AWM to Award Eight Outstanding Industry Leaders

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 10:11am CT

Alliance for Women in Media (AWM)

The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) will honor eight leaders at the 2025 Gracies Leadership Awards on November 18 at Tribeca 360° in New York City. Journalist Katie Couric will receive the Gracies Icon Award, and Michelle Duke, President of the NAB Leadership Foundation and Chief Impact Officer at the National Association of Broadcasters, will be recognized with the AWM Legacy Leadership Award.

Six additional executives will be celebrated for 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; and 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 event will also spotlight emerging talent through the AWM Foundation Student Fellowships, which provide female journalism students the opportunity to attend the luncheon and connect with industry leaders. Fellowship applications open September 29 and close October 17.

In addition, the luncheon will recognize the recipient of the AWM Foundation/NCTA - The Internet & Television Association Student Scholarship; applications for that scholarship are open through September 26.