Hear What Members of the Alliance for Women in Media Have to Say
Why are organizations such as AWM important today?
“Organizations like the Alliance for Women in Media are essential because they drive meaningful change in an industry that shapes how we see the world. Media has an incredible power to influence narratives, and when women’s voices are underrepresented, the story is incomplete. AWM is more than just a network—it’s a force for progress, creating opportunities for women to lead, innovate, and break barriers. It’s about ensuring that women aren’t just part of the conversation but are shaping it. AWM’s work is vital because it equips us with the tools, connections, and support to challenge outdated norms and build a media landscape that truly reflects the diverse world we live in.”
Monica Sarbu, Executive Director
CNN International
Gracie Award Winner
“While women are making great strides in our industry, we still aren’t at parity with the number of men in leadership positions and certainly not in ownership. Organizations like the Alliance for Women in Media offer women the opportunity to be recognized for their contributions to the industry and network with other women who are making a difference. AWM and AWM Foundation are also a source of information and industry connections for women who are building toward leadership positions in media.”
Michelle Duke, President, NAB Leadership Foundation
Chief Diversity Officer, NAB
AWM Legacy Leadership Award Recipient
“Organizations like the Alliance for Women in Media are more important than ever because women need spaces where we can connect, learn from one another, and have our voices amplified. As a woman in media, I’ve seen how powerful it is when women support women—not just by opening doors, but by reaching back and holding those doors open for the next generation.”
Alie Carrington, Director of Advertising Sales
American Urban Radio Network
“AWM gives a voice and a path to career growth and enhancement for women and those who otherwise might not have opportunity to tap into the kind of resources and mentoring that provide such invaluable development. And for more experienced members, it offers “continuing education” in the ever-evolving media world as well as a chance to “pay it forward.”
Deborah Parenti, President/Publisher
Radio Ink and Radio/Television Business Report
Gracies Leadership Award Recipient
“The opportunities to liaison with experienced women engaged in important media work at the highest of levels is unparalleled. From scholarships to mentoring, job opportunities and honors, here’s a group of women and an organization you can count on-even more important today when women continue to be sidelined in the job market and at executive levels. AWM checks all the boxes. Just take a look at the impressive list of the current Gracie award winners, amazing women sharing their stories and talent with the world. A special shout congratulations to Sara Sidner, CNN, for her revealing reporting on her own breast cancer journey. This takes real courage and fearlessness as she candidly shared her cancer journey with the public, helping many others along the way. I think that’s the true spirit of the Gracie Awards, and I like to think “Gracie” would smile approvingly- a real Gracie moment.”
Janet Janjigian, Executive Managing Director
The Carmen Group
Gracie Award Winner
“Organizations like AWM are important because they foster mentorship, connection, and growth. No one succeeds alone, and I’ve been fortunate to learn from people who invested in my development throughout my career. AWM creates opportunities to pay that forward, support future leaders, and strengthen our industry through community and collaboration. The strongest careers are built on achievement, but the most meaningful legacies are built on helping others succeed.”
Lori Waldon, KOAT TV President and General Manager
Hearst Television
What Inspired You to Become an AWM Member:
“Winning the Gracie Awards was one of those moments where I had to pinch myself. The Gracies introduced me to this incredible community of women who are doing such meaningful work across every corner of media. I wanted to stay connected to that energy. Plus, as someone who started her TV career in her late 30s after leaving a completely different profession, with no media training. I know how much it means to have people in your corner who believe in what you’re building – even when the path doesn’t look traditional.”
Pati Jinich, Chef, Author, TV Host & Executive Producer
Mexican Table LLC
Gracie Award Winner
“As a South Asian female on-air talent from Nepal, I’ve often found myself figuring things out as I go. Not just the big things, but the small, everyday questions too. How do you navigate your voice, your accent, your identity, your story in a space where you don’t always see yourself reflected? Even things like how you dress, show up, and present yourself aren’t always clear. That’s what made AWM feel so meaningful to me. It felt like a place where I wouldn’t have to figure everything out alone. A space where I could learn from women who have been in those rooms, faced similar challenges, and are willing to share what they’ve learned along the way.”
Romanshika Singh, Social Media Host and Strategist
WBUR, NPR
“I believe that belonging to a women’s organization like AWM can provide a sense of community and connection with other professionals like me with shared interests and values. It can also provide access to a network of valuable professional contacts, resources and opportunities that can help with career advancement. I became a member because I wanted to find a community of women who support each other and who can make an impact. You can learn from other women’s stories, evolve to empower yourself and become better professionals.”
Claudia Uceda, National TV Correspondent
TelevisaUnivision
Gracie Award Winner
“I was lucky enough to get to write and creative direct the 50th Annual Gracie Awards in Beverly Hills, and then the lovely people at AWM invited me to attend the Gracies Luncheon in my hometown of New York City! That delightful event showed me the massive scope of AWM’s work and helped me to understand the vast robustness of the organization’s reach and impact. As a woman in media, I knew I needed to become a member.”
Bex Schwartz, Chief Creativemonger and Owner
Starbex TV
“I spent the first part of my career in nonprofit communications before shifting into podcast production and media. When I got started, I didn’t know a many of people doing similar work to me. One of my mentors encouraged me to build my network, and one way he suggested I do that was through industry organizations. When I heard about the Alliance (through the Gracie Awards), I knew that would be a great fit. Plus, I often work alone, and I miss having colleagues – this feels like a place to see familiar faces and build relationships with like-minded people.”
Stacy Raine, Founder
Raine Media
“They’re important today because professional groups are one of the best ways to build community and find opportunities as the media industry changes drastically. Learning from other people who are natural storytellers—just like you—can also inspire you to “go for it” creatively, whether it’s launching your long-awaited passion project on the side, and/or pivoting into entrepreneurship.”
Jane Burnett, Freelance Journalist and Digital Host
What is your greatest advice, to women or men, no matter where they are in their career:
“Serving on the AWM/F board has been one of the greatest highlights and joys of my career. AWM/F’s board leads the change still necessary for women in the media industry, and the board members who serve are some of the most experienced, passionate ant thoughtful professionals (and friends) I have ever met in the work world. For those considering service, get to know the AWM/F board, volunteer to judge the Gracies and attend AWM/F events to learn more.”
Sylvia Strobel, President & CEO
Twin Cities PBS
AWM Legacy Leadership Award Recipient
“Know who you are and be you to the fullest. Your voice, your perspective and your story are valued and needed. Study and learn the latest technology and industry plans and changes, be an “early adapter” so you’ll be prepared when an opportunity opens up to you. Show your knowledge and your worth. Don’t be there for the ride, be there to drive the car and bring others with you!”
Christine Nagy, Co-Host Cubby and Christine in the Morning
Lite-FM/iHeartMedia
Gracie Award Winner
“Dream big and don’t be afraid to pursue opportunities that challenge you. Never feel guilty for wanting more—for your career, your family, or yourself. With hard work, continuous learning, and perseverance, you can build a successful career while creating the life you want. Believe in yourself, embrace new opportunities, and never stop growing.”
Sheila Holland, AVP, Digital Controller
Sinclair Broadcast Group
“Treat everyone you work with kindly. Whether it’s the Morning Show Host or the Receptionist or the Janitor. Learn their names and listen when they tell you how they’re doing. You never know where people’s lives will take them and who they’ll become. My late boss Rick Buckley taught me this first-hand. He knew the names of people in all 7 of our markets, what they did, when they had hard times. Making the business personal was important to him, and I’ve done my best to do the same. ”
Becky Bennett, Vice President, Partner Relations
Cumulus Media | Westwood One
“Take the chance on the whispers in your heart. I tell people all the time that I am a creative stuck in an attorney’s body. In my early 20s, I thought it looked like going to film school. I certainly did not think it would look like practicing law. But I have found that when I get quiet, trust my intuition, and just take that next chance/step, every opportunity I could want (and even some that I did not know I wanted) presents itself.”
Ryanne Saucier, Vice President Legal Affairs
FOX Television Stations, LLC
“Make sure you enjoy the process, not only the outcome. That’s how you know you love the work – if the process, all the details and hard work along the way, interests you, and gets you in “the zone.” If you only enjoy the outcome, it’ll be difficult, but if you love the process, it won’t feel like “work” and you’ll succeed. “
Devorah Klahr, Senior Producer
SiriusXM
Gracie Award Winner
“There are a couple of philosophies which I have firmed embraced over the years. The first is to be as authentic as possible! It’s impossible to maintain a persona who you aren’t, and you’ll be much happier and better at what you do when your true self shines through (and it’s infinitely less stressful). The second is to be curious about everything — not only what is in your purview, but about surrounding areas as well. I’m always a little suspect of someone who isn’t at least a little curious about how to be better at their job or how someone else might handle a situation; there’s always some new trick to pick up!”
Valerie Blackburn, Principal
VKB Media Consulting
AWM Legacy Leadership Award Recipient
“Stay curious. So much of my professional growth has come from my willingness to learn new skills, explore different parts of the business, and step into situations where I didn’t have all the answers yet.”
Mica Hansen, EVP, Director of Political Sales
Locality
“My greatest advice to women or men is learn to trust yourself. Always seek wise counsel but grow in confidence to bet on yourself! The sooner, the better! Self-doubt can lead to Self-Sabotage. If your voice inside is telling you to go for it, do it! It knows more about you and your capabilities than you may have discovered. Let no-one talk you out of your opportunities and blessings, not even YOU!”
Adai Lamar, Morning Radio Show Host
102.3 KJLH Radio
Gracie Award Winner