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