Hear What Members of the Alliance for Women in Media Have to Say
Why are organizations such as AWM important today?
“Organizations like the Alliance for Women in Media are essential because they drive meaningful change in an industry that shapes how we see the world. Media has an incredible power to influence narratives, and when women’s voices are underrepresented, the story is incomplete. AWM is more than just a network—it’s a force for progress, creating opportunities for women to lead, innovate, and break barriers. It’s about ensuring that women aren’t just part of the conversation but are shaping it. AWM’s work is vital because it equips us with the tools, connections, and support to challenge outdated norms and build a media landscape that truly reflects the diverse world we live in.”
Monica Sarbu, Executive Director
CNN International
“While women are making great strides in our industry, we still aren’t at parity with the number of men in leadership positions and certainly not in ownership. Organizations like the Alliance for Women in Media offer women the opportunity to be recognized for their contributions to the industry and network with other women who are making a difference. AWM and AWM Foundation are also a source of information and industry connections for women who are building toward leadership positions in media.”
Michelle Duke, President, NAB Leadership Foundation
Chief Diversity Officer, NAB
“Now more than ever, it’s important to be a part of a supportive community that motivates and inspires all women. The Alliance for Women in Media is built on strong women that educate and celebrate each other’s accomplishments. The Alliance follows the notion that women can work together and empower women in all areas of their careers, while continuing to make a conscious effort in connecting multi-generations of students, executives, and professionals beyond the media industry.”
Liane Sousa, Associate Director of Affiliate Sales
Compass Media Networks
“AWM gives a voice and a path to career growth and enhancement for women and those who otherwise might not have opportunity to tap into the kind of resources and mentoring that provide such invaluable development. And for more experienced members, it offers “continuing education” in the ever-evolving media world as well as a chance to “pay it forward.”
Deborah Parenti, President/Publisher
Radio Ink and Radio/Television Business Report
“The opportunities to liaison with experienced women engaged in important media work at the highest of levels is unparalleled. From scholarships to mentoring, job opportunities and honors, here’s a group of women and an organization you can count on-even more important today when women continue to be sidelined in the job market and at executive levels. AWM checks all the boxes. Just take a look at the impressive list of the current Gracie award winners, amazing women sharing their stories and talent with the world. A special shout congratulations to Sara Sidner, CNN, for her revealing reporting on her own breast cancer journey. This takes real courage and fearlessness as she candidly shared her cancer journey with the public, helping many others along the way. I think that’s the true spirit of the Gracie Awards, and I like to think “Gracie” would smile approvingly- a real Gracie moment.”
Janet Janjigian, Executive Managing Director
The Carmen Group
Gracie Award Winner
“As a woman in entertainment, I’ve experienced the isolation, frustration, and unfairness that so many of us have faced. But I found a lifeline – a sisterhood that empowered me to be vulnerable, authentic, and unapologetically myself. That lifeline was AWM.”
Radostina Peteva, CEO
The Yellow Giant Studios
What Inspired You to Become an AWM Member:
“As I was progressing in my career in media and getting to a place where I had some juice, I felt that I had a responsibility to other talented women to help them move forward as well. I’d benefitted from that support from other women as I was moving up the ladder, and I wanted to pay it forward.”
Zena Burns, SVP, Content & Special Projects
Futuri
“Growing up after watching a show or listening to the radio, my sister and I would create our own plays and write our own songs. We would host pretend cooking shows and put on elaborate plays. For us, it was seeing women on TV that would spark our imagination where we could see ourselves on television. Jumping forward to present day, I was inspired to become a member for that exact reason. To be a contributor and influencer in this industry, I feel I am helping to unite and spark creativity in our current and future generations.”
Courtney Huber, Vice President, Partner Marketing
Hallmark Media
“I believe that belonging to a women’s organization like AWM can provide a sense of community and connection with other professionals like me with shared interests and values. It can also provide access to a network of valuable professional contacts, resources and opportunities that can help with career advancement. I became a member because I wanted to find a community of women who support each other and who can make an impact. You can learn from other women’s stories, evolve to empower yourself and become better professionals.”
Claudia Uceda, National TV Correspondent
TelevisaUnivision
Gracie Award Winner
“I was lucky enough to get to write and creative direct the 50th Annual Gracie Awards in Beverly Hills, and then the lovely people at AWM invited me to attend the Gracies Luncheon in my hometown of New York City! That delightful event showed me the massive scope of AWM’s work and helped me to understand the vast robustness of the organization’s reach and impact. As a woman in media, I knew I needed to become a member.”
Bex Schwartz, Chief Creativemonger and Owner
Starbex TV
“I was “all in” on the Alliance for Women in Media after attending the June 2019 Gracies Luncheon in New York City. It was an incredible event – the very best of the best being honored for outstanding work by, for and about women. I was impressed by the caliber of presenters, performers AND Gracies recipients. I returned to California with a deep appreciation for AWM – and, I was excited to become a member. Now, as a member, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in rewarding and enriching activities – including virtual Gracie Interview Series and Gracies judging.”
Jennifer Seelig, Director of News and Programming
KCBS Radio Entercom
Gracie Award Winner
“They’re important today because professional groups are one of the best ways to build community and find opportunities as the media industry changes drastically. Learning from other people who are natural storytellers—just like you—can also inspire you to “go for it” creatively, whether it’s launching your long-awaited passion project on the side, and/or pivoting into entrepreneurship.”
Jane Burnett, Freelance Journalist and Digital Host
What is your greatest advice, to women or men, no matter where they are in their career:
“Serving on the AWM/F board has been one of the greatest highlights and joys of my career. AWM/F’s board leads the change still necessary for women in the media industry, and the board members who serve are some of the most experienced, passionate ant thoughtful professionals (and friends) I have ever met in the work world. For those considering service, get to know the AWM/F board, volunteer to judge the Gracies and attend AWM/F events to learn more.”
Sylvia Strobel, President & CEO
Twin Cities PBS
AWM Legacy Leadership Award Recipient
“Know who you are and be you to the fullest. Your voice, your perspective and your story are valued and needed. Study and learn the latest technology and industry plans and changes, be an “early adapter” so you’ll be prepared when an opportunity opens up to you. Show your knowledge and your worth. Don’t be there for the ride, be there to drive the car and bring others with you!”
Christine Nagy, Co-Host Cubby and Christine in the Morning
Lite-FM/iHeartMedia
Gracie Award Winner
“There are a couple of philosophies which I have firmed embraced over the years. The first is to be as authentic as possible! It’s impossible to maintain a persona who you aren’t, and you’ll be much happier and better at what you do when your true self shines through (and it’s infinitely less stressful). The second is to be curious about everything — not only what is in your purview, but about surrounding areas as well. I’m always a little suspect of someone who isn’t at least a little curious about how to be better at their job or how someone else might handle a situation; there’s always some new trick to pick up!”
Valerie Blackburn, Principal
VKB Media Consulting
AWM Legacy Leadership Award Recipient
“Treat everyone you work with kindly. Whether it’s the Morning Show Host or the Receptionist or the Janitor. Learn their names and listen when they tell you how they’re doing. You never know where people’s lives will take them and who they’ll become. My late boss Rick Buckley taught me this first-hand. He knew the names of people in all 7 of our markets, what they did, when they had hard times. Making the business personal was important to him, and I’ve done my best to do the same. ”
Becky Bennett, Vice President, Partner Relations
Cumulus Media | Westwood One
“Take the chance on the whispers in your heart. I tell people all the time that I am a creative stuck in an attorney’s body. In my early 20s, I thought it looked like going to film school. I certainly did not think it would look like practicing law. But I have found that when I get quiet, trust my intuition, and just take that next chance/step, every opportunity I could want (and even some that I did not know I wanted) presents itself.”
Ryanne Saucier, Vice President Legal Affairs
FOX Television Stations, LLC
“To paraphrase Winston Churchill, “never, ever, ever give up “despite who says no to you and tries to discourage you. And when an opportunity comes along you hadn’t planned on, don’t dismiss and walk away from it because it isn’t part of your plan. Someone else clearly sees a fit for you, even if you don’t. That’s what growing and learning is all about- grab it and run with it with grace and gratitude. Never forget, it is your talent, not your job.”
Laura Atkinson, Host/Producer 90.5 WUOL
Louisville Public Media
“Recognize – and revere – your value. And as that value increases with age and/or experience, share it with the next generation looking to you to set the standard.”
Sheila Hayes, Copy Director, Brand
The Washington Post