Hannah Storm to Receive Gracies Icon Award for Impact in Media and Sports

Celebrating Hannah Storm and Her Remarkable Journey in Sports Media

The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) has announced that award-winning journalist, television host, producer, and director Hannah Storm is set to receive the prestigious Gracies Icon Award at the Gracies Leadership Awards. The ceremony will take place on November 16 at Tribeca 360° in New York City.

For over thirty years, Hannah Storm has made significant contributions to sports television, establishing her as an influential figure in the industry. Since joining ESPN in 2008 as a SportsCenter anchor, her presence has been felt across various prominent programs including NFL Live, NBA Today, and WNBA Countdown. Storm has also played a vital role in covering major events such as Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, the NBA Finals, and the Rose Parade on ABC.

As observed by Becky Brooks, the President of AWM/F, "Hannah Storm has set a standard for journalistic excellence while helping redefine what leadership looks like in sports media." Storm's groundbreaking career has earned her the trust and admiration of audiences, while also paving the way for generations of women aspiring to enter the media field. Her commitment to mentorship ensures that her influence continues, inspiring aspiring journalists to reach for new possibilities.

Behind the scenes, Hannah Storm has also left her mark as a producer and director with her company, Brainstormin' Productions, which she founded in 2008. She has created acclaimed projects such as Unmatched for ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Over her career, Storm has garnered multiple Gracie Awards and was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle in 2026, alongside receiving the esteemed Pat Summerall Award in 2025.

The Gracies Icon Award honors trailblazing women in media whose contributions have reshaped the industry and opened doors for others. Storm is recognized not only for her professional achievements but also for her dedication to empowering women in the media through mentorship programs and internship opportunities.

Additionally, the Gracies Leadership Awards will celebrate several other distinguished honorees, including Zenia Mucha, Chief Brand Communications Officer at TikTok, who will receive the inaugural Gracies Vanguard Award, and Kristen Welch, Chief Financial and Operations Officer at Illustrative Mathematics, who will be honored with the AWM Legacy Leadership Award.

The Gracies Leadership Awards seek to highlight women whose work and leadership significantly influence the media landscape today, inspiring the next generation of female leaders. Proceeds from the event will support the AWM Foundation's efforts to advance women in media through scholarships, mentorship, and professional development.

In conjunction with the awards ceremony, the luncheon will welcome AWM Foundation Student Fellows and the 2026 AWM Foundation/NCTA Scholarship recipient, creating a bridge between the emerging talent and the established women leaders of the industry.

The AWM is grateful for the support of their sponsors, including TikTok as the Presenting Sponsor and Disney as the Premium Sponsor, as well as Hallmark Media and NBCUniversal, all of whom contribute to making this celebration a success.

For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, visit AWM's website and read more about the alliance and their commitment to fostering growth among women in various media roles.

The Alliance for Women in Media, established in 1951, plays a vital role in connecting, recognizing, and educating women across the media sector, striving for a more inclusive and innovative industry.

Hannah Storm’s recognition with the Gracies Icon Award symbolizes not just her individual achievements but serves as a beacon of inspiration for all women in media, underscoring the importance of leadership, mentorship, and the pursuit of excellence in broadcasting.