Events

Gracies Leadership Awards Student Fellowship Reflections

Eight university students were selected to be Student Fellows and attend the 2025 Gracies Leadership Awards in New York City on November 18th. Below are the reflections submitted by the students on their experiences at this prestigious event.

---

Rebecca Hempleman, West Virginia University

The attendees of the awards ceremony included everyone from journalists like me to podcast and radio hosts like Jenna Weiss-Berman, who was one of the honorees that stood out to me the most. Similar to her, I did not envision myself with a career in media when I first entered college. I was a pre-nursing major in my freshman year and quickly realized that that was not the right fit for me. I took some time to figure out what I really wanted to do and landed on journalism. I was nervous at first given I had such a rigid idea of what I expected my future to look like, only to have to pivot later on. But over the years, and as I have become more involved in journalism, I have truly come to love it. Weiss-Berman’s speech stuck out to me because it reminded me of my own unconventional path to my career. Her speech discussed her hesitancy to follow a career in media and instead wanting to pursue something she considered more stable. Eventually, she decided to follow what would be most fulfilling and went on to become the co-founder of Pineapple Street Media, a podcast production company. Listening to her speech made me think about the path I took to journalism and how I, similarly, initially wanted a career in a completely different field only to find a home in media. It was very inspiring to hear how many opportunities are open to you even if you don’t feel confident or attached to your current field.

Another standout of the ceremony, for me, was the Fireside Chat with Katie Couric. Not only did she discuss how the world of media and journalism has changed throughout her career, but also how important it is for journalists to stand up to those in power and look out for underrepresented groups. I have always felt that the most important thing you can do as a journalist is report on the stories that no one else is willing or wants to report on, and that is how I felt watching Couric’s interview with Sheinelle Jones. The two women discussed how they have done this throughout their careers, such as Couric’s reporting on colon cancer as a result of her late husband being diagnosed or her interview with Sarah Palin during the 2008 presidential election, which she said was one of the interviews she was most proud of during her career. This gave me a strong appreciation for real, impactful journalism because it shows that journalists can shine a light on certain issues that no one else is seeing, or make people think about the issues that are important to them and act on it.

This segment of the ceremony also made me think about how important it is to have this kind of representation in media, and journalism specifically. As mentioned, I truly believe that the best kinds of journalists are those that seek out overlooked issues and look after those who are disenfranchised, and I believe you can only do that when you have a diverse newsroom that knows what those issues are and how best to serve those groups. This is why events like this are so important, especially now when not only are so many of these groups being targeted but Journalism itself is being challenged and silenced. It all affirmed in my belief how important journalism is for people; to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

I am grateful that this opportunity gave me a chance to connect with them and see how we are all making our way in the world of media, whether it be print and web, videography and photography, or hoping to run a major media company. It made me see the variety of ways media is growing and shaping our world, and how investing in and connecting with the next generation of media professionals can set us all up for success.

---

Layla Hyatt, Auburn University

My name is Layla Hyatt and I am a sophomore at Auburn University, double majoring in Journalism and English Professional and Public Writing. Attending the 2025 Gracie’s Leadership Awards was an incredible honor and a wonderful introduction to so many brilliant women in the media industry. As I left the experience, I was motivated to jumpstart my own career, as well as those of other women.

At the awards, esteemed journalist Katie Couric gave a fireside chat with Sheinelle Jones. Initially, I thought that the discussion would simply motivate me to move forward in my written work as an upcoming journalist. Instead, the impact ran much deeper.

Katie Couric’s career as a journalist has not been solely limited to reporting. By consistently proving herself in the media industry, she has been able to follow her passion projects, including documentaries such as Under the Gun and Gender Revolution. Similarly, I have never envisioned my career residing solely in writing news articles. I have floated between writing features and deep dives into cold cases, but always knew that I wanted my writing to help people.

Growing up in a rural town in Alabama, I was surrounded by women who fought tooth and nail for themselves and their family. My maternal grandmother, who crossed oceans to reach America and start a life here. My paternal aunt, who became the first of her siblings to attend and graduate college. My mother, who worked through nursing school while raising me. Each of these women and so many others raised me with the belief that as long as I was willing to work for it, I could succeed in life. Because of them, I was able to push myself academically and be accepted into Auburn.

As I listened to Katie Couric describe the versatility of her work as a journalist, I realized that this was also possible for me. A career in journalism opens doors to all kinds of storytelling, something made evident by all the women from different media fields being celebrated at the Gracie’s. By making meaningful connections with others in the industry, I have the potential to make changes in the world.

My ultimate professional goal is to uplift women and girls in rural areas and encourage them to pursue higher education, especially in media and communication fields. Living in an area where higher education can seem daunting, it is so important to have supportive figures encouraging you to keep pursuing your goals. I hope to one day create an organization that reaches out to female students in rural areas and provides them with mentorship and assistance as they navigate the academic world. This would consist of interview training, networking preparation, and how to advocate for themselves. These are things I did not learn in school and had to teach myself.

Prior to attending the Gracie’s, this goal seemed unattainable. I felt it was out of the depth of an ordinary journalist. After listening to the inspiring speeches from other women who persevered in the media world, I no longer believe there is an ‘ordinary journalist’. Journalism is a form of advocacy. Journalists are meant to share what they have learned with the public and guide them to make their own informed decisions. My goal of supporting rural women is the same at its core. Katie Couric described it best: “I love to learn and I love to share what I’ve learned with other people and help explain this crazy, complicated world we’re in.”

Being honored as a Student Fellow for the Alliance for Women in Media has truly inspired me to pursue my goals as a woman in journalism. I cannot be more grateful for such a touching experience.

---

Shannon Raneri, University of Maryland

Being selected as a student fellow by the Alliance for Women in Media was an incredible opportunity, and I am still at a loss of words to describe how honored I am.

On the day of the Leadership Awards, I awoke with a smile but was nervous. I put on makeup and did my hair, stepped into my dress and slid into my heels. With my new coat and clutch, I was ready to conquer the day.

After arriving, I grabbed my nametag and met with the other student fellows. We clicked instantly, taking pictures and making group chats. To connect with them was incredible as it allowed me to build connections with those who were along the same journey I was.

Witnessing the Leadership Awards firsthand was unforgettable and magical, but there was even more magic after the event when everyone stood for pictures. Meeting Katie Couric before taking our group picture was amazing – she took the time to speak to every single one of us, creating a meaningful connection.

After the pictures, everyone started talking to one another. I decided I wanted to interview some of the women there, so I spoke with Gracie recipient Alissa Pollack and AWM Board Member and Shriver Media president Jaclyn Levin.

Alissa advised the importance of being yourself and to not “worry about fitting in a box.” Jaclyn told me to “always follow your gut and just keep pushing.” There are words I’ll carry with me as I make my way through the industry.

Somewhere in between talking to Alissa and Jaclyn, I made my way over to Sheinelle Jones. I grew up watching the TODAY Show and looked up to her and other journalists on the program even before I wanted to go into journalism.

I waited my turn to speak with Sheinelle and when she was done, she turned to me with a smile and a warm hello. I held out my hand to greet her and she shook it. Before I knew it, I had out my recorder and started asking questions.

All I remember thinking during our interview was how incredible it was to be standing in front of someone whom I’ve admired for so long. Toward the end of our interview, we were talking about success and advice. “It’s gonna work out!” Sheinelle said. I stopped and beamed. “You’re going to be okay.”

I still think about this interview and those five words: “You’re going to be okay.” I did not know how much I needed to hear those words until after they were said, after I stopped recording, after Sheinelle gave me a hug and we said goodbye.

I’ll listen to the interview when I need motivation, or just to remind myself that hard work does pay off and that dreams do come true. It may mean five words to some, but to me? It means everything.

---

Heather Parker, Ball State University

When I walked into the Gracies Leadership Awards luncheon last week, it felt like entering a room filled with fresh experiences. The air had this quiet, excited energy, as though everyone knew they were part of something bigger. Groups of women sat around tables, chatting softly, sharing stories, and greeting each other with warm handshakes. Even from the other side of the room, I could see moments of connection, when someone heard a familiar challenge or dream in another’s voice and felt a little less alone. It wasn’t just about meeting people; it felt like coming together, like individuals who had been moving on similar paths without realizing they were all heading toward the same destination.

There was a shared sense of purpose in the room, woven into the way people listened closely, the way they pulled chairs closer instead of pushing them away. It was an atmosphere that made you sit taller, breathe easier, and find yourself thinking, without really trying, “I want to be part of this story.” Not because it was fancy or exclusive, though the setting was certainly elegant, but because it felt real and heartfelt.

For a moment, before the event even started, I just watched, trying to take in the feel of the room, the quiet warmth, the conversations about teaching, leading, and the messy, beautiful work of being in media. It was uncommon to be in a place where ambition wasn’t about beating others but lifting them up, where success didn’t block the way but created space for others to step forward. That first feeling stayed with me, setting the tone for the whole afternoon. It felt less like attending an event and more like stepping into a living story, one being written together, word by word, by every woman who had decided to show up with courage, confidence, and no apologies.

I didn’t expect to feel so deeply moved by what I experienced. I thought I would just take notes, pick up some professional advice, and maybe remember a few quotes to think about later. But instead, I found myself reflecting on all the young people I’ve helped over the years without even realizing it. There was the freshman photographer who asked me how to handle her first big project, the classmate who nervously shared her first idea, and the younger students who watched us work quietly, trying to imagine what their own futures might look like. Until that moment at the Gracies, I didn’t see those small conversations as part of something bigger. But they are.

What really moved me was the honesty the speakers brought to their achievements. They treated vulnerability not as a weakness, but as a valuable tool. One of them said something that stayed with me long after the applause stopped: “Growth doesn’t happen at the peak of your career; it starts in the moments when you don’t feel sure.” Hearing that from someone who has already reached great success made me stop and think. I often feel the need to act like I’m always confident, always ready. But the idea that not knowing is actually where growth begins opened something in me. It reminded me that the stories that matter include the times when we’re still figuring things out.

Another strong message was about real community, not just networking for work. The women on stage talked about colleagues who had become steady supporters during tough times in their careers and lives. They said that building a successful career means having strong people around you, people who cheer for you loudly and correct you gently. Watching how these leaders worked together, laughed, nodded, and finished each other’s sentences, made me rethink what I mean by professional support. It’s not just about getting things done, it’s about real relationships. It’s about trust that builds slowly when people keep showing up for each other again and again.

Walking out of the event, I felt a sense of the future, both for myself and for the industry. The Gracies reminded me that helping women speak up isn’t something far away or unclear. It happens in places like that room, in the sharing of stories and being honest about challenges, in choosing to lift someone else even when your own path feels uncertain. It happens every time a woman decides her voice deserves to be heard, and every time another woman says, “I’m listening.”

The luncheon made me think about my goals in a new way. Instead of seeing success as something just for me, I’m starting to see it as part of a bigger picture. The stories I share, the people I help, the moments I live through, they all fit together as parts of a bigger story about women shaping media today. The event also made me think beyond just the next task or chance and consider the kind of leader I want to become. I want to be someone who keeps the hallway light on, who makes space for others, who uses her voice not just for herself but for those still finding theirs.

In the end, the Gracies Leadership Awards felt less like a formal ceremony and more like an invitation, like an open door quietly encouraging me to move forward with more purpose. It wasn’t just about speeches or fancy settings; it was a call to act boldly, to lift others on purpose, and to understand that leadership isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being courageous. The event asked me to be brave enough to leave a legacy that includes both my strengths and my doubts, to believe that even my unfinished parts of the story have power, just like the moments when I feel confident and ready.

It made me realize that influence doesn’t always come with big shows or loud cheers. Sometimes, it starts with just one conversation, a small act of kindness, or the choice to show up even when it’s easier to stay away. The women on that stage showed me that real change happens slowly, through the everyday choices we make, through the support we offer others, and through the voices we lift up, even when our own voices feel quiet. As I left the luncheon, I felt a calm but strong sense that I am responsible for the story I tell, not just for myself, but for others who might one day find the courage to follow the path I set. It made me think about what kind of person I want to be as a storyteller, a team player, and a leader in the years to come, and how I can help build a community that grows from shared strength. That’s a story I hope to continue writing, one choice, one risk, one kind gesture at a time. A story that isn’t built on being sure of everything, but on trusting that what we create together will have a lasting impact far beyond the room where this inspiration began.