• Ariel Nathanson, Executive Vice President, Executive + Brand Strategy, Full Picture nominated by Moira Forbes, Executive Vice President of Forbes, President and Publisher of ForbesWomen. Nathanson has built a reputation for sharp brand and executive strategy, earning recognition from a nominator who has spent her career elevating women’s voices in business and media.
• Elise O’Neil, Director, Communications Strategy and Operations at Adobe, nominated by Talia Bender Small, President of The Female Quotient. O’Neil has driven meaningful cross-functional strategy at one of the world’s leading software companies, earning this recognition from a nominator who has spent her career championing gender equity in business.
• Lauren Prescott, Senior Vice President of Beverages Portfolio Marketing at PepsiCo, nominated by Nancy Reyes, Global President and CEO, BBDO Worldwide. Prescott has shaped the strategy, innovation and marketing transformation for some of the world’s most recognized consumer brands to evolve and scale the beverage portfolio of the future, nominated by the leader of one of the industry’s most influential global advertising networks.
• Christa Robinson, Senior Vice President, External Communications at Bank of America, nominated by Lisa Caputo, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing, Communications, and Customer Experience Officer at The Travelers Companies. Robinson has built a respected media career in the television news industry and now at one of the country’s largest financial institutions, nominated by an executive whose background spans the highest levels of corporate communications and marketing as well as public service.

“The Trailblazer Awards exist to shine a light on women whose impact is already being felt across our field, and to honor the mentors who saw their potential early,” said Beth Feldman, NYWICI President and SVP Communications, The CW Network/Nexstar Media Group. “The 2026 class and their nominators represent exactly the kind of intergenerational leadership that strengthens what we do to support women at every stage of their career.”

Now in its third year, the Trailblazer Awards have quickly become one of NYWICI’s signature programs, spotlighting emerging leaders while recognizing the accomplished executives who have invested in developing the next generation of talent. Following a sold-out celebration in 2025, this year’s event will once again convene prominent voices from communications, media, advertising, marketing and public relations for an evening of recognition, connection and conversation.

Guests will enjoy cocktails, curated cuisine and inspiring conversations with past Matrix honorees, NYWICI leadership and senior executives from across the industry. Together, the evening reflects NYWICI’s longstanding commitment to advancing women throughout every stage of their careers.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at 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 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