Partner Spotlight: June Price
For over twenty years, June Price has been a creative force behind New York Women in Communications’ most iconic visuals, including the Matrix Awards, Trailblazers, and the Career Conference, as well as rebranding efforts and membership materials. Her work has helped shape the visual identity of NYWICI events and spotlight the stories of women in media and communications. With a blend of humor, humility, and heart, she shares how a career that began with curiosity and creativity evolved into a decades-long partnership that has shaped the NYWICI brand we recognize today.
Can you share your professional background and what motivated you to partner with New York Women in Communications?
June’s journey started over 20 years ago when she was the creative director at a NYWICI partner. “I’ve done most of NYWICI’s creative work over the years — and I love it.” Her creative fingerprints are everywhere. “It’s been an incredible experience. I’ve met so many inspiring women over the years — Joan Rivers, Oprah Winfrey, Gloria Steinem, Helen Gurley Brown, Kathie Lee Gifford — but just as remarkable are the women behind the scenes who’ve secretly shaped culture in powerful ways.”
“We recently rebranded with a new logo,” she adds. “Every year, we also develop a fresh creative theme for the Matrix Awards (our largest annual fundraiser supporting scholarships and programming for women at every stage of their careers), so no two years ever look the same. And whenever NYWICI needs help, I’m always happy to contribute. Wherever I can fit in, I do. Matrix especially has been something I’ve been 100 percent involved with all these years, and it’s just amazing.”
You’ve been working on NYWICI’s Matrix and Trailblazer collateral for over twenty years – what has this creative journey meant to you, both personally and professionally?
“Personally, it’s such an honor to be part of this group of women,” she says. “Professionally, it’s been a rewarding challenge.” One moment stands out: meeting Matrix Award recipient Carol H. Williams, who coined Secret’s legendary tagline, “Strong enough for a man but made for a woman.” She recalls, “I’d known that line my whole life, and suddenly I was face-to-face with the person who wrote it. It reminded me why I love what I do — creativity connects us all.”
She reflects on how her work has also inspired her family. “I once gave a presentation for my daughter’s 2nd-grade class career day to explain my job as a graphic designer and told them, ‘I make things pretty — and through the Matrix Awards, the amazing recipients, I’ve met Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel) and Dory (Ellen DeGeneres)!’ They were so excited. It’s funny, but it helped them understand what I do.” She laughs as she continues, “When I told the kids Elmo came to Matrix to honor Joan Ganz Cooney, the woman who created Sesame Street, and Tom Hanks (aka Woody from Toy Story) cheered on Leslie Dart, they couldn’t believe it. It is moments like that that make me realize how much joy this work has brought, both personally and professionally.”
How has your career evolved over the years, and what’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned along the way?
June’s path into the creative world started with volunteer work. “When I first graduated from college, I volunteered with AIDS and hospice organizations — handling newsletters, promoting events, whatever was needed,” she explains. “That experience showed me how creativity can be used to help others.” From there, she got an entry-level job in advertising and rose to become a creative director. Along the way, she discovered an important truth about leadership. “I learned that kindness and respect go a long way,” she says. “People genuinely enjoy working with you when you treat them well. We’ve all had difficult bosses, but being a kind leader really makes a difference. It’s something I’ve carried throughout my career — that sense that people do their best work when they feel valued.”
What advice would you give to other women in communication looking to advance their careers?
Her advice is simple: start where you are and help where you can. “Find something you care about and volunteer,” she says. “That’s how I built my portfolio — by doing work that mattered to me.” She encourages young professionals to explore opportunities beyond traditional paths. “Whether it’s your local church, food pantry, or your child’s school, find ways to contribute. You’ll build your skills and make connections that will open unexpected doors.” Even now, she continues to give back. “If it’s for a good cause, I’m in,” she says with a grin. “Helping others never goes out of style. I’ve helped organize charity events, designed promotional pieces and social media posts, and even assisted with school fundraisers. It’s fulfilling, and it reminds me that creativity can make a difference anywhere.”
Is there a specific project, achievement, or passion you’re especially proud of right now?
There’s a warmth in her voice as she recalls a project that remains especially meaningful to her. “The Matrix Awards will always be special to me, but one of my favorite projects was for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation,” she says. “We created a book written by survivors and patients — something deeply personal that helped people navigate the emotional side of a diagnosis. It was designed as a one-on-one guide, something intimate and comforting.” The book was later translated into Spanish and received a Print Award. But for her, the recognition was not the most essential part. “At the time, a close friend of mine was battling breast cancer, so this project really hit home,” she says softly. “It reminded me how creativity can make a real difference in people’s lives.” She adds, “That project helped patients open up about things they did not know how to talk about. It also gave doctors and caregivers insight into what their patients were feeling. It was such a meaningful piece of work — one that still makes me proud.”
As she looks ahead, her gratitude is evident. “Working with NYWICI for all these years has been a privilege,” she says. “Every event, every design, every story has connected me to this incredible community of women. That’s what keeps me inspired — knowing that through design, I’m helping celebrate their impact.”
Written by Michelle Jordan
NYWICI Volunteer Writer, Feature Spotlight Series
