Happy Matrix Monday!

As we build toward the 56th Annual NYWICI Matrix Awards this May, I am so excited to officially introduce this year’s theme: The Butterfly Effect — a celebration of the bold decisions, reinventions, and transformative moments that create lasting ripple effects for others.

This year, we will honor an extraordinary lineup of dynamic women whose careers remind us that one brave leap, one creative risk, or one new chapter can change not only their own trajectory, but open doors for countless others to succeed.

I often think back to the very first Matrix Awards I attended. Sitting in that room in my mid-twenties, watching some of the most inspiring speeches I had ever heard, I felt a sense of motivation and possibility that stayed with me long after the event ended. It’s the kind of experience that makes you dream bigger.

One moment in particular has stayed with me throughout my entire career. Advertising legend Renetta McCann took to the stage and shared a phrase that has become a guiding mantra for me ever since: “Get comfortable feeling uncomfortable.”

Those words capture something so true — that the most successful leaders don’t avoid discomfort. They spend their careers stepping into unfamiliar, challenging, sometimes nerve-wracking moments… and they soar because of it. That spirit of courage, reinvention, and growth is exactly why I’m here today, and why the Matrix Awards continue to matter so deeply.

And I love that so many women have sat in those same seats envisioning themselves on that stage one day — and then making it happen. Former honoree Marisa Thalberg is a perfect example: she once imagined what it would feel like to stand under those lights, and she did. That is the power of the Matrix Awards.

The evening is also a powerful reminder that NYWICI is about lifting women at every stage of their journey. Each year, we proudly celebrate our scholarship winners, many of whom go on to play vital roles within the organization and continue striving and succceeding in their own professions.

That’s the beauty of NYWICI: a community dedicated to supporting, mentoring, and celebrating women — from students just beginning their careers, to rising stars, to industry leaders who are redefining what’s possible.

We cannot wait to share more about this year’s honorees and the incredible stories that embody The Butterfly Effect.

Stay tuned for exciting announcements ahead — and thank you for being part of the ripple.

🦋 The Butterfly Effect begins with one moment… and a community that helps it grow.

With gratitude and excitement,

Beth Feldman
2026 New York Women in Communications (NYWICI) President