#United States #New York City #Martha Teichner #Gracie Awards #AWM Foundation

A Celebration of Women's Achievements in Media at the 50th Gracie Awards Luncheon

On June 18, 2025, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) celebrated a remarkable milestone at the 50th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon, held at the prestigious Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. The event was hosted by the talented and acclaimed Juju Chang, co-anchor of ABC News' Nightline, who dynamically led the programs alongside an impressive group of presenters from various media platforms.

The Gracie Awards honor outstanding programming and individual achievement by, for, and about women in media, reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to recognize and amplify women’s voices in the industry. Becky Brooks, President of AWMF, opened the event with a statement reflecting on the extraordinary progress celebrated at the Gracie Awards over the years. “This 50th season of the Gracie Awards has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Brooks stated. “From Beverly Hills to New York City, we celebrated the voices, stories, and achievements of women who shape our media landscape in powerful ways. It has been an honor to spotlight both legends and rising talent.”

Throughout the program, various prominent media personalities took turns presenting awards and sharing their insights on the significance of women in journalism and storytelling. Notable presenters included Boomer Esiason from WFAN, Medha Gandhi of iHeartMedia, Vicky Nguyen from NBC News, and many others, all emphasizing the important role that women play in shaping narratives within diverse media structures.

One of the most memorable highlights of the luncheon was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Martha Teichner, a revered CBS Sunday Morning correspondent who has made significant contributions to journalism over her extensive career. Her longtime friend and colleague Jane Pauley introduced Teichner, commemorating their shared history in broadcasting and lauding Teichner’s dedication to elevating the stories of others, stating, “Martha was never in it for the fame—she was driven by the passion to tell meaningful stories.” Teichner accepted the award with grace, sharing reflections of her journey in media, “I see myself as a public servant with a responsibility to the stories I cover and the audiences they reach.”

The luncheon also featured inspiring remarks from the presenters. Vicky Nguyen noted the excitement in presenting student awards, conveying hope for aspiring journalists: “You are the future, and we love to see your incredible dedication and hard work in journalism.” The event also recognized scholarship recipients, embodying the mission of AWMF to support women at every stage of their career. Ashley Williams, founder of Make Her Mark, highlighted the challenges faced by women in media and the importance of providing them with resources to overcome those obstacles.

Furthermore, Katina Arnold, AWMF Board Chair and VP of Corporate Communications at ESPN, kicked off the luncheon with a powerful acknowledgment of the current era of progress. She stated, “Women are telling stories that reflect the depth of our experiences. The ripple effects of your work are real and lasting, especially at a time when authentic voices matter more than ever.” This sentiment resonated throughout the program as each presenter emphasized the need for ongoing support and recognition of women's contributions.

The Gracie Awards Luncheon, known for gathering media luminaries, provided a platform for storytelling, recognition, and dialogue. The awards further reinforced AWMF's commitment to continuing its efforts in promoting women's empowerment in media. As the luncheon concluded, the atmosphere was filled with excitement for the next generation of journalists, invigorated by the gathered achievements and futures inspired by the women who have paved the way.

With sponsors including ABC News, Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and many others, the event not only celebrated the past accomplishments of women in media but also emphasized the critical importance of supporting and mentoring the next wave. For those looking to contribute to the ongoing mission of the AWM Foundation, opportunities for involvement and support, such as bidding on the Gracies Gift Gala Giveaway, were highlighted, ensuring the organization can continue to foster the next generation of talented women in the field.

For more information about the AWM Foundation and the Gracie Awards, please visit allwomeninmedia.org.