Juju Chang to Host 50th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon in NYC

Celebrating Excellence: Juju Chang to Host the 50th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) has announced that the talented Juju Chang will officially host the 50th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon. Scheduled for June 18th, 2025, in the heart of New York City, this prestigious event aims to honor local and student media professionals whose contributions embody the spirit of the Gracies.

Juju Chang, known for her role as a co-anchor on ABC News' "Nightline", brings decades of genuine dedication and passion for journalism to the Gracie stage. With a repertoire that covers a wide range of compelling topics—from the opioid crisis to the alarming rise in hate crimes against the AAPI community—Chang has proven time and again her ability to connect with audiences through powerful storytelling. Throughout her illustrious career, her work has not only garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy and Gracie awards, but has also sparked important conversations around critical social issues.

Becky Brooks, President of the AWM Foundation, expressed excitement at having Chang as the host for this significant milestone. "Her commitment to elevating voices and sharing stories with empathy and clarity embodies the very mission of the Gracies. Juju's presence at this milestone event will be a powerful tribute to the next generation of women in media." With such high praise, it is clear that Juju Chang is not just a host but a champion of women's voices in the field of journalism.

Born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in Northern California, Chang’s journey is a testament to hard work and determination. After graduating with honors from Stanford University, she began her career at ABC News, quickly rising through the ranks. She has made impactful appearances not just on “Nightline”, but also on “Good Morning America” and “20/20”. Furthermore, Chang is a dedicated advocate for her community, co-founding the Korean American Community Foundation and receiving accolades such as the Justice in Action Award from the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund.

The Gracie Awards, which are presented by the AWMF annually, recognize outstanding individual achievements and programming created by, for, and about women. The Luncheon in New York City specifically aims to spotlight the talent of local and student creators, complementing a national awards gala previously held in Beverly Hills. This dual approach exemplifies the foundation's commitment to recognizing women's contributions at both local and national levels.

In addition to the awards, the Luncheon program will feature the Make Her Mark Scholarship—a significant initiative designed to support women pursuing careers in media. This scholarship, created in partnership with Hallmark Media, will be presented to Raha Amirfazli, a master’s student in Film and TV Production at New York University. Ashley Williams, a Hallmark actor and founder of the Make Her Mark initiative, will have the honor of presenting the scholarship during the Luncheon.

As the event approaches, attendees can look forward to an exciting lineup of presenters, including well-known figures from various media outlets. The presence of personalities such as Arielle Chambers (ESPN), Boomer Esiason (WFAN), Medha Gandhi (iHeartMedia), Erica Hill (CNN), and Vicky Nguyen (NBC News) promises to add yet another layer of excitement and inspiration to the event.

Sponsors for the Luncheon include prominent names like ABC News, CBS News, Disney Entertainment, and ESPN, highlighting the robust support for initiatives that celebrate women's achievements in media.

For those interested in attending, tickets can be purchased through the AWMF website. The Gracie Awards continue to serve as a vital fundraising platform, promoting educational programs and scholarships that empower women in the media.

As we prepare to honor the achievements of women in media, it is essential to acknowledge the vital work being done by organizations like the AWMF, which strive to give visibility to women's contributions in all facets of media and entertainment. Visit www.allwomeninmedia.org for more details on the Gracie Awards and how to support this worthy cause.

The time to celebrate the past while looking forward to the future of women in media is now – and with Juju Chang at the helm, this year’s Gracie Awards Luncheon is bound to be a memorable occasion filled with inspiration and recognition.