Celebrating Women's Leadership: AWM's Gracies Leadership Awards Honor Eight Pioneers

AWM's Gracies Leadership Awards: Honoring Inspiration and Achievement

On November 18, 2025, the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) hosted the prestigious Gracies Leadership Awards at Tribeca 360° in New York City. This event was a tribute to eight remarkable female leaders who are making significant strides in the media landscape, showcasing their vision, leadership, and achievements that inspire many.

The awards ceremony was not just a celebration but a powerful gathering that underscored the relentless drive of women in media. The event included a captivating fireside chat featuring Katie Couric, a respected media icon and co-founder of Katie Couric Media. The discussion, moderated by NBC’s TODAY co-anchor Sheinelle Jones, brought forth Couric’s journey in the media industry—sharing insights from her early days to her advocacy for cancer research and her resilient approach to the evolving media landscape.

Couric highlighted the importance of support systems, saying, "If you don't have someone who is your mentor, saying that they really believe in you, you have to believe in yourself…and I did that time and time again in the early stages of my career.” This sentiment encapsulated the spirit of the event—encouraging women to uplift one another.

Honorees' Inspiring Acceptance Speeches

The honorees took to the stage, each expressing gratitude and sharing thoughts that resonated deeply with the audience. Michelle Duke, a recipient of the AWM Legacy Leadership Award and President of the NAB Leadership Foundation, remarked on the legacy of women present, saying, "When I look around this room — a room full of brilliant, determined, compassionate women — I see legacy everywhere. Legacies already formed. Legacies still becoming. Legacies just beginning to bloom."

Rita Ferro, President of Global Advertising at The Walt Disney Company, reflected on collective achievements, stating, "Today is not just about our individual achievement, but it's about the collective power of all the women in this room shaping the media and entertainment industry."

Jenna Weiss-Berman, who leads Audio Podcasts at Paper Kite Productions, brought laughter as she reflected on her unexpected career path and the influential women who guided her along the way. She emphasized that every chance she took contributed to her current success.

Connie Orlando, Executive Vice President at BET Networks, acknowledged the supportive community within AWM, sharing, "This is not a solo act, it's me standing on the shoulders of the women who came before me, and me trying every day to hold the ladder steady for the phenomenal women coming up behind me."

Alissa Pollack, Executive Vice President at iHeartMedia, declared her honor as a reflection of her community, stating, "This honor isn't mine alone—it reflects the incredible community of women and colleagues who have supported, inspired, and strengthened me throughout my career."

Valari Dobson Staab, Chairman of NBCUniversal Local, reiterated the importance of mentorship in leadership roles, highlighting how sharing experiences can empower the next generation.

Martha Benyam, COO of Kino Lorber, poignantly shared her story as a first-generation American, explaining how stories in film and TV shaped her identity, emphasizing the need for representation.

Becky Brooks, President of AWM, closed the acceptance speeches by calling attention to the next generation of media leaders, stating, “As we look ahead to our 75th anniversary next year, our mission remains clear—to amplify women's voices, elevate their impact, and ensure their stories continue to inspire.”

Katina Arnold, Chair of the AWM Board of Directors, announced the opening of entries for the AWM Foundation's largest annual fundraiser, the upcoming 51st Gracie Awards. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging every role in storytelling, from journalists to directors, highlighting the collective impact of women's voices in media.

In conclusion, the Gracies Leadership Awards remain a vital celebration of women's contributions in media, encouraging future generations to excel. Supported by various sponsors, including The Walt Disney Company and others, AWM continues its mission to enhance the visibility and influence of women in the media landscape, ensuring that their narratives resonate and inspire others.