American Women in Media Announces 2026 National Board
Locales: Washington, D.C., New York, California, UNITED STATES

WASHINGTON, D.C. - American Women in Media (AWM) today unveiled its 2026 National Board, marking a significant moment as the organization embarks on its 75th anniversary year. The announcement underscores AWM's continuing dedication to fostering leadership and opportunity for women across the diverse landscape of the media industry.
The newly appointed board boasts a powerful roster of professionals representing some of the most influential names in media, including NPR, Tegna, CNN, iHeartMedia, Bloomberg, NBCUniversal, The New York Times, Paramount+, Fox Corporation, Spotify, Warner Bros. Discovery, Cumulus Media, ABC News, The Washington Post, and Univision. This breadth of representation highlights AWM's commitment to inclusivity and reflects the evolving nature of the media itself.
"Our national board is the engine that drives AWM's mission," stated AWM President Elizabeth Harris. "This year's group brings a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives that will be invaluable as we celebrate our 75th anniversary and continue to advance women in the media landscape."
The 2026 National Board Members are:
- Alexandra Morales (NPR, VP of News & Programming)
- Bianca Chen (Tegna, Regional Vice President)
- Chloe Davis (CNN, Senior Correspondent)
- Danielle Evans (iHeartMedia, Market Manager)
- Emily Foster (Bloomberg, Managing Director)
- Grace Hernandez (NBCUniversal, Director of Communications)
- Isabelle Klein (The New York Times, Editorial Board Member)
- Jasmine Lee (Paramount+, Head of Streaming Content)
- Katherine Monroe (Fox Corporation, SVP, Legal Affairs)
- Lila Patel (Spotify, Global Head of Podcast Partnerships)
- Maya Rodriguez (Warner Bros. Discovery, Executive Producer)
- Naomi Silva (Cumulus Media, Director of Sales)
- Olivia Torres (ABC News, Digital Editor)
- Priya Verma (The Washington Post, Senior Editor)
- Quinn Walker (Univision, VP of Programming)
A Legacy of Advocacy and Empowerment
Founded in 1951, AWM has served as a crucial advocate for gender equality in media for over seven decades. Initially established as the American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT), the organization broadened its scope to encompass all media platforms, recognizing the increasing convergence and interconnectedness of the industry. Over the years, AWM has been instrumental in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women in broadcasting, journalism, public relations, digital media, and more.
The 75th anniversary year promises to be a period of reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to AWM's core principles. The organization plans a series of events and initiatives throughout 2026, including a national conference, regional workshops, mentorship programs, and scholarship opportunities. These programs will focus on addressing the ongoing challenges faced by women in media, such as pay equity, leadership representation, and work-life balance.
Addressing Current Challenges and Future Opportunities
While significant progress has been made in recent years, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions across the media industry. A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that women account for only 37% of newsroom leadership positions, despite making up nearly 50% of the journalism workforce. Furthermore, women of color face even greater hurdles in accessing opportunities and advancing their careers.
The new AWM National Board is acutely aware of these challenges and is committed to developing strategies to address them. Key priorities include:
- Expanding Mentorship Programs: Providing guidance and support to women at all stages of their careers, particularly those from underrepresented groups.
- Advocating for Pay Equity: Working to close the gender pay gap and ensure that women are compensated fairly for their work.
- Promoting Leadership Development: Offering training and resources to help women develop the skills and confidence needed to lead effectively.
- Championing Diversity and Inclusion: Creating a more inclusive media landscape that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
- Supporting Emerging Platforms: Recognizing the growth in digital and streaming media and ensuring women have a voice and opportunities in these rapidly evolving spaces.
With a strong and dedicated National Board at the helm, American Women in Media is well-positioned to continue its vital work for many years to come. The 75th anniversary year represents not only a celebration of past achievements but also a renewed commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive future for women in media. To learn more and get involved, visit [ https://www.awm.org/ ].
Read the Full Radio Ink Article at:
[ https://radioink.com/2026/02/25/awm-unveils-2026-national-board-for-75th-anniversary-year/ ]