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Alliance for Women in Media Honors Eight Exceptional Female Leaders at the Gracies Leadership Awards

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DIS The Walt Disney Company is mentioned as a sponsor of the Gracies Leadership Awards and its Senior Vice President, Katina Arnold, is highlighted. This is a neutral mention as it relates to corporate sponsorship and executive recognition, not directly to the company's stock performance or business operations. CMCSA NBCUniversal is mentioned as a sponsor of the Gracies Leadership Awards. This is a neutral mention as it relates to corporate sponsorship, not directly to the company's stock performance or business operations.

Photos from the event can be found here.

NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) honored eight distinguished leaders at the Gracies Leadership Awards, held Tuesday, November 18, at Tribeca 360° in New York City. The event recognized women whose vision, leadership, and achievements continue to shape and strengthen media across news and entertainment.

The luncheon also featured a special fireside chat with Gracies Icon Award recipient Katie Couric, co-founder of Katie Couric Media, moderated by NBC's TODAY Co-Anchor Sheinelle Jones. The two engaged in a powerful, personal conversation that reflected on Katie's early days in media, including her very first moments on live television—along with the stories that have shaped her career, her ongoing advocacy for cancer research, and her belief in leading with resilience in today's rapidly evolving media landscape.

Reflecting on the role of confidence and mentorship in her journey, Katie shared, "If you don't have someone who is your mentor, saying that they really believe in you, you have to believe in yourself…and I did that time and time again in the early stages of my career."

Highlights from the honoree acceptances included:

Becky Brooks, President of AWM, emphasized the importance of fostering the next generation of women in media: "As we look ahead to our 75th anniversary next year, our mission remains clear—to amplify women's voices, elevate their impact, and ensure their stories continue to inspire."

Katina Arnold, Chair of the AWM Board of Directors and Senior Vice President, Disney Advertising Communications, The Walt Disney Company, highlighted that the call for entries is now open for the AWM Foundation's largest annual fundraiser, the upcoming 51st Gracie Awards. She noted, "What makes the Gracies so powerful is that they celebrate every role that brings a story to life—journalists, actors, hosts, producers, showrunners, writers, and directors, both in front of and behind the camera and microphone. Each honoree reminds us of the impact media can have when women's voices are amplified."

The Gracies Leadership Awards would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor, The Walt Disney Company, as well as the American Urban Radio Networks(AURN), BET, Clear Channel Outdoor, Hallmark Media, Katz Media Group, Kino Lorber, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), NBCUniversal, and NCTA – The Internet & Television Association and Premiere Networks.

About the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM): The Alliance for Women in Media connects, recognizes and inspires women across the media industry. AWM is a diverse community – whether type of media, job or global location – that facilitates industry-wide collaboration, education, and innovation. Established in 1951 as American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT), AWM is the longest-established professional association dedicated to advancing women in media and entertainment. AWM harnesses the promise, passion and power of women in all forms of media to empower career development, engage in thought leadership, and drive positive change for our industry and societal progress.

SOURCE Alliance for Women in Media