Zenia Mucha to Receive Inaugural Gracies Vanguard Award;
Kristen Welch to Receive AWM Legacy Leadership Award;
Industry Leaders Recognized for Excellence and Impact
NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) is pleased to unveil the distinguished honorees who will be recognized at the 2026 Gracies Leadership Awards on Monday, November 16, at Tribeca 360° in New York City. The annual event honors visionary women whose leadership, achievements and influence continue to shape the media landscape.
Zenia Mucha, Chief Brand and Communications Officer at TikTok, will receive the inaugural Gracies Vanguard Award. The new award honors individuals whose foresight and ability to anticipate change help define the future of media and the audiences it serves. Throughout her distinguished career, Mucha has demonstrated how strategic leadership, powerful storytelling and cultural relevance can create lasting impact. As the inaugural recipient, she embodies the spirit of a true vanguard: expanding what is possible while helping set the course for those who follow.
Kristen Welch, Chief Financial and Operations Officer at Illustrative Mathematics, will be honored with the AWM Legacy Leadership Award for her longstanding commitment to AWM and her contributions to the organization's mission to advancing all women in media.
The following media leaders will be recognized for their accomplishments and visionary leadership:
"The women we honor through the Gracies Leadership Awards have not only achieved extraordinary success in their own careers, they have helped shape the future of media through their vision, leadership and commitment to excellence," said Becky Brooks, President of AWM. "For 75 years, AWM has championed the advancement of women in media, and we are proud to recognize leaders whose impact extends far beyond their organizations, opening doors, fostering innovation and inspiring the next generation of industry changemakers. We look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in New York this November."
Tickets and additional information are available at allwomeninmedia.org/events/gracies-leadership-award.
The Gracies Leadership Awards will also spotlight the next generation of women in media through the AWM Foundation Student Fellowships. The program provides female students pursuing studies and careers in journalism, broadcasting, digital media, communications, content creation, production and related fields, the opportunity to attend the luncheon and connect with influential leaders. Applications open September 29 and close October 16.
Additionally, the luncheon will recognize the recipient of the 2026 AWM Foundation/NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Student Scholarship, with applications currently open through September 25.
For more information about the Alliance for Women in Media and the Gracies Leadership Awards, please visit allwomeninmedia.org
About the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM): The Alliance for Women in Media connects, recognizes and educates women across the media industry. AWM is a diverse community that facilitates industry-wide collaboration, education, and innovation. Established in 1951 as American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT), AWM is the longest-established professional association dedicated to advancing women in media. AWM harnesses the promise, passion and power of women in all forms of media to empower career development, engage in thought leadership, and drive positive change for our industry and societal progress.
SOURCE Alliance for Women in Media
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