PRESS RELEASES

Scholarship recipients will be honored at the
2025 Matrix Awards in New York City on May 20, 2025

NEW YORK, NY (April 28, 2025)—New York Women in Communications (NYWICI), the premier female communications professional organization, awarded nearly $70,000 in scholarships to 17 college women to support their education and further their communications career journeys. Since the program’s inception in 1998, NYWICI has awarded over 390 scholarships totaling more than $2 million to students across the tri-state area and beyond.

With a commitment to fostering talent and ensuring broad representation, NYWICI scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, and a demonstrated passion for the communications field. Many past recipients have gone on to thrive in top organizations such as NBC, ABC News, IBM, and Spotify, as well as prestigious roles at The White House.

Bringing her signature energy and insight, media personality and reality television star Rachel Lindsay will serve as the emcee for the 55th annual Matrix Awards. Best known for making history as the first Black lead on The Bachelorette, Lindsay has since carved out a dynamic career as a journalist, attorney, podcaster, and television host, using her voice to challenge norms and champion equity in media and beyond. Her journey is a powerful example of how boldness, authenticity, and purpose can redefine the communications landscape—values that deeply resonate with NYWICI’s mission.

As emcee, Lindsay will not only guide the evening’s celebration of Matrix honorees, but also help shine a spotlight on the next generation of changemakers—this year’s NYWICI scholarship recipients. Her presence bridges the gap between seasoned industry leaders and rising talent, reinforcing the importance of mentorship, representation, and empowering young women to lead with vision and confidence. Lindsay’s story is one of transformation and impact, making her the perfect voice to help honor those shaping the future—and those preparing to step into it.

“The enthusiasm and accomplishments of these scholarship winners are truly inspiring, each poised to make their mark in the communications industry. Having Rachel Lindsay, a leading luminary in her own right, guiding the 55th annual Matrix Awards as the emcee adds an extra layer of empowerment and celebration for these future leaders and for the overall event,” said Brandi Boatner, President, New York Women in Communications.

This year’s NYWICI Scholarship recipients include:

• The Beth-Ellen Keyes Memorial Scholarship – Paloma Thoen, Baruch College
• The Beverly Wettenstein Scholarship for Women’s Studies – Leah Dannehy, Stony Brook University
• The Brand Marketing Scholarship funded by Licensing International Foundation – Ashley Craig, University of New Haven
• The Brand Marketing Scholarship funded by Licensing International Foundation – Dorothy Kam, Columbia University
• The Ellen Levine Memorial Scholarship funded by Hearst – Nia Watson, New York University
• The Esperanza Scholarship – Shayla Sanchez, New York University
• The Google Scholarship – Janelle Harris, Ithaca College
• The Interpublic Group (IPG) Scholarship – Madeline Vaja, New York University
• The Interpublic Group (IPG) Scholarship – O’Shay Jelks, Columbia University
• The JPMorganChase Scholarship – Kai Lincke, Ithaca College
• The Kaplow Scholarship – Brittan Alexander, New York University
• The NYWICI Alumna Scholarship – Hande Erkan, Baruch College
• The NYWICI Film and Television Scholarship – Rosie Fellig, Brandeis University
• The NYWICI Past Presidents’ Scholarship – Rosamelia Sánchez Lara, New York University
• The Disney Trailblazer Scholarship – Sidney Newell, Pennsylvania State University
• The Yahoo Scholarship – Marguerite (Maggie) Kocsmiersky, Fashion Institute of Technology
• The Daisy Expósito-Ulla Scholarship – Sofia Storrow, SUNY Brockport

“We are so proud to invest in these outstanding students and offer financial support, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors”, said Chelsea Orcutt, NYWICI Chief Student and Early Career Affairs Officer and Director, Strategy & Operations at Thirty Madison. “By empowering the next generation of leaders, our scholarship program helps shape a more innovative and impactful communications industry. We’re very excited to welcome this impressive group to the NYWICI community and cheer them on at every stage of their careers.”

For more information about the scholarship program, scholarship sponsors, or to donate, please visit: nywici.org/sponsored-scholarships. For more information about the 2025 Matrix Awards please visit: 2025 Matrix Awards – NYWICI

About New York Women in Communications

New York Women in Communications is dedicated to promoting the highest standards throughout the industry and to providing education and leadership for the next generation. Founded in 1929, the not-for-profit association has more than 2,500 members — from senior executives to students and entrepreneurs to young professionals — representing a variety of communications disciplines. NYWICI’s mission is to support women at all levels of their communications careers, to help define the future of communications and stay ahead of the industry’s ever-changing landscape. The organization’s membership encompasses senior executives and other experienced communicators from a wide range of enterprises, young professionals, and students. NYWICI empowers women across communications disciplines to reach their full potential by promoting their professional growth, inspiring them to achieve and share their successes, and helping them navigate the evolving and converging world of communications. Learn more at https://nywici.org/

MEDIA CONTACT:

Donna-Jean Plante, CAE
Executive Director, NYWICI
Donna-Jean.Plante@NYWICI.org