New York Women in Communications Unveils 55th Annual Matrix Honorees
An Exceptional Class of Leading Lumanaries Setting New Standards
NEW YORK—March 24, 2025—New York Women in Communications (NYWICI), the premier organization for female communications professionals, is proud to announce the honorees for its 2025 Matrix Awards, which will take place on the evening of Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in Manhattan. This year’s theme, “Leading Luminaries,” celebrates and highlights the narratives shared by the honorees who lead by example, never lose sight of their goals, and illuminate a path forward for future generations.
The 2025 NYWICI Matrix Honorees include:
- Leslie Berland, EVP, Chief Marketing Officer, Verizon
- Teneshia Jackson Warner, Founder and CEO of Egami Group
- Dustee Jenkins, Chief Public Affairs Officer, Spotify
- Lucy Kaylin, Editorial Director of Hearst Magazines
- Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Writer, Showrunner, Producer
- Kristen Welker, Moderator of NBC’s Meet the Press
- Bellamy Young, Actress and Advocate
The Matrix Awards, established to recognize outstanding achievement and women who exemplify exceptional leadership, stands as NYWICI’s flagship event and primary fundraiser.
The communications, media, and marketing industries are facing unprecedented challenges and change, and we must keep up with this acceleration. In times of rapid change, leadership is paramount. “We are proud to honor seven phenomenal women who are not only keeping up with the pace of change but are leading the change,” said NYWICI President Brandi Boatner. “This year’s recipients demonstrate excellence in leadership that defines the Matrix Awards. These women are redefining the landscape and are not just shaping the future but illuminating it with their brilliance, unwavering passion and dedication to their craft.”
As New York City’s largest organization of professional women in the communications industry, NYWICI prioritizes cultivating the next generation of communications leaders. In addition to the Matrix honorees, NYWICI’s 2025 college scholarship recipients will be recognized at the event. To date, NYWICI has awarded more than $2 million in scholarship support nearly 400 young women pursuing communications-related degrees and careers.
Now in its 55th year, the Matrix Awards have recognized and celebrated female leaders across the communications and the arts, including Kristen Chenoweth, Nina Garcia, Hoda Kotb, Gwen Stefani, Clarissa Ward, Judy Woodruff, Halle Berry, and Gloria Steinem. While honorees come from a variety of industries and backgrounds, all are leaders in their respective fields, resilient rulebreakers and champions of change for female empowerment.
For more information on registration, donations, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit NYWICI.org.
###
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, career development and leadership for the next generation. Founded in 1929, the not-for-profit association has more than 3,000 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, helping to define the future of communications and stay ahead of the industry’s ever-changing landscape. NYWICI empowers women 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.