Communications Industry “Rule Breakers” Celebrated at NYWICI’s 54th Annual Matrix Awards
NEW YORK, NY (May 28, 2024)— Last week, New York Women in Communications (NYWICI), honored the 2024 Matrix Awards recipients at a reception and awards ceremony at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in Manhattan. The sold-out event, which marked the 54th year of the Matrix Awards, drew more than 600 guests to celebrate seven exceptional women challenging the status quo and rewriting their own rules for success in the communications industry.
The evening’s Emcee, Ally Love, CEO/Founder of the Love Squad, Peloton Instructor, and Today Show On-Air Contributor, brought her dynamic presence and multifaceted expertise to the show. Ally’s ability to engage viewers with her insightful commentary and infectious energy made the evening a memorable experience for all attendees.
Photo credit Michael Priest Photography.
The 2024 honorees joined a distinguished group of past award winners, recognized for their impactful leadership in the communications professions. They were celebrated by a crowd of industry notables, with more than 70% of attendees representing the c-suite. Attendees included: Debi Chirichella, President, Hearst Magazines; Mike Federle, CEO, Forbes; Linda Boff, Chief Marketing Officer at GE; Kedma Pognon Brown, Chief Operating Officer, Dentsu; Toni Clayton-Hine, Chief Marketing Officer, EY; and Mark Weinstein, Chief Marketing Officer, Hilton.
“The women we honored this year overcame challenges to carve their own path to success, and they left the door open for other women to have a seat at the table too. They are all rule breakers, trust builders, and women empowering and supporting the next generation of female leaders in our industry,” said Laura Brusca, President of NYWICI and Chief Communications Officer at Forbes. “The evening was filled with inspiration, and I hope that every person who heard our honorees’ stories is encouraged to dream big, break a few rules, and be fearless in their pursuits, just like our honorees.”
The 2024 NYWICI Matrix Honorees and Presenters included:
- Kristin Chenoweth, EMMY® and TONY® Award Winning Actress and Singer presented by Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO, LGBTQ advocacy organization GLAAD
- Jill Cress, Chief Marketing & Experience Officer, H&R Block presented by Devika Bulchandani, Global Chief Executive Officer, Oglivy
- Nina Garcia, Editor-in-Chief, ELLE, Hearst Magazines presented by Lucy Kaylin, Editorial Director, Hearst Magazines
- Meredith Kopit Levien, President and Chief Executive Officer, The New York Times Company presented by Hannah Yang, Chief Growth and Customer Officer, The New York Times Company
- Jennifer Lowney, Global Head of Communications, Citi presented by Steven Lipin, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Gladstone Place Partners
- Nancy Reyes, CEO of the Americas, BBDO presented by Ruth Jurgensen, Chief Executive Officer, Prep for Prep
- Rakia Reynolds, Founder / Executive Officer, Skai Blue Media presented by her daughter, Skai Reynolds
Photo credit Michael Priest Photography.
NYWICI’S 2024 college scholarship recipients were also recognized at the event. Proceeds from the Matrix Awards fund scholarships and educational programs to support young women at every stage of their academic and professional pursuits. To date, NYWICI has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships. If you are interested in donating to the 2025 scholarship program, please text 2024 Matrix to 44-321 today.
Photo credit Michael Priest Photography.
NYWICI’s mission is to empower women in the communications field to reach their full potential and navigate the ever-changing landscape of the industry. The organization promotes professional growth and inspires members to achieve, and to share their success and lift as they climb by facilitating leadership, networking, and professional development opportunities that connect women who connect the world.
A sampling of event photos can be viewed here.
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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. 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/
To learn more, please visit NYWICI.org.
NYWICI CONTACT:
Donna-Jean Plante
NYWICI
E: donna-jean.plante@nywici.org
T: 571-685-8011