#USA #New York #Women in Media #Gracies Awards #AWM

The 2026 Gracies Leadership Awards: Celebrating Women in Media

On November 16, 2026, the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) will host the prestigious Gracies Leadership Awards at Tribeca 360° in New York City. This annual ceremony is dedicated to honoring women who have made significant contributions to the media landscape through their leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence.

Honorees Unveiled

The AWM is excited to announce the trailblazers who will be recognized this year. The inaugural Gracies Vanguard Award will go to Zenia Mucha, the Chief Brand and Communications Officer at TikTok. This award is designed to highlight individuals who utilize their foresight to shape the future of media, and Mucha is a perfect choice. Her remarkable career demonstrates how strategic thinking and storytelling can foster transformation and leave a lasting legacy in the industry.

In addition, Kristen Welch, the Chief Financial and Operations Officer at Illustrative Mathematics, will receive the AWM Legacy Leadership Award. Welch's unwavering support for the AWM and her commitment to advancing women in media truly exemplify the core values of this organization.

Other notable leaders being honored include:

• - Marilu Galvez, General Manager of ABC7/WABC-TV
• - Tina Perry, President of OWN TV Network OTT Streaming
• - Julie Talbott, President of Premiere Networks
• - Erin Underhill, President of Universal Television

Impacting the Future of Media

Becky Brooks, President of AWM, stated, "The women we honor through the Gracies Leadership Awards have not only achieved extraordinary success in their own careers, but they have also helped shape the future of media through their vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence." This year's celebration not only acknowledges the past achievements of these leaders but also inspires future generations.

AWM has been at the forefront of advocating for women in media for 75 years. The Gracies Leadership Awards serve as a platform to recognize and celebrate the transformative efforts of women who continue to innovate and create opportunities for others in the industry.

A Spotlight on the Next Generation

The event will also feature the AWM Foundation Student Fellowships, which gives aspiring female media professionals the chance to connect with industry leaders. Applications for the fellowships open on September 29 and close on October 16. These fellowship opportunities underscore AWM’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of women in media.

Also, at the luncheon, the recipient of the 2026 AWM Foundation/NCTA – The Internet Television Association Student Scholarship will be recognized. Applications for this scholarship are currently open until September 25.

A Legacy of Empowerment

The Alliance for Women in Media not only connects, recognizes, and educates women across the media industry but also engages in collaborative efforts to foster innovation and professional growth. Established in 1951 as American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT), AWM has evolved into the longest-standing professional association aimed at empowering women in media.

As we look forward to the Gracies Leadership Awards, it is essential to celebrate the accomplishments of these remarkable women and the positive change they bring to the industry. For more details about the event and the incredible honorees, visit allwomeninmedia.org/events/gracies-leadership-award.