Alliance for Women in Media Honors Steinem, Richards with Inaugural Gracies Torch Award
Event summary
- Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) held its 51st Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon on June 16, 2026, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
- Amy Richards and Gloria Steinem received the inaugural Gracies Torch Award for their leadership and advocacy in media.
- Rebecca Jarvis of ABC News hosted the event, with presenters including Andrea Canning (NBC News), Crystal Rosas (Z100), Sara Sidner (CNN), and Scott Stanford (1010 WINS).
- The event included the presentation of the 2026 Make Her Mark Scholarship to Hannah Carranza, a Film and Television student at Hofstra University.
- Proceeds from the Gracies Gift & Experience Fundraiser support scholarships, mentorship, and professional development for women in media.
The big picture
The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation's 51st Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon underscores the ongoing push for gender diversity in media, highlighting the strategic importance of mentorship and scholarship programs in shaping the industry's future. With high-profile honorees like Gloria Steinem and Amy Richards, the event reinforces the value of leadership in driving systemic change. The involvement of major media partners suggests a collective commitment to advancing women in the sector, though the long-term impact will depend on sustained investment and measurable outcomes.
What we're watching
- Industry Influence
- How the AWMF's initiatives will impact the representation and advancement of women in media over the next decade.
- Funding Sustainability
- Whether the Gracies Awards can maintain its funding and sponsorship levels to support its educational and mentorship programs.
- Leadership Impact
- The pace at which the recognition of leaders like Steinem and Richards will inspire and elevate the next generation of women in media.