Lighting the Way: NYWICI’s Inaugural Trailblazer Awards Ceremony
This year, New York Women in Communications (NYWICI) presented its inaugural Trailblazer Awards, an evening dedicated to celebrating visionary women paving new paths in communications, marketing, advertising, and public relations. The event, hosted at Forbes on Fifth in New York City, not only highlighted individual achievements but also NYWICI’s commitment to nurturing the industry’s future through mentorship and recognition of emerging leaders.
What It Means to Be a NYWICI Trailblazer
The honor of being named a NYWICI Trailblazer is both exclusive and exceptional, reserved for women whose creativity, commitment, and leadership are pushing the communications and media industry forward. Selected by a panel of distinguished NYWICI Past Presidents and Board Leaders, the award honorees exemplify resilience, innovation, and the spirit of mentorship in advancing women’s roles. These honorees were chosen for their transformative work and for embodying the very essence of a Trailblazer – someone who clears the path for others to follow.
A Night Led by an Inspiring Voice
The evening was emceed by none other than Kate Bolduan, co-anchor of CNN News Central, whose heartfelt reflections on the power of mentorship set the tone for the night. “A trailblazer leader has demonstrated uncommon vision, creativity, and deep commitment to making a positive impact,” she shared. Bolduan emphasized the critical role of trailblazers in shaping the industry’s future, bringing her insights as a seasoned journalist to a room filled with both industry legends and aspiring leaders.
Empowering Words from NYWICI’s President
NYWICI President and Chief Communications Officer at Forbes, Laura Brusca, spoke to the purpose of the NYWICI Trailblazer Awards, saying, “In NYWICI, we create a world where all women’s voices are heard, felt, and amplified throughout the industry.” Brusca’s words highlighted NYWICI’s dedication to celebrating women who champion the next generation, embodying the ethos of what she called the “hype women era,” a time marked by women uplifting another.
Celebrating the 2024 NYWICI Trailblazer Honorees
The evening continued with introductions of the honorees, each nominated by a respected industry leader and a Past Matrix or WiCi Award Recipient who has played a pivotal role in their journey.
- Tracy-Ann Lim, Managing Director, Global Chief Media Officer at JPMorganChase, was nominated by Carla Hassan, Chief Marketing Officer at JPMorganChase. Hassan described Tracy-Ann as a true embodiment of a pioneer and innovator, saying, “In her professional world, Tracy makes her team go beyond getting the job done.”
- Laura Correnti, Founder and CEO of Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment and Partner at Giant Spoon, was nominated by Linda Boff, CEO of Said Differently. Boff spoke of Laura’s transformative work in women’s sports: “People say that Women’s sports are having a moment, I promise you this isn’t a moment, it’s a movement – and with Laura in charge, it’s only growing stronger.”
- Eleanor Reece, VP of Global Communications at Whirlpool Corporation, was nominated by Melody Lee, Chief Marketing Officer of Mercedes-Benz USA, who praised Eleanor for her empathy and communication excellence. “She knows exactly what the right message is at any moment.”
- Lauren Tempest, General Manager of Hulu, was nominated by Rita Ferro, President of Global Advertising at Disney, who admired Lauren’s inclusivity in leadership: “Lauren’s approach has always been to come into the room and expand the table, making more room for everyone.”
A Look Ahead with NYWICI’s Incoming President
To conclude the evening, NYWICI President-Elect Brandi Boatner, Global Influencer Marketing Manager at IBM, addressed the crowd with excitement about her upcoming term as President in 2025. She paid tribute to the NYWICI legacy, affirming her dedication to leading an organization that continues to empower and support women in so many different ways within the communications and media industry. Boatner also announced the date of the 2025 Matrix Awards, scheduled for May 20, encouraging members to engage by volunteering, sponsoring, or even applying and spreading the word for the upcoming scholarship awards, now open for 2025. “You can’t be what you can’t see,” Boatner said, inviting everyone to become part of NYWICI’s community of champions and advocates.
An Evening of Celebration and Connection
The ceremony reached its final moments with an evening of networking, conversations, and celebration, as attendees honored the honorees and shared in the collective mission of NYWICI. The 2024 Trailblazer Awards were a testament to the magic of community, mentorship, and the power of women supporting women – a memorable night in NYWICI’s incredibly tremendous history.
