Embracing What’s Ahead in 2024
Hi everyone,
As we welcome the New Year, I’ve been reflecting a lot on what’s ahead. 2024 is going to be a pivotal year for many reasons –notably, the continued advances in technology that will shape all of our lives, another upcoming historic election which will no doubt create much disruption, the everchanging geopolitical landscape, and more. For communicators, our role will be that much more important… because we are the creators and drivers of important messages to key audiences. We are the builders of trust and transparency, and we work hard to strengthen relationships and partnerships. We help steer our leadership teams through challenges and change. We also play an important role in building and embracing an inclusive culture.
Stepping into the role of President of New York Women in Communications this year is one of the greatest honors in my career to date. I’m so proud to lead this iconic 94-year-old organization with a deep legacy of supporting women. Since joining the NYWICI Board in 2019, I’ve learned so much from Past Presidents like Judith Harrison, Ashley Miles, Dustee Jenkins, Georgia Galanoudis, Linda Descano and Liz Kaplow, as well as from other Board members like President-Elect Brandi Boatner, and I look forward to continuing their legacies and creating my own.
When times are changing, it’s the support network you have around you that you can lean on the most. Together, as an organization, we’ve continued to build a cohesive community and network of women who are there for one another – to listen, share and advise. And to cheer us on when we need most. One of the things that makes NYWICI unique is how we cross multiple industries – including journalism, broadcasting, corporate communications, digital, publishing, advertising, integrated marketing, photography, public relations, creative and design and more. It allows us to learn from leaders in different industries that overlap in a way. Many of us are dealing with similar challenges, and NYWICI helps to convene us, drive important conversations, and celebrate our achievements.
Looking ahead, I’m proud to share that we’re making great progress in several key areas that will bring us together. Here’s a preview:
- Matrix Awards Moving Back to the Spring: Each year, the Matrix Award honors women that are making a difference, building community, and inspiring the next generation of female leaders in their field. Our 2024 Matrix Awards is already shaping up to be incredible and we’ve moved up the timing to May 21st, 2024. Please save the date. More details to come soon!
- Exciting Programming Series: We have a full slate of Programming of both in-person and virtual events in the works, including a special Beverly Wettenstein Women’s History Month event in March which will be announced soon. To learn more and sign up for an event, go here.
- Supporting the Next Generation Through our Scholarship Program: Our 2024 Scholarship Program is now accepting entries. I’m proud to share that NYWICI is the largest provider of communications scholarships for women in the United States. Since 2000, we’ve given 381 students over $2 million in scholarship funds. We are passionate about helping young women achieve success – and our scholarship program is a key part of that. Do you know a student who’s studying comms who would be a good candidate? Encourage them to apply here by the Jan. 19 deadline.
- 2024 Mentorship Program Kicks Off in January: Our mentoring program will officially kick off on Jan. 17, International Mentoring Day. Mentors have been paired with mentees in one on one and group scenarios, and they will meet throughout 2024. Thank you to those who signed up to participate this year.
As the world changes, our adaptability will continue to be tested. By using our important voices as communicators, we can all play a key role in helping to navigate what’s ahead. And most importantly, by sticking together and supporting one another – we can all find shared success. Here’s to a great 2024!
Best,
Laura Brusca
2024 NYWICI President