Breaking Barriers & Building Legacies: Women Honored at Gracies Leadership Awards

NEW YORK, NY – November 18, 2025

The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) hosted its annual Gracies Leadership Awards luncheon today, recognizing eight women for their outstanding leadership and impact on the media industry. The event, held in New York City, celebrated accomplishments ranging from pioneering journalism to innovative content creation and strategic business leadership. Katie Couric received the Icon Award, acknowledging a career dedicated to breaking barriers and shaping the news landscape.

A Legacy of Leadership

Founded in 1951, the AWM has long been a champion for women in media. The Gracies Awards, named after comedian Gracie Allen, have evolved alongside the industry, reflecting the changing faces and voices that define storytelling today. This year’s awards underscored not only the successes of these women but also the continuing need for advocacy and mentorship within a historically male-dominated field. The organization’s commitment is increasingly vital in a media world wrestling with inclusivity and representation.

“The Gracies aren’t just about celebrating past accomplishments,” one attendee commented. “They're about inspiring the next generation and creating a space where women can support and uplift one another.” This year's event saw strong support from sponsors including The Walt Disney Company, BET, and NBCUniversal, demonstrating a commitment to empowering women across all sectors of the media landscape. The AWM is also gearing up for a year-long celebration of its 75th anniversary, with plans to expand programming and outreach initiatives.

Honorees Paving the Way

Katie Couric's Icon Award recognized a career spanning decades, marked by groundbreaking work as a network news anchor and a commitment to impactful storytelling. During a fireside chat moderated by Sheinelle Jones, Couric reflected on the challenges she faced early in her career and the importance of perseverance. “It wasn't always easy being a woman in the newsroom,” she shared. “But I was determined to make my voice heard.”

Beyond Couric, the honorees represented a diverse range of expertise and accomplishment. Michelle Duke, recognized with the AWM Legacy Leadership Award, has been instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion within the broadcasting industry. Other honorees included Martha Benyam, COO of Kino Lorber, a leader in independent film distribution; Rita Ferro, President of Global Advertising at The Walt Disney Company; Connie Orlando, EVP at BET Networks; Alissa Pollack, EVP at iHeartMedia; Valari Dobson Staab, Chairman of NBCUniversal Local; and Jenna Weiss-Berman, Head of Audio & Podcasts at Paper Kite Productions.

“This year’s group of honorees is truly remarkable,” said one industry analyst. “They’re not just successful in their own right, but they’re also creating opportunities for other women to thrive.” The recognition of leaders in emerging fields like podcasting (Weiss-Berman) highlights the evolving media landscape and the growing importance of audio content.

The Shifting Landscape & Ongoing Challenges

While progress has been made in increasing female representation in media leadership, significant disparities remain. Recent reports indicate that women still account for a minority of senior editorial roles in major news organizations, despite gains at the reporting level. Moreover, a lack of diversity persists in terms of race, ethnicity, and other underrepresented groups. The USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative reports have highlighted some success in female leads in film, but there is work to be done with inclusivity beyond gender.

“We’ve seen some positive changes, but there’s still a long way to go,” one attendee commented. “It’s not enough to just have women in leadership positions. We need to ensure that they have the resources and support they need to succeed.” The event served as a reminder of the ongoing need for mentorship, advocacy, and a commitment to creating a more inclusive media landscape.

Furthermore, the rise of social media and digital platforms has created both opportunities and challenges for women in media. While these platforms have empowered diverse voices and allowed for greater accessibility, they have also created new forms of harassment and discrimination. This highlights the need for greater accountability and a commitment to creating safe and respectful online spaces.

The recognition of leaders in audio and podcasting also reflects the shifting landscape and the growing importance of these platforms. As audiences increasingly turn to audio content, it's crucial to ensure that women have a seat at the table and are able to shape the conversation. The AWM and similar organizations play a vital role in fostering these opportunities and amplifying female voices in emerging media formats.