NYWICI’s 53rd Annual Matrix Awards-Champions of Change
2023 IPG scholarship recipient perspective
Lights, camera, action! Words can’t describe how surreal the 53rd Annual Matrix Awards felt. From the moment I stepped inside the Ziegfeld Ballroom, I was in awe of everything and everyone around me. On September 20, 2023, I had the honor to interact with the other 2023 NYWICI scholarship recipients and network with professionals in the communications industry.
This year’s scholarship recipients were given white corsages to pair with their fabulous outfits. All of us started the night by being invited to the VIP reception on the second floor, where we talked to past scholarship winners, NYWICI members, Matrix honorees, and other seasoned professionals. As a student, having the opportunity to connect with people who have the same passion to make changes in society through communications meant a lot to me. Even though all of us may not have studied the same things in school, I learned that all our work creates what we see in media. As an advertising major on the brand strategy and research track, I was inspired to learn more about the other guests and their current job positions, and got some business cards out of conversations. After chatting away with the guests, the scholarship winners were directed to the red carpet where we were photographed by the one and only Michael Priest Photography. Michael was able to capture the beauty and essence of every woman that walked on the red carpet.
About an hour or so after everyone finished chatting and getting their pictures taken, the guests were directed to the main dining area where we were served filet mignon and a summer vegetable succotash. Both dishes were equally amazing. After everyone settled down with their food and drinks, our emcee Nikki Glaser introduced herself and made the night hilariously fun. Georgia Galanoudis, NYWICI’s president, congratulated the honorees for their achievements, and celebrated the wonderful women who have changed their personal lives as well as millions of others around the world. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to all of the speakers explain their life journeys, but Esi Eggleston Bracey and Moira Forbes stood out to me the most. I loved Esi’s discussion about diversifying workplaces – it’s important to be inclusive in every aspect of your personal and work life regardless of your background. It was fascinating to learn about Moira’s family history, too, and how she wanted a cash register as a gift when she was a kid. Even though Moira did mention that she didn’t have to go through job and internship interviews like most of the guests in the room, she equally placed her best effort to ensure that her voice was heard, especially for the next generation of communicators.
To me, attending the Matrix Awards meant that I could put myself out there, have the chance to form new friendships and connections, and gain great insight from multiple media conglomerates. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything else.
For more information about the 53rd Annual Matrix Awards, check out NYWICI’s website and social media accounts. To listen and participate in similar events, get a NYWICI membership today!
Written by Joyce Chen
