New York Women in Communications Unveils 56th Annual Matrix Honorees
Sheinelle Jones, host of Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, to Emcee the Event Themed The Butterfly Effect: Women Who Transform the Media Landscape and Inspire the World
NEW YORK, NY – February 19, 2026 – New York Women in Communications (NYWICI), the premier organization for female communications professionals, is proud to announce the honorees for its 2026 Matrix Awards, which will take place on the evening of Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in Manhattan. Sheinelle Jones, host of Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, the fourth hour of Today will serve as the emcee for the event.
This year’s theme, ‘The Butterfly Effect,’ honors women who’ve mastered the art of transformation throughout their entire careers. These leaders have embraced change, reinvented themselves at pivotal moments, and created ripples of impact that have transformed teams, companies, and entire industries.
These honorees have navigated critical transitions – from career pivots to industry disruptions – and emerged stronger each time. More importantly, they’ve used their platforms to create pathways for others, proving that one person’s transformation can spark change across an entire ecosystem.
The 2026 NYWICI Matrix Honorees include:
- Tamsen Fadal, Emmy award-winning Journalist, New York Times best-selling author, podcast host and Menopause Advocate
- Diana Haussling, CEO of Hello Products
- Abbey Klaassen, Global Brand President and U.S. CEO, Dentsu Creative
- Ashley Miles, Founder and CEO, Franklyn West
- Debra OConnell, President, ABC News Group and Disney Entertainment Networks, The Walt Disney Company
- Carla Serrano, Chief Strategy Officer, Publicis Groupe
- Khartoon Weiss, Vice President & General Manager, Global Business Solutions, TikTok
The Matrix Awards, established to recognize outstanding achievement and women who exemplify exceptional leadership, stands as NYWICI’s flagship event and primary fundraiser.
“I’m so proud to celebrate these phenomenal women who truly embody the Butterfly Effect,” said Beth Feldman, NYWICI President and Senior Vice President Communications, The CW Network/SVP Communications, Nexstar Media Group/Networks. “Each of our honorees shows us what it means to embrace transformation at every age and stage of your career. They’ve taken risks, reinvented themselves, and created ripples that have touched teams, companies, and entire industries. Their journeys remind us that change is where the magic happens. I can’t wait to honor their stories and the lasting impact they’ve made on all those who follow in their footsteps.”
NYWICI Scholarships: Investing in the Next Generation
Beyond celebrating industry titans, NYWICI is investing in tomorrow’s leaders. This year’s college scholarship recipients will be recognized alongside our Matrix honorees—a powerful reminder that mentorship and support create lasting change. Since 1998, NYWICI has awarded more than $2.2 million to more than 420 young women pursuing communications careers, ensuring the Butterfly Effect continues for generations to come.
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’re resilient rule-breakers and champions of change who’ve 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.
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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. 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, as well as 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.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Donna-Jean Plante, CAE
Donna-Jean.Plante@nywici.org
(571) 685-8011