NEW YORK — The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) will recognize eight leaders “whose vision and impact are shaping the future of media and entertainment” at the 2025 Gracies Leadership Awards. At the event, longtime journalist Katie Couric will be honored with the Gracies Icon Award.
The November 18 event, to be held at Tribeca 360°, will also see NAB Leadership Foundation President and NAB Chief Impact Officer Michelle Duke honored with the AWM Legacy Leadership Award.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Gracies Leadership Awards will celebrate six additional outstanding executives “whose achievements continue to redefine leadership and innovation across the industry.”
They are:
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Martha Benyam, COO at Kino Lorber
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Rita Ferro, President of Global Advertising at The Walt Disney Company
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Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming, Music Strategy and News at BET
Networks
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Alissa Pollack, Executive VP of Global Music Marketing and Strategy at iHeartMedia
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Valari Dobson Staab, Chairman at NBCUniversal Local
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Jenna Weiss-Berman, Head of Audio & Podcasts at 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 September 29 and close October 17.
Additionally, the luncheon will recognize the recipient of the AWM Foundation/NCTA — The
Internet & Television Association Student Scholarship, with applications currently open
through September 26.
