AWMF Celebrates 50th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, June 18, 2025 | 2:04pm CT

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) marked a milestone with the 50th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon, held Tuesday in New York City. Hosted by Juju Chang, Emmy-winning co-anchor of ABC News' Nightline, the event celebrated outstanding achievements in media by, for, and about women across local and student radio, television, and digital platforms.

The event featured a roster of distinguished presenters including Boomer Esiason (WFAN), Medha Gandhi (iHeartMedia), Erica Hill (CNN), Vicky Nguyen (NBC News), Jamie Morris (KJOY 98.3), and Jess Sims (ESPN). A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the Gracies Lifetime Achievement Award to longtime CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Martha Teichner, introduced by her colleague and friend, Jane Pauley.

"This 50th season of the Gracie Awards has been nothing short of extraordinary," said AWMF President Becky Brooks. "It has been an honor to spotlight both legends and rising talent, and to continue our mission of amplifying the contributions of women in media -- now and for the next 50 years."

The luncheon opened with remarks from Katina Arnold, AWMF Board Chair and VP of Corporate Communications at ESPN, who emphasized the importance of authentic storytelling in today's media landscape. "The ripple effects of your work are real and lasting, especially at a time when authentic voices matter more than ever," Arnold said.

Chang, in her opening remarks, reinforced the crucial role journalists play in a democratic society: "We give voice to the voiceless. And hold power to account. And if we do it right, we can uplift and inspire with our stories."

NBC's Vicky Nguyen presented student awards, praising their early dedication to journalism, while ESPN's Jess Sims encouraged the rising generation with the message: "A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle."

The event also featured the awarding of the AWMF/Make Her Mark Scholarship to Raha Amirfazli, recognized by Hallmark actress Ashley Williams for her resilience and creative vision. "Her strength, resilience, and vision embody everything Make Her Mark stands for," Williams said.

Boomer Esiason saluted women in local radio, saying, "I know how much work it takes to show up every day with energy and something real to say." Gandhi, co-host of Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, shared how winning a Gracie helped her embrace her uniqueness, noting, "It was ok to stand out and just be me."

CNN's Erica Hill highlighted the importance of local journalism, calling it the "bedrock of democracy," while Jamie Morris celebrated her roots in local radio and student media: "It fills me with so much joy to see WRHU represented here at the Gracies."

Jane Pauley's heartfelt tribute to Martha Teichner was a standout moment. "I was the new girl -- while Martha was already among the most distinguished reporters in the city we most associate with journalism," Pauley said. Teichner, reflecting on her decades-long career, shared, "I was curious and fiercely determined... to tell stories... big or small... and to find the best words, the right words to tell them well and make them memorable."

National Gracie Award recipients were previously honored at the Gracies Gala in Beverly Hills on May 20. A full list of honorees is available on the AWMF website.