AWM Honors Female Leaders at Gracies Leadership Awards

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Alliance for Women in Media Honorees (see story bottom)

The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) recognized the achievements of eight pioneering leaders at the annual Gracies Leadership Awards, held Tuesday at Tribeca 360° in New York City. The event highlighted these women's outstanding contributions to broadcasting, journalism, digital media, and beyond, celebrating their leadership and dedication to excellence.

The luncheon featured a fireside chat with Andrea Mitchell, recipient of the Gracies Icon Award. Mitchell, NBC News' Chief Washington Correspondent and Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent, shared insights from her decades-long career in journalism with Libby Leist, Executive Vice President of TODAY and Lifestyle. Their discussion emphasized the importance of amplifying women's voices in media, mentorship, and the power of investigative storytelling backed by thorough research and fact-checking.

The award recipients shared inspiring messages reflecting on their journeys and the broader mission of empowering women in media:

• Sylvia Strobel, President & CEO of Twin Cities PBS and AWM Legacy Leadership Award recipient, remarked, "This recognition is not just a personal honor; it represents a collective effort of countless women who've paved the way for us in this industry."

• Holly Tang, CFO of NBCUniversal Entertainment, expressed gratitude and highlighted the importance of mentorship, saying, "I am a product of a women-supporting-women philosophy... influential women have gone above and beyond in supporting me."

• Jennifer Leimgruber, EVP Entertainment Programming at Premiere/iHeartMedia, urged attendees to mentor younger women, stating, "If we all continue to use our positions to champion younger women within our organizations, the representation of women in the future will be changed forever."

• Deborah Parenti, President & Publisher of Streamline Media, emphasized the value of passion and using one's voice: "Find your passion and pursue it... Use your voice and encourage others to do the same."

• Jen Sargent, CEO of Wondery, celebrated the AWM's mission, saying, "Ensuring that women's voices are heard, valued, and celebrated across every platform is an honor to be a part of."

• Sylvia Bugg, Chief Programming Executive & GM at PBS, shared wisdom from her parents: "You're judged by the company you keep... and there's beautiful company in this space."

• Sonia Coleman, EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer at The Walt Disney Company, acknowledged the award by video, thanking AWM leaders who have mentored women globally.

AWM President Becky Brooks reaffirmed the organization's commitment to fostering the next generation of women in media: "While we know there is still much work to be done, those of you in this room are paving the way for the future."

AWM Board Chair Katina Arnold, VP of Corporate Communications at ESPN, highlighted the significance of the Gracie Awards as the organization's largest fundraiser. She noted, "As we approach the milestone 50th anniversary of the Gracie Awards in 2025, we are reminded of the importance of honoring and uplifting women in media."

As part of the event, the AWM Foundation launched an auction to fund initiatives connecting students and supporting emerging women leaders in media. Bidding is now open.

Honoree Photo (L-R):

Sylvia Strobel, AWM Legacy Leadership Award recipient and President & CEO, Twin Cities PBS
Holly Tang, CFO, NBCUniversal Entertainment
Jen Sargent, CEO, Wondery
Andrea Mitchell, recipient of the Gracies Icon Award- NBC News' Chief Washington Correspondent and Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent and Host of MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Reports
Deborah Parenti, President & Publisher, Streamline Media
Jennifer Leimgruber, EVP Entertainment Programming, Premiere/iHeartMedia
Sylvia Bugg, Chief Programming Officer & GM, PBS