NEW YORK WOMEN IN COMMUNICATIONS ANNOUNCES 2026 MATRIX AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Sheinelle Jones, Host of TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle, to Emcee the Event that Celebrates Industry Titans and the Next Generation of Leaders
NEW YORK, NY — New York Women in Communications (NYWICI), the premier organization for female communications professionals, is proud to announce seventeen prestigious scholarships to a group of outstanding college women who will be celebrated alongside the 2026 Matrix Honorees at the 56th Annual Matrix Awards on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in Manhattan. The scholarships are funded by partners like Disney, Yahoo, Google, JPMorganChase, Dentsu, Omnicom, and more.
With an unwavering commitment to fostering talent and ensuring broad representation across the industry, 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 at top organizations including NBC, ABC News, IBM, and Spotify — as well as prestigious roles at The White House.
The scholarship recipients honored at the gala embody the same spirit of this year’s theme “The Butterfly Effect: Women Who Transform the Media Landscape and Inspire the World,” as the next generation of who will carry forward impact that have reshaped teams, companies, and entire industries.
NBC News anchor and TODAY co-host Sheinelle Jones will serve as emcee for the 56th Annual Matrix Awards. With more than two decades in broadcast media, Jones made her mark at local Fox affiliates in Tulsa and Philadelphia, where she co-hosted the Emmy Award-winning Good Day Philadelphia, before joining NBC’s TODAY franchise in 2014. She is now co-host of TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle, stepping into the seat previously held by former Matrix Honoree Hoda Kotb and cementing her place as one of morning television’s most trusted voices. Beyond the anchor desk, Jones is an executive producer, a dedicated advocate for fertility awareness among women of color, and an inductee into Northwestern University’s Medill School Hall of Achievement. Her career is a testament to the power of persistence, purpose, and showing up fully in a way that aligns seamlessly with NYWICI’s mission to elevate women in communications at every stage of their journey.
NYWICI Scholarships: Investing in the Next Generation
Since 1998, NYWICI has awarded more than $2.2 million to more than 410 young women pursuing communications careers, ensuring the Butterfly Effect continues for generations to come.
“I continue to be incredibly inspired by this year’s scholarship recipients—their drive, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit are undeniable,” said Beth Feldman, NYWICI President and SVP Communications, The CW Network/Nexstar Media Group. “They are pursuing their education with purpose and determination in a field where the possibilities are truly limitless, and it’s clear they are not just preparing to enter the industry, but to shape its future. We are proud to support and celebrate this next generation of bold, forward-thinking leaders.”
“These scholarship recipients are exactly why NYWICI’s student and early career programs exist,” said Chelsea Orcutt, Chief Student and Early Career Affairs Officer, NYWICI. “Each of these young women has demonstrated not only academic excellence, but also a genuine ambition to make their mark on the communications industry. Celebrating their accomplishments at the Matrix Awards alongside the most transformative women in our field is one of the most powerful moments of the year.”
This Year’s NYWICI Scholarship Recipients
- The Beverly Wettenstein Scholarship for Women’s Studies
- Nitara Dehiwalaliyanage, Hunter College
- Vanessa Schimony, Syracuse University
- The NYWICI Board of Directors Scholarship: Angelina Ispir, Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY
- The Brand Licensing Scholarship funded by Licensing International Foundation
- Emily Owens, Fordham University
- Melanie Audrain, Columbia University
- The Dentsu Scholarship: Keri Kaleja, New York University
- The Esperanza Scholarship
- Jessica Kenny, Rutgers University
- Sanaa Jimenez, Ithaca College
- The Omnicom Scholarship
- Laura Bing, Columbia University
- Hannah Smith, University of Rochester
- The JPMorganChase Scholarship: Kayla Cunanan, New York University
- The Kaplow Scholarship: Madeline Wines, Boston University
- The NYWICI Film and Television Scholarship: Morgan Bryant, Columbia University
- The NYWICI Past Presidents’ Scholarship: Samantha Rosinski, Chapman University
- The Trailblazer Scholarship funded by Disney Advertising: Amen Ruth Galinato, Stony Brook University
- The UM Scholarship: Lillie Nye, Penn State
- The Yahoo Scholarship: Victoria Guthrie, Fordham University
A Storied History of Influential Women
For 56 years, the Matrix Awards have spotlighted the women who refuse to accept the status quo. From Kristen Chenoweth and Nina Garcia to Hoda Kotb, Gwen Stefani, Clarissa Ward, Judy Woodruff, Halle Berry, Rita Ferro, Carla Hassan, Meredith Kopit Levien, Moira Forbes, Devika Bulchandani, and Gloria Steinem. Matrix honorees share a common thread: they are resilient rule-breakers and champions of change who have opened doors for other women, lifting as they climb.
For event registration, sponsorship opportunities, and ways to support NYWICI’s scholarship program, visit NYWICI.org. For more information about the scholarship program, visit nywici.org/sponsored-scholarships.
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, entrepreneurs, and young professionals — representing a wide variety of communications disciplines. NYWICI empowers women across communications disciplines to reach their full potential by promoting professional growth, inspiring achievement, and helping members navigate the evolving and converging world of communications. Learn more at nywici.org.
Media Contact
Donna-Jean Plante, CAE
Executive Director, NYWICI
Donna-Jean.Plante@NYWICI.org