My experience at the 2023 Gracies Leadership Awards excelled
my expectations. Besides the beautiful venue in Tribeca and delicious lunch,
the Gracies were inspiring and lit a fire in me as I near graduation from the
Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
When I was accepted as a Google News Initiative Fellow and
would be able to attend the Gracies Luncheon I could not believe it- I was
counting down the days. Since I was 14, I’ve known I wanted to work in
broadcast journalism, and being in a room with women alike is something I’ve
never experienced.
I grew up watching MSNBC, whether it was The Today Show or
Nightly News, so being in the same room as Rashida Jones, MSNBC president, was
surreal. Without the Gracies, I’m not sure I would’ve ever been able to
introduce myself to her and be able to stay connected after.
All the women honored at the luncheon had a common theme in
their acceptance speeches: they didn’t get where they are alone. Their speeches
were heartwarming and honest as they thanked their pears, family and team
members they’ve met over the years that have kept them motivated.
Not only were all the women honored at the event willing to
stay in touch with myself and the other fellows, but the Alliance for Women in
Media board members were as well. The board members have been able to make introductions
to their colleagues working in the broadcast journalism field. As I approach
graduation, it’s getting close to finding a job where I can learn and grow to
become the best journalist I possibly can be, and these introductions are going
to be invaluable as time goes on.
I am so thankful I was able to attend the Gracies Leadership
Awards luncheon as a Google News Initiative Fellow and look forward to keeping
up with my membership in the Alliance for Women in Media.
Allison Williams is a recipient of the 2023 Google News Initiative Student Fellowship. She is a Journalism student at Columbia University, and we look forward to seeing how she continues to shape the world of media in the future.
Funnily enough, I didn’t come into college to be in media, I
came into college as a computer science major. As I started my first weeks in
college at the University of Kentucky, I found my way into a club for women in
STEM. At the time, I felt so lucky to be able to find a club to empower women
in my field. There was a problem, though. I HATED computer science. Flash
forward a couple of years. Somehow, I found myself doing a complete 180. I was
no longer a compsci major but instead a triple major in media, journalism, and
writing. I was happy to find my path, but sad to lose the strong community of
women.
I applied to the Google New Initiative Fellowship thinking
there was no way I would become a fellow. Months later, I am still overwhelmed
and in disbelief by the whole new world I have been exposed to through this
fellowship. Through the Alliance for Women in Media, I have regained a strong
community of women. I am so humbled to be able to share this fellowship with
the other amazingly accomplished women I had the pleasure of meeting while
attending the Gracies in New York. To be able to meet the honorees has only
solidified my sense of belonging in this industry as we continue to accept more
women and people of color into the community than ever before. Being able to
hear from and network with such strong role models has given me more energy
than ever before. A common theme throughout the ceremony was to lift up the
next generation. As a member of the upcoming generation, I’m excited for the
bright future to come through mentorship opportunities in the industry.
I am so immensely grateful for all the strong women who have
paved the way for me to pursue such huge opportunities, both inside and outside
of the industry. Strong women mentors have shaped me and my life, from the
women at the Emma Bowen Fellowship, to my female media and journalism
professors, and especially to my female journalism bosses and coworkers. I am
excited for the next chapters of my life as I am able to cultivate other
mentorship relationships through the Alliance for Women in Media.
I would never know the meaning of a strong woman or of a
strong mentor if it wasn’t for my mom, whom I would have never dreamed of being
here without. I am hopeful every day that I will one day inspire and nurture
someone in the same way she has nurtured me.
While we continue to celebrate women in media and how far
we’ve come, I hope we also recognize how far we still need to go. Growing up in
Kentucky, I didn’t have many women surrounding me who looked like me. To this
day, I have still yet to meet a Hispanic woman in journalism. I am so grateful
that this shy Hispanic girl from Kentucky is being recognized and I won’t stop
fighting until we all have a seat at the table. Our fight isn’t over.
I hope we all fight together to bring a strong community of
women in media to every part of the world.
Helena Arjona is a recipient of the 2023 Google News Initiative Student Fellowship. She is a Broadcast Journalism and Multimedia student at the University of Kentucky, and we look forward to seeing how she continues to shape the world of media in the future.
Attending this year’s Alliance for Women in
Media Gracies Leadership Awards was a truly unique opportunity to learn from
the trailblazing women in the media industry. I felt I was able to create a new
network which fosters development and guidance in this field. Hearing the
wisdom and journeys of the honorees was especially inspiring and motivated me
and my fellow Google News Initiative student fellows to follow in the footsteps
of the women at the event.
It was a palpably empowering atmosphere,
emphasizing the importance of a strong team to achieve your goals and the power
of having people to guide you in your career path. I was struck by the words of
honoree Rashida Jones, President of MSNBC, who reflected that while there are
still more ceilings to be broken in this industry for women and diversifying
representation, it is a goal we can achieve if we support one another. Jones
told us how ‘Being first is an honor- but no one ascends alone.’ These words reminded
me that such celebrations of women and the AWM’s work nurturing the progression
of women in media are so crucial to continuing to break barriers in the
industry. I felt thoroughly inspired and motivated to take this advice back to
my own community and that there was hope for the future of women in the field
of journalism. I was exposed to a wealth of career opportunities where
leadership as a woman was not only possible but heartily encouraged and left
with the sentiment of such great admiration for all the tireless work of the
honorees to diversify, innovate, and mentor women in their workplace.
‘Courage is the root of change.’ These words
from Kay Olin, winner of the Legacy Leadership Award, was one of the key
messages which most resonated with me over the course of the event. As
attendees and part of the welcoming and uplifting community provided by the
AWM, we were reminded that we should not be afraid to be bosses of our industry
and that we, as women in media, have a duty to support and guide the
development of future leaders. I am very grateful to have received the GNI
Fellowship to attend the Gracies Leadership Awards and know that the lessons I
learnt from the inspiring honorees will stay with me throughout my future
endeavors in journalism.
Marine Saint is a recipient of the 2023 Google News Initiative Student Fellowship. She is a Journalism student at Columbia University, and we look forward to seeing how she continues to shape the world of media in the future.
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.
The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) is pleased to announce that the deadline to submit entries for the 49th Annual Gracie Awards has been extended through January 25, 2024 (11:59 pm ET). The regular deadline, with no additional fee, is January 18, 2024 (11:59 pm ET). The Gracie Awards, presented by AWMF, has recognized programming and individual achievement by women across all media for nearly five decades. Submissions from television, streaming, radio, audio, and digital media are encouraged. A full list of the categories, including new categories for 2024 can be found here.
“It
has undoubtedly been a unique year in our industry, and the dedication to
continue producing outstanding content by, for, and about women is something to
be celebrated,” Top of Formsays Becky Brooks, AWMF president.
The
Gracie Awards are also honored to have the leadership of Ms. Heather Cohen, President,
The Weiss Agency; Annie Howell, Chief Communications Officer, Hallmark Media;
and Mike McVay, President, McVay Media Consulting as Gracies Co-Chairs and Mr.
Vicangelo Bulluck serving as Executive Producer.
The
Gracie Awards Gala will be May 21 at the iconic Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire
hotel and the Gracie Awards Luncheon will be held on June 18 at Cipriani 42nd
Street, New York.
The 2024 Gracie Awards entry eligibility air dates are from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023. Entry details, including pricing and updated categories, can be viewed at https://allwomeninmedia.org/gracies/call-for-entries/.
# # #
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 on X (@AllWomeninMedia), (#TheGracies), Instagram (@allwomeninmedia) and Facebook, and LinkedIn.
2023 has proven that the only thing predictable in the world of media is the unpredictability. As I look back at previous year’s Year in Review– that’s been a theme many times and held true again. There have been ups and downs, advertising uncertainty, volatility in the market – all the while holding onto hope of possibilities for a stable 24.
The SAG-AFTRA
and WGA strikes gave the public a glimpse into the world of media. While
late-night television was dark, news was on, which created curiosity and
confusion for the public but opportunity to better understand how partnerships
work. One of many key topics was muddling through how to “work with AI” while
the pace of use and implementation was accelerating. Other industries will have
the gift of hindsight to view what our industry did as a case study.
While
every facet of media has been touched by emotional swings in 2023, that are
sure to continue in 2024, what holds true is resiliency of our people. Talent
in front of and behind the camera and microphones are consistently telling the
stories – for entertainment when we need a break, news when we need to
understand.
AWM has been celebrating these storytellers for nearly fifty years. This year, we added a record number of members, created two new programs including our Member Networks and AWM Coaching all while continuing to host our Gracie Interview Series, offering ongoing education through webinars and an exclusive panel on “Turn Job Loss into Career Advancement”. At a time when females behind the camera and microphone had a lack of recognition, we produced a Directors Tribute at the Gracie Awards. Take a few minutes to watch seeing the impact women have had for years on storytelling.
I am
still in awe of the bravery it took for a group of women, who were part of NAB
(National Association of Broadcasters), to sign AWM into existence more than 70
years ago and then creating an awards program to celebrate the programming and individual talent
created by, for and about women. Therefore,
despite a year of unpredictability for AWM, the mission of advancing
women in media continued.
The AWM leadership – including the boards of directors for our association and foundation are unmatched. Their tireless efforts to grow AWM are having an impact for the future of women in media. We ask you to join, donate and engage – stay connected as we head into another year with unpredictability being very predictable.
I’m
looking forward to recharging my battery over the holidays with my family. With
two active teenagers at home, as so many can
appreciate, integrating work into time with our kids is fulfilling and
exhausting. I’m a better mom and steward
to AWM with organized chaos but looking forward to watching/listening
to all the highlights from television, streaming, radio and audio I’ve missed!
Cheers
to a fabulous 24!
As we say at the close of our events Good night, Gracie! Becky Brooks (Proudly) President, AWM & Foundation
As the year draws to a close, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF), the philanthropic arm of the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM), is reaching out to its community to rally behind the mission of advancing women in media through educational programs and scholarships. AWMF is gearing up for the season of giving and Giving Tuesday on November 28, urging contributions to sustain the Foundation’s impactful initiatives.
How
You Can Support:
Make a Donation: Visit https://allwomeninmedia.org/foundation/make-a-donation/ to make a tax-deductible donation. Your contribution will directly impact the lives of women in media through scholarships, educational programs and giving scholarships for Gracie Award Entries.
Spread the Message: Use your voice on social media to spread awareness about AWMF’s mission. Share personal stories, experiences, and the impact of supporting women in media using the hashtags #AWMFGivingTuesday and #GivingTuesday.
Partner with AWMF: Partner with AWMF to amplify the impact of your commitment to advancing women in media. Visit Sponsorship — (allwomeninmedia.org), to learn more.
Celebrating Past Scholarships: AWMF takes pride in its scholarship programs, which support students pursuing careers in media and journalism. These scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also open doors for young women to reach their full potential in the media industry. In 2023 alone, the AWMF provided The AWMF and Podcast Movement Scholarship, AWMF Scholarship in Honor of Barbara Walters,The AWMF & NCTA Scholarship and The ESPN Scholarship.
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.
###
For media inquiries or additional information about The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, please contact:
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, Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. For more information visit www.allwomeninmedia.org/gracies.
The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) is proud to announce
a new partnership with the International Coaching Federation Foundation (ICF).
This collaboration will provide AWM members with the unique opportunity to
access professional coaching at an exclusive discounted rate.
Program Overview: Through the AWM Coaching program, participants will be paired with a credentialed coach, holding the titles of Associate (ACC), Professional (PCC), or Master Certified Coaches (MCC). These ICF Credential-holders have completed rigorous education and practice requirements, emphasizing their commitment to excellence in coaching. Participants in the AWM Coaching program can anticipate a series of six to ten coaching sessions with their individual ICF Coach, ensuring a productive and tailored coaching experience. The schedule and goals for these coaching sessions will be established between the coach and participant.
Information Session: Discover the tremendous value of ICF professional coaching by joining on November 30 at 2 pm ET for an informational webinar. Register for the event here.
Application Deadline: To
take advantage of this exceptional member benefit, submit your application for
the AWM Coaching program by the application deadline of 5 pm ET on December
8, 2023.
Why AWM Coaching: To continue the Alliance for Women in Media’s mission of over 70 years advancing women in media, AWM Coaching serves to provide its membership the benefit of boosting their personal and professional growth in the media industry through the transformative power of professional coaching.
October 12, 2023 – The Gracie Awards, presented by the
Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF), is proud to open the call for
entries for the 49th Annual Gracie Awards.
“For
nearly five decades, The Gracie Awards have illuminated the trailblazing work
of women in media and stand as a tribute to exceptional content produced by,
for, and about women and we look forward to celebrating and honoring those who continue
to shape the landscape of news and entertainment,” affirms Becky Brooks,
President of AWMF. “As our primary annual fundraising event, the Gracies
empower the Foundation to fulfill its mission of advancing women in media
through scholarships and programming.
The 49th Annual
Gracie Awards will once again shine a spotlight on exceptional talent across
various media categories, including radio, television, streaming, and podcasting,
from creatives, including writers, broadcast journalists and actors, to
technical categories, including producers, directors and showrunners. Entries
are invited from media professionals, networks, and organizations, showcasing
their dedication to advancing the portrayal and representation of women’s
voices in media content.
Once again
taking on the roles of co-chairs for the 2024 Gracie Awards are Heather Cohen,
Executive Vice President at The Weiss Agency, Annie Howell, Chief Communications
Officer at Hallmark Media, and Mike McVay, President of McVay Media Consulting.
Vicangelo Bulluck, an Emmy Award-winning industry veteran with extensive
experience in awards production, has been at the helm of the Gracie Awards
since 2016 and will continue to serve as the producer for the 2024 Gracie
Awards.
Key Information for Submissions:
Eligibility Air Dates Period: January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023.
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 Alliance for Women in Media Foundation 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, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. For more information about the Gracie Awards and to submit your entries, please visit www.allwomeninmedia.org/gracies.
About The
Gracie Awards
The Gracies 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 and follow on Twitter (@AllWomeninMedia), (#TheGracies), Instagram (@allwomeninmedia) and Facebook.
[September 6, 2023] On Thursday, September 7 the
Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) will release the latest Gracie Interview
Series with Lemonada Media’s founders, Jessica Cordova Kramer and Stephanie
Wittels Wachs, in conversation with Heather Cohen, immediate Past Chair, AWM Foundation,
Executive Vice President, Weiss Agency.
Lemonada Media is an award-winning podcast network known for its
thought-provoking and socially impactful content. In this insightful
conversation, Lemonada’s founders discuss their journey, their commitment to
storytelling, and their dedication to amplifying diverse voices within the
media landscape. As part of AWM’s ongoing mission to empower and celebrate
women in media, this interview provides a unique opportunity to delve into the
minds behind Lemonada Media, a company known for its commitment to
authenticity, inclusivity and “making life suck less.”
Furthermore, Lemonada Media has gained recognition for its compelling
podcasts, which tackle critical social issues, foster meaningful conversations,
and explore a wide range of topics, from mental health, women’s issues to
racial justice and more.
In this engaging interview, Lemonada’s founders share:
The inspiration behind Lemonada Media and its commitment to creating content that matters.
Their experiences navigating the ever-evolving podcasting industry.
Insights into the importance of diversity and inclusion in media.
Upcoming projects and initiatives aimed at promoting underrepresented voices.
The interview with Lemonada Media’s founders will be available on the Alliance for Women in Media’s website on September 7. AWM members are encouraged to tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of podcasting and media entrepreneurship.
###
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.
