Gloria Steinem and Amy Richards Honored at 51st Gracie Awards

Hosted by ABC News correspondent Rebecca Jarvis at Cipriani 42nd Street, the event gathered industry leaders and rising talent to honor achievement in television, radio, and digital platforms. The program focused on the intersection of personal success and the responsibility to cultivate the next generation of storytellers. Rebekah Dopp, Global CEO of the Better Business Bureau, presented the new Torch Award, praising the recipients for their decades of advocacy and for prioritizing the empowerment of those who follow them.

Speakers throughout the afternoon emphasized the endurance of local journalism and the necessity of authentic voices in a changing media climate. CNN’s Sara Sidner urged students to prioritize self-awareness to better tell the stories of others, while Dateline NBC’s Andrea Canning highlighted the foundational resilience built through reporting on local communities. The luncheon also celebrated emerging talent, awarding the 2026 Make Her Mark Scholarship to Hofstra University student Hannah Carranza. AWM Foundation President Becky Brooks noted that the Gracie Awards serve as more than a celebration of excellence; they act as a catalyst for professional opportunities, ensuring that women feel a sense of belonging in a demanding industry. Closing the event, Amy Richards framed the Torch Award as a call to collective action, asserting that individual success must be leveraged to create a brighter, more inclusive path for others.