AWM Will Host 2026 Gracies Leadership Awards
The Alliance for Women in Media will celebrate honorees at a New York City ceremony on November 16, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Scholarships
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The Alliance for Women in Media announced its 2026 Gracies Leadership Awards honorees, who will be recognized at a ceremony in New York City on November 16, 2026. The event highlights visionary women currently shaping the future of the media landscape.
Why it matters
The annual ceremony serves to honor leadership and foresight in the media industry. It also provides a platform for students to connect with industry veterans through fellowship and scholarship opportunities.
The event will honor 1 recipient of the Gracies Vanguard Award and 4 additional leaders in media. Applications for student fellowships remain open for a limited window starting in late September.
The players
Zenia Mucha
She is the inaugural recipient of the Gracies Vanguard Award.
Kristen Welch
She is the recipient of the AWM Legacy Leadership Award.
Alliance for Women in Media
This professional organization works to advance the impact of women in the media industry.
Marilu Galvez
She is among the four leaders being recognized for their contributions to media.
The details
The upcoming luncheon at Tribeca 360 will celebrate the career achievements of industry leaders, including inaugural Vanguard Award recipient Zenia Mucha and Legacy Leadership Award winner Kristen Welch. Other leaders receiving recognition include Marilu Galvez, Tina Perry, Julie Talbott, and Erin Underhill.
Timeline
September 25, 2026: Student scholarship applications close.
September 29, 2026: Student fellowship applications open.
October 16, 2026: Student fellowship applications close.
November 16, 2026: The Gracies Leadership Awards ceremony takes place.
Culture Shift
This event continues the established pattern of the annual Gracies Leadership Awards to highlight female executive achievement. It signals an ongoing industry shift toward formalizing mentorship pathways for the next generation of media professionals.
Students interested in media careers can apply for upcoming fellowship programs to gain access to the November luncheon. These opportunities facilitate direct networking with the leaders being honored at the Tribeca 360 event.
The takeaway
The recognition of these leaders underscores the importance of mentorship in evolving corporate environments. Aspiring professionals should prepare application materials well in advance to meet the September and October deadlines.
What happens next
Student scholarship applications are due on September 25, 2026, followed by the opening of fellowship applications on September 29, 2026, and a final fellowship deadline on October 16, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about professional development in our Scholarships section.
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