| NEW YORK, NY — New York Women in Communications (NYWICI), proudly celebrated the 56th Annual Matrix Awards on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the iconic Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. More than 475 guests gathered to honor seven extraordinary women who have impacted the communications industry and the world around them through the power of the Butterfly Effect: Women Who Transform the World and Inspire the Future.
The sold-out evening was emceed by Sheinelle Jones, Co-Host of TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle on NBC, whose warmth, wit, and undeniable presence set the tone for a night of celebration, reflection, and inspiration. In a surprise moment Jones was presented with an honorary Butterfly Effect recognition, honoring her extraordinary impact on media, representation, and the women she has inspired throughout her career.
“This year’s Matrix Awards were a testament to what happens when women lead with courage, creativity, and conviction,” said Beth Feldman, President, NYWICI & SVP of Communications, Nexstar Media Group. “Each of our honorees embodies the Butterfly Effect in its truest form. Through their work, they have created ripples of change that will be felt for generations. Events like this remind us exactly why NYWICI exists: to lift, connect, and celebrate the remarkable women who are shaping the future of our industry.”
The honorees joined an esteemed group of past Matrix Award winners and past NYWICI presidents recognized for their impactful leadership in the communications professions, including Brandi Boatner, Laura Brusca, Daisy Exposito, Georgia Galanoudis, Liz Kaplow, Kim Kelleher, Jacki Kelley, Jennifer Lowney, Lisa Sherman, Patrice Tanaka, Tiffany R. Warren, and Nancy Weber. They were celebrated by a crowd of industry notables, including Deborah Roberts co-anchor for 20/20, ABC News Correspondent Will Reeve, Bloomberg’s Alexis Christoforous, NewsNation’s Laura Ingle, PIX11’s Katie Corrado, and more. |
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Photo Credit: Michael Priest Photography
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2026 Honorees & Presenters:
- Tamsen Fadal, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist, New York Times Bestselling Author, Podcast Host, and Menopause Advocate
- Presented by: Reshma Saujani, Founder and CEO, Moms First
- Diana Haussling, CEO, hello Products
- Presented by: Sarah Hofstetter, Board Director, Campbell’s and Kenvue
- Abbey Klaassen. Outgoing Global Brand President and U.S. CEO, Dentsu Creative; Incoming CEO, Tinuiti
- Presented by: Marla Kaplowitz, Board Director and Strategic Advisor
- Ashley Miles, Founder and CEO, Franklyn West
- Presented by: Marisa Thalberg, EVP, Chief Customer and Marketing Officer, Catalyst Brands; Co-Host, The Brand New Podcast
- Debra OConnell, Chairman, Disney Entertainment Television, The Walt Disney Company
- Presented by: Sade Baderinwa, WABC-TV News Anchor
- Carla Serrano, Chief Strategy Officer, Publicis Groupe
- Presented by: Arthur Sadoun, Chairman & CEO, Publicis Groupe
- Khartoon Weiss, Vice President, Global Customer Solutions, Google
- Presented by: Daryl Lee, Global Chairman, McCann
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Photo Credit: Michael Priest Photography
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| The event also celebrated 17 outstanding scholarship recipients, recognizing a remarkable group of college women poised to make an impact in the industry. NYWICI raised nearly $14,000 during the event and has awarded more than $2.2 million in scholarships to date. These scholarships are made possible through the generous support of partners including Disney, Yahoo, Google, JPMorgan Chase, Dentsu, Omnicom, and many others. |
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