission.

Celebrating Past Scholarships: AWMF takes pride in bringing up the next generation through scholarship programs. This past year, AWMF in partnership with Hallmark, awarded the Make Her Mark scholarship to Raha Amirfazli of New York University. AWMF also granted the 2025 AWM Foundation/NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Scholarship to Dayana Matasheva, a Columbia University School of the Arts MFA student.

In addition, eight AWM Foundation Student Fellows had the opportunity to attend the Gracies Leadership Awards in New York, gaining valuable exposure and connection to media industry leaders. AWMF’s commitment to recognizing and empowering future generations of women in media remains steadfast, and supporting AWMF on Giving Tuesday and through year-end giving will ensure the continuation of these vital initiatives.

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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, X,  LinkedIn and Facebook. For more information visit www.allwomeninmedia.org/gracies.

Contact Information:

Jenny Rayyan
Awards & Public Relations Manager
jennyrayyan@allwomeninmedia.org
Ph: 513.407.3637

Sheinelle Jones Set to Interview Katie Couric for an Exclusive Fireside Chat at Upcoming Gracies Leadership Awards

Katie Couric to Receive the Prestigious Gracies Icon Award

The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) is proud to announce that TODAY co-host Sheinelle Jones will lead an exclusive fireside chat with award-winning journalist Katie Couric at the upcoming 2025 Gracies Leadership Awards. The event will take place on Tuesday, November 18, at Tribeca 360° in New York City, where Couric will be honored with the distinguished Gracies Icon Award in recognition of her groundbreaking career and contributions to media. Reserve your seat today to be part of this exclusive conversation and celebration of leadership in media. Tickets are available Here.

“Sheinelle and Katie are two of the most respected voices in journalism, each using their platforms to inform and inspire,” said Becky Brooks, President of AWM/F. “To have them together on stage promises an authentic, insightful conversation that embodies what the Gracies are all about, celebrating women whose work shapes and advances our industry.”

Jones, an Emmy-winning journalist, co-hosts the 3rd Hour of TODAY and has been part of NBC News since 2014. She has covered major national and international stories and interviewed countless influential figures across politics, entertainment, and culture.

Beyond her work on TODAY, Jones hosts Through Mom’s Eyes, a digital series spotlighting the mothers behind well-known personalities; a monthly wellness show on Peacock; and Wild Child, an award-winning educational program under NBC’s The More You Know banner. She also served as executive producer of the Gracie Award-winning MSNBC documentary Stories We Tell: The Fertility Secret, which gave voice to the experiences of women of color navigating infertility.

In addition to Katie Couric, the Gracies Leadership Awards luncheon will honor seven exceptional leaders whose creativity, influence, and vision continue to shape the future of media and entertainment:

• Martha Benyam, COO, Kino Lorber
• Rita Ferro, President of Global Advertising, The Walt Disney Company
• Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming, Music Strategy and News, BET Networks
• Alissa Pollack, EVP, Global Music Marketing and Strategy, iHeartMedia
• Valari Dobson Staab, Chairman, NBCUniversal Local
• Jenna Weiss-Berman, Head of Audio & Podcasts, Paper Kite Productions
• Michelle Duke, President, NAB Leadership Foundation & Chief Impact Officer, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), recipient of the AWM Legacy Leadership Award

The luncheon will also recognize Dayana Matasheva (Columbia University) as the recipient of the 2025 AWM Foundation/NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Student Scholarship, celebrating the next generation of women pursuing excellence in media.

The 2025 Gracies Leadership Awards are made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor, The Walt Disney Company, and sponsors including, American Urban Radio Networks (AURN), BET, Clear Channel Outdoor, Hallmark Media, Katz Media Group, Kino Lorber, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), NBCUniversal, and NCTA – The Internet & Television Association and Premiere Networks.

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 Foundation Announces Call for Entries for 51st Annual Gracie Awards

The Gracie Awards, presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF), is proud to open the call for entries for the 51^st Annual Gracie Awards.

“Each year, the Gracies spotlight extraordinary talent who are shaping the future of media,” said Becky Brooks, President of AWMF. “For more than five decades, these awards have honored powerful storytelling and representation while fueling the Foundation’s ability to invest in scholarships and programs that empower the next generation of women in our industry. As we open entries for the 51st Gracie Awards, we look forward to celebrating work that inspires audiences today and opens doors for tomorrow.”

The Gracie Awards will once again shine a spotlight on exceptional talent across various media categories, including television, streaming, radio and podcasting, from writers, journalists and actors to producers, directors and showrunners. Entries are invited from individuals, networks, and organizations, showcasing their dedication to advancing the portrayal and representation of women’s voices in media content.

National winners will be honored at the Gracies Gala on May 19, 2026, at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, California and local and student winners will be celebrated at the Gracies Luncheon on June 16, 2026, at Cipriani on 42^nd Street in New York.

Taking on the critical roles of co-chairs again for the 2026 Gracie Awards are Heather Cohen, President at The Weiss Agency, Annie Howell, Chief Communications Officer at Hallmark Media, and Mike McVay, President of McVay Media Consulting.

Key Information for Submissions:

• Eligibility Air Dates Period: January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
• Early Bird Submission Deadline: December 11, 2025
• Deadline for All Entries: January 22, 2026
• Submission Guidelines including updated Categories: https://allwomeninmedia.org/gracies/call-for-entries/. 

New Categories:

The 2026 Call for Entries includes several new and updated categories to better reflect today’s media landscape:

New Categories

• Audio Podcast Host – Lifestyle (Digital Media)
• Audio Podcast Host – Educational (Digital Media)
• Audio Podcast Host – Sports (Digital Media)
• Video Podcast (Digital Media)
• Video Podcast Host/Co-Host (Digital Media)
• Competition Series (Television National) – for competitive reality programming
• Documentary – News/Investigative/Historical (Television Local)
• Documentary – Sports (Television Local)

Updated Categories

• Substack/E-Newsletter/Blog (Digital Media) – now accepts Substack content
• Unscripted/Reality (Television National) – formerly Non-Fiction Entertainment; for non-competition reality programming

All information related to the Call for Entries including entry descriptions and full list of categories can be found here: Call For Entries —

NCTA – The Internet and Television Association, in partnership with the AWM Foundation, is offering scholarships to cover the cost of a Gracie Awards entry for content creators. Scholarships are available to students and professionals.

Please join us in celebrating more than 50 years of advancing women in media by supporting the AWM Foundation. Whether through sponsorship, participation, or promotion, you and your company can help shape the future of media and storytelling. Contact becky.brooks@allwomeninmedia.org for ways to impact women in media.

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, X, LinkedIn and Facebook. For more information visit www.allwomeninmedia.org/gracies.

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 Cable and Telecommunications 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. For the latest news on the Gracies, follow The Gracies on Instagram, X, LinkedIn and Facebook.

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Media Contact:
Jenny Rayyan
859.514.3008
jennyrayyan@allwomeninmedia.org

Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Releases New Gracies Interview Featuring Julia Whelan and Kristin Hannah

WHAT:
The AWM Foundation is proud to present the next installment of the Gracies Interview Series, available today. This highly anticipated conversation brings together two celebrated voices in literature and storytelling: acclaimed audiobook narrator and author Julia Whelan and #1 New York Times bestselling author Kristin Hannah (The Women).

The Gracies Interview Series spotlights influential women whose work, leadership, and creativity continue to shape and elevate the media landscape. This episode offers an intimate and compelling discussion between two powerhouse storytellers at the forefront of today’s literary and audio worlds.

WHEN:

• Release Date: Thursday, September 25

WHO:

• Julia Whelan – Author, screenwriter, lifelong actor, and acclaimed narrator of more than 700 audiobooks. Recipient of the first-ever Gracie Award for Best Fiction Narrator, SOVAS Lifetime Achievement Award, and multiple Audie Awards. Dubbed “The Meryl Streep of Audiobooks” by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Julia is also the founder of Audiobrary, an innovative audio publishing platform.
• Kristin Hannah – Award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of over 25 novels, including The Nightingale, The Great Alone, and most recently, The Women. Her books have sold millions of copies worldwide and continue to resonate deeply with readers across generations.

WHERE TO WATCH/LISTEN:
The full interview will be released via the Alliance for Women in Media website and YouTube channel.

SPONSORSHIP:
The Gracies Interview Series is made possible through the generous support of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jenny Rayyan
JennyRayyan@allwomeninmedia.org

Alliance for Women in Media to Award Eight Outstanding Industry Leaders in Shaping the Future of Media and Entertainment at the 2025 Gracies Leadership Awards

Katie Couric to Receive the Prestigious Gracies Icon Award

The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) will recognize eight extraordinary leaders whose vision and impact are shaping the future of media and entertainment at the 2025 Gracies Leadership Awards, taking place November 18 at Tribeca 360° in New York City. Among this year’s distinguished honorees, award-winning journalist Katie Couric will receive the prestigious Gracies Icon Award, and Michelle Duke, President of the NAB Leadership Foundation and Chief Impact Officer at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), will be honored with the AWM Legacy Leadership Award.

The 2025 Gracies Leadership Awards will also celebrate six additional outstanding executives whose achievements continue to redefine leadership and innovation across the industry:

• Martha Benyam, COO, Kino Lorber
• Rita Ferro, President of Global Advertising, The Walt Disney Company
• Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming, Music Strategy and News, BET Networks
• Alissa Pollack, EVP, Global Music Marketing and Strategy, iHeartMedia
• Valari Dobson Staab, Chairman, NBCUniversal Local
• Jenna Weiss-Berman, Head of Audio & Podcasts, Paper Kite Productions

“Each honoree embodies innovation, leadership, and the profound influence women continue to have across every facet of media,” said Becky Brooks, President of AWM/F. “This year, we are especially proud to present the Gracies Icon Award to Katie Couric, who was the first woman to solo anchor a network evening newscast and has continued to shape the evolving media landscape as founder of Katie Couric Media. Recognizing her, along with Michelle Duke and six additional exceptional leaders, is a powerful reminder of why the Gracies Leadership Awards exist: to celebrate those whose vision and impact are reshaping our industry and inspiring its future.”

The Gracies Leadership Awards will also spotlight the next generation of women in media through the AWM Foundation Student Fellowships, which give female journalism students the opportunity to attend the luncheon and connect with influential industry leaders. Fellowship applications open September 29 and close October 17.

Additionally, the luncheon will recognize the recipient of the AWM Foundation/NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Student Scholarship, with applications currently open through September 26.

Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor, The Walt Disney Company, along with the following sponsors of the Gracies Leadership Awards:  Clear Channel Outdoor, Hallmark Media, Katz Media Group, Kino Lorber, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), NBCUniversal, and NCTA – The Internet & Television Association.

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

Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Announces Dates for 51st Gracie Awards

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) proudly announces the dates for the 51^st Annual Gracie Awards, continuing a legacy of more than five decades recognizing the contributions and achievements of women in media.

The 2026 Gracie Awards will once again unite trailblazers, emerging talent, and storytellers shaping the future of media at two signature events:

• Gracies Gala: May 19, 2026, at the iconic Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.

• Gracies Luncheon: June 16, 2026, at the prestigious Cipriani 42^nd Street in New York City.

“Following a landmark 50^th anniversary season, we remain inspired by the power of women’s voices in shaping our media landscape,” said Becky Brooks, President of AWMF. “The 51^st Gracie Awards will honor the enduring influence of those who paved the way and spotlight the voices who continue to challenge, innovate, and lead. As we look to the future, we are committed to elevating the diverse and brilliant stories women bring to audiences every day.”

The Gracie Awards were established in 1975 to recognize individual achievement and exemplary programming created by, for, and about women. The awards are celebrated with an evening event, the Gracies Gala, on the West Coast where national awards are recognized, and the Gracies Luncheon on the East Coast with local and student awards.

Call for Entries: The Call for Entries for the2026 Gracie Awards will open in October 2025. Stay tuned for more details.

For more information about the Gracie Awards, please visit https://allwomeninmedia.org/gracies/ or contact Jenny Rayyan at Jennyrayyan@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 Cable and Telecommunications 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 . For the latest news on the Gracies, follow The Gracies on Instagram, X, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Announces Juju Chang as Host for the 50th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon

CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Martha Teichner to receive Lifetime Achievement Award

Presenters Include Medha Gandhi, Boomer Esiason, Erica Hill, and Vicky Nquyen

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) is proud to announce that Juju Chang, award- winning co-anchor of ABC News’ “Nightline,” will host the 50th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon in New York City. The event, which honors local and student media professionals whose work embodies the spirit of the Gracies, will be held on Wednesday, June 18, at Cipriani 42nd Street.

Juju Chang brings decades of journalistic excellence, thoughtful storytelling, and powerful advocacy to the Gracies stage. Known for her in-depth personal narratives and wide-ranging reporting, Chang has chronicled some of the most pressing issues of our time—from mass shootings and the opioid crisis to the rise in hate crimes targeting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Her work has earned numerous accolades, including multiple Gracie, Emmy, DuPont, Murrow, and Peabody awards.

“We are honored to have Juju Chang host this historic Gracie Awards Luncheon,” said Becky Brooks, President, AWM Foundation. “Her commitment to elevating voices and sharing stories with empathy and clarity embodies the very mission of the Gracies. Juju’s presence at this milestone event will be a powerful tribute to the next generation of women in media.”

Born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in Northern California, Chang graduated with honors from Stanford University. She joined ABC News shortly after college, going on to serve as a news anchor for “Good Morning America” and report extensively for “20/20.” In addition to her journalistic work, Chang is the co-founder of the Korean American Community Foundation and a recipient of the Justice in Action Award from the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund. She is also a proud wife and mother of three sons.

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

As part of the program, the AWM Foundation will also present the Make Her Mark Scholarship, created in partnership with Hallmark Media, to Raha Amirfazli, a master’s student in Film and TV Production at New York University. The scholarship, which supports women pursuing creative careers behind the camera, will be presented by Make Her Mark founder and Hallmark actor Ashley Williams during the Luncheon.

The Luncheon will feature a dynamic lineup of presenters, including Boomer Esiason (WFAN), Medha Gandhi (iHeartMedia), Erica Hill (CNN), and Vicky Nguyen (NBC News)—each bringing a unique voice and perspective from across the media landscape.

For more information about the Gracie Awards or to support the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, please visit https://allwomeninmedia.org/gracies.

Thank you to our sponsors: ABC News, Audacy, CBS News, Disney Entertainment, ESPN, Graham Media Group, Hallmark Media, Hofstra University, iHeartMedia, Katz Media Group, NCTA: The Internet & Television Association,  and Townsquare.

The National Gracie Award honorees were recognized at the Gracies Gala, May 20, 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 2025 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 on X (@AllWomeninMedia), (#TheGracies), Instagram (@allwomeninmedia), Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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

The Alliance for Women in Media Unveils New Brand Identity Ahead of 50th Annual Gracie Awards

The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) is proud to unveil a bold and modern brand refresh that honors its legacy and embraces the future of all women in media. Timed with the milestone 50th Annual Gracie Awards, the refreshed identity reflects the organization’s enduring mission and the dynamic, evolving media landscape it represents.

Designed to reflect AWM’s continued commitment to recognizing, connecting, and inspiring women across the media industry, the new brand features:

• Modern, clean design elements that align with AWM’s forward-thinking mission.
• Vibrant, energetic colors, including the Gracies signature purple, symbolizing the diversity and impact of the AWM community.
• Refreshed logos for both AWM and the AWM Foundation that complement each other.
• Special 50th anniversary editions of the Gracies logo and color palette, in honor of this milestone year.

“This refreshed brand is more than a new look—it’s a bold representation of who we are, what we stand for, and where we’re going,” said Becky Brooks, President of AWM/F. “Every element was intentionally designed to reflect the strength and purpose of a community built by women, for women—and deeply committed to advancing all women in media.”

The milestone refresh was brought to life in collaboration with SJI Associates, whose creative partnership and vision were instrumental in shaping AWM’s new visual direction.

To learn more about AWM and to see the brand refresh, please visit allwomeninmedia.org.

Media Contact:
Jenny Rayyan
Awards and Public Relations Manager
Email: jennyrayyan@allwomeninmedia.org

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

Initiative to Grant Deserving Student Funding Towards Education and Mentorship Opportunities

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) is partnering with Hallmark Media to support female students with a desire to pursue a creative career in entertainment through the Make Her Mark Student Scholarship. From the creators of Make Her Mark, an on-the-job mentorship initiative designed to support and increase representation of women behind the camera, this new scholarship aims to engage aspiring females in the early stages of their career and support their studies to best set them up for future success.

The scholarship program will provide one deserving student with $7,500 towards her education. What’s more, the recipient will earn the opportunity to participate in a unique mentorship opportunity with Make Her Mark founder and Hallmark actor and creative partner, Ashley Williams.

“Make Her Mark is about offering education to up and coming directors through on the job experience. We give these aspiring women their first “yes” and then ensure that during their first opportunity behind the camera, they are supported and set up for success,” said Williams. “We’re incredibly proud to collaborate with AWM on this scholarship opportunity and to celebrate our shared goal of uplifting and empowering women in media.”

“This scholarship is more than financial support—it’s a meaningful investment in a student’s creative journey, and a reflection of our mission to ensure every woman with a story to tell has the tools, guidance, and support to tell it,” said Becky Brooks, President of AWMF.

To review scholarship criteria and submission details, please visit https://allwomeninmedia.org/foundation/scholarships/awm-foundation-and-hallmark-media-make-her-mark-scholarship-application.

The scholarship recipient will be announced at the 50th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon on June 18, 2025, 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 HALLMARK MEDIA

Owned and operated by Hallmark, Hallmark Media is entertainment’s leading destination for feel-good content. 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, as well as its own seasonal programming event, Miracles of Christmas. Hallmark Family showcases timeless storytelling for the whole family centered around faith, love, and community. Hallmark Movies Now, the company’s subscription streaming service, offers commercial-free movies and series from Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Mystery, and more, including exclusive content you can’t find anywhere else. For more information, please visit press.hallmarkmedia.com/.

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, X,  LinkedIn and Facebook. For more information visit www.allwomeninmedia.org/gracies.

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