Alliance for Women in Media Names 2026 Gracies Leadership Honorees

The November 16 event at Tribeca 360° in New York City marks the debut of the Gracies Vanguard Award, which will be presented to TikTok Chief Brand and Communications Officer Zenia Mucha. The organization created the accolade to highlight individuals whose foresight helps define the trajectory of modern media. Kristen Welch, Chief Financial and Operations Officer at Illustrative Mathematics, will receive the AWM Legacy Leadership Award in recognition of her sustained contributions to the organization's mission of advancing women in the industry.

Additional honorees include Marilu Galvez of ABC7/WABC-TV, OWN TV Network president Tina Perry, Premiere Networks leader Julie Talbott, and Universal Television president Erin Underhill. AWM President Becky Brooks noted that these leaders have fostered innovation and opened doors for the next generation of industry professionals. Beyond the awards, the program continues its focus on future talent by supporting the AWM Foundation Student Fellowships, which allow students to network with established executives at the luncheon.