Eight To Be Honored At Gracies Leadership Awards
• The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) will recognize eight extraordinary leaders whose vision and impact are shaping the future of media and entertainment at the 2025 Gracies Leadership Awards, happening Tuesday, Nov. 18 at Tribeca 360° in New York.
Among this year’s distinguished honorees — award-winning journalist Katie Couric will receive the prestigious Gracies Icon Award, and Michelle Duke, President of the NAB Leadership Foundation and Chief Impact Officer at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), will be honored with the AWM Legacy Leadership Award.
The 2025 Gracies Leadership Awards will also celebrate six additional outstanding executives whose achievements continue to redefine leadership and innovation across the industry: Martha Benyam, COO, Kino Lorber • Rita Ferro, President of Global Advertising, The Walt Disney Company • Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming, Music Strategy and News, BET Networks • Alissa Pollack, EVP, Global Music Marketing and Strategy, iHeartMedia • Valari Dobson Staab, Chairman, NBCUniversal Local • Jenna Weiss-Berman, Head of Audio & Podcasts, Paper Kite Productions.
“Each honoree embodies innovation, leadership, and the profound influence women continue to have across every facet of media,” said Becky Brooks, President of AWM/F. “This year, we are especially proud to present the Gracies Icon Award to Katie Couric, who was the first woman to solo anchor a network evening newscast and has continued to shape the evolving media landscape as founder of Katie Couric Media. Recognizing her, along with Michelle Duke and six additional exceptional leaders, is a powerful reminder of why the Gracies Leadership Awards exist: to celebrate those whose vision and impact are reshaping our industry and inspiring its future.”
The Gracies Leadership Awards will also spotlight the next generation of women in media through the AWM Foundation Student Fellowships, which give female journalism students the opportunity to attend the luncheon and connect with influential industry leaders. Fellowship applications open Sept. 29 and close Oct. 17. The event will also recognize the recipient of the AWM Foundation/NCTA — The Internet & Television Association Student Scholarship, with applications currently open through Sept. 26.
