Alliance for Women in Media Foundation Celebrates 50th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon

Juju Chang Hosted and Martha Teichner Received Lifetime Achievement Award at Cipriani 42^nd Street

NEW YORK, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The AWM Foundation (AWMF) presented the 50^th Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon at Cipriani 42^nd Street in New York City on June 18. Host Juju Chang, award- winning co-anchor of ABC News’ Nightline led the program alongside an exceptional lineup of presenters, including Boomer Esiason (WFAN), Medha Gandhi (iHeartMedia), Erica Hill (CNN), Vicky Nguyen (NBC News) Jamie Morris (KJOY98.3) and Jess Sims (ESPN). The program concluded with CBS Sunday Morning host, Jane Pauley, presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to longtime colleague and friend, CBS Sunday Morning correspondent, Martha Teichner.

“This 50th season of the Gracie Awards has been nothing short of extraordinary. From Beverly Hills to New York City, we celebrated the voices, stories, and achievements of women who shape our media landscape in powerful and profound ways. It has been an honor to spotlight both legends and rising talent, and to continue our mission of amplifying the contributions of women in media—now and for the next 50 years,” said AWM/F President, Becky Brooks.

The Gracie Awards were presented to honorees which were previously announced (full list of honorees here) in recognition of individual achievement and outstanding programming by, for and about women in local and student television, radio and digital platforms.

Highlights from the show included:

• AWMF Board Chair and VP of Corporate Communications at ESPN, Katina Arnold opened the Luncheon by acknowledging, “This is a powerful era of progress, where women are telling stories that reflect the depth of our experiences. The ripple effects of your work are real and lasting, especially at a time when authentic voices matter more than ever.”
• Host, Juju Chang, of ABC News’ Nightline, noted, “We, as journalists and storytellers, know how important an informed citizenry is in a healthy republic. We give voice to the voiceless. And hold power to account. And if we’ do it right, we can uplift and inspire with our stories.”
• Presenter, Vicky Nguyen, NBC News’ chief consumer investigative correspondent and anchor of NBC News Daily began by saying “I’m so thrilled to present the student awards—you are the future and we love to see your incredible dedication and hard work in journalism starting at this stage in your education already!”
• Presenter, Jess Sims, anchor on ESPN’s College GameDay said “Through my work on College GameDay, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with students all across the country…and I’ve seen firsthand just how passionate, talented, and driven this next generation truly is…” She continued with a reminder, “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.”
• Annie Howell, Chief Communications Officer at Hallmark and longtime member of the AWM Board of Directors, introduced the scholarship part of the program noting, “I am excited because this scholarship truly underlines our commitment to support women at every stage of their career – from the student with a vision for her future to that woman who has worked tirelessly and relentlessly to just get that chance. To just get that yes!”
• Ashley Williams, founder of Make Her Mark and Hallmark actress recognized Raha Amirfazli, the AWMF/Make Her Mark Scholarship recipient and noted in a touching moment, “This year’s recipient, Raha, is at a defining moment in her creative journey. Her strength, resilience, and vision embody everything Make Her Mark stands for—and we are so honored to support her next chapter.”
• Presenter, Boomer Esiason former NFL quarterback and co-host of WFAN’s Boomer & Gio, inspired the audience and noted, “It’s great to be here. I’ve spent a lot of years behind a mic, and I know how much work it takes to show up every day with energy and something real to say. The women we’re honoring in local radio are doing just that—and more.”
• Presenter, Gandhi, co-host of the nationally syndicated Elvis Duran and the Morning Show reflected “Winning a Gracie was an incredible experience. It validated my thoughts and proved that people want things that are outside the box. One day I was trying to figure out how to fit in, and then I realized it was ok to stand out and just be me.”
• Presenter, Jamie Morris host of “Jamie & You” on Long Island’s KJOY 98.3. said, “I am incredibly proud of my radio roots, and it fills me with so much joy to see WRHU represented here at the Gracies over the years, continuing to empower students to discover their voices, amplify them, and serve the Long Island community.”
• Presenter, Erica Hill, CNN anchor and national correspondent said, “Local journalism – and the spotlight it shines on critical issues – has never been more important. It’s also incredibly challenging – and I’m not just talking about the finances — but it must endure because it is the bedrock of democracy.”
• Jane Pauley, anchor of CBS Sunday Morning introduced her friend and Gracies Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Martha Teichner, stating, “I have known Martha as a colleague since 1975 in Chicago. I was the new girl — while Martha was already among the most distinguished reporters in the city we most associate with journalism.”
• Longtime CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Martha Teichner accepted her Gracies Lifetime Achievement Award and captivated the audience with stories of her decades in journalism and noted, “I was curious and fiercely determined, not to be a star but to have a platform to tell stories…big or small… to find the best words, the right words to tell them well and make them memorable… I’ve always seen myself as a public servant, with a responsibility—both to the stories I cover and to the audiences watching them.”

For an opportunity to continue giving to the AWM Foundation, bid on the Gracies Gift & Gala Giveaway and donate.

Sponsors of the Gracies Luncheon include: Thank you to our sponsors: ABC News, Audacy, CBS News, Disney Entertainment, ESPN, Graham Media Group, Hallmark Media, Hofstra University, iHeartMedia, Katz Media Group, NCTA: The Internet & Television Association, Red Apple/WABC, and Townsquare.

The National Gracie Award honorees were recognized at the Gracies Gala, May 20, at The Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills. Again, a full list of recipients may be found on the Alliance for Women in Media website.

About The Gracie Awards
The Gracie Awards is the largest fundraiser of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation which advances women in media through educational programs and scholarships. The Gracie Awards honors exemplary programming and individual talent created by, for, and about women. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has created partnerships and joint initiatives with the Emma Bowen Foundation, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), NCTA – The Internet & Television Association and other organizations philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation. For more information about The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation and the Gracie Awards please visit allwomeninmedia.org and follow us on X (@AllWomeninMedia), (#TheGracies), Instagram (@allwomeninmedia), Facebook, and LinkedIn.

PHOTOS AND CLIPS: CLICK HERE *Credit: Getty Images for AWM (Alliance for Women in Media Foundation)

SOURCE Alliance for Women in Media Foundation