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WTWH Media's Remarkable Achievement at the Jesse H. Neal Awards

On April 23, 2026, WTWH Media proudly announced that its publications, QSR Magazine and FSR Magazine, won the prestigious Jesse H. Neal Award for Best DEI Coverage. This honor recognizes exemplary editorial work that elevates discussions about leadership, equity, and inclusion, specifically highlighting the Women's Leadership in the Restaurant (WiRL) initiative.

The Significance of the Award

The Jesse H. Neal Awards, presented by the Software & Information Industry Association, are among the most covetable accolades in business journalism. Winning in the Best DEI Coverage category, aimed at media brands with revenues between $3 million and $7 million, underscores the pivotal role that QSR and FSR play in championing women's experiences and leadership in the dynamic foodservice industry.

Satyne Doner, the Brand Manager of WiRL, stated, "From its inception, WiRL has aimed not only to showcase women in the restaurant world but to uplift, educate, and empower them. This special issue is a testament to that aspiration. Our objective was to celebrate their vital contributions, showcasing stories that go beyond mere headlines. Each page reflects the struggles, triumphs, and ambitious visions of these remarkable women in the field.”

Celebrating Women in Leadership

The Women in Restaurant Leadership issues feature the voices of various influential women and highlight emerging leaders, thereby addressing the challenges and opportunities present in creating inclusive leadership paths within the industry. Shannon Hennessy and Nichole Robillard serve as central figures in the narrative, but it's the genuine stories of operators, leaders, and innovators that exemplify the depth and breadth of female leadership in food service.

Matt Waddell, Senior Vice President of Sales Strategy, emphasized, "Winning the Neal Award is a tremendous accolade for everyone involved with QSR and FSR. Our Women in Restaurant Leadership editions were designed to shine a spotlight on those individuals and perspectives driving progress in this sector. We’re thrilled to see our dedication recognized with this esteemed honor in B2B journalism."

Content That Drives Change

This award reflects WTWH Media's enduring commitment to delivering editorial content that not only informs but also inspires and connects various audiences within the industry. The Women in Restaurant Leadership editions have become instrumental in promoting discussions about progression, barriers, and representation in the sector. WTWH Media continues to foster essential dialogues regarding equity and advancement through platforms such as WiRL.

Alongside the DEI coverage, WiRL is known for its annual WiRL Together Summit, which is scheduled for February 6–9, 2027, in Scottsdale, Arizona. This summit serves as a focal point for advancing discussions about women's roles in the food service landscape and aims to create a spaces where women can network, learn, and empower one another. Additionally, WiRL engages its audience year-round through weekly and daily content, webinars, podcasts, and a vibrant social media presence, fostering an inclusive community via initiatives like the WiRL Power Hours.

WTWH Media itself stands as a distinguished digital-first B2B media and marketing firm catering to seven critical industry sectors, including design engineering and food service. Their focus on delivering valuable content for targeted audiences has made them an influential force in the realm of business media.

For further insights and future updates from WTWH Media, interested audiences can explore their offerings at www.wtwhmedia.com.