The Matrix Awards 2011

Reportingby Paul and Leah

The New York Women in Communications (NYWIC) presented the 2011 Matrix Awards on April 11, 2011 to honor ‘Women Who Change the World’ during its annual luncheon at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.

Honorees included:Betty White, Emmy Award-winning actress, who was presented with a Special Lifetime Achievement Award; Cindi Berger, Chairman and CEO of PMK*BNC Public Relations, and presented by Rosie O’Donnell, talk show host and comedian; Gwen Ifill, moderator and managing editor, “Washington Week” and senior correspondent, “The PBS NewsHour” and presented by Paula Kerger, President and CEO of PBS; Robin Koval, President of The Kaplan Thaler Group, and presented by Linda Kaplan Thaler, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of The Kaplan Thaler Group; Idina Menzel, Tony Award-winning performer and presented by Dana Tyler, CBS 2 news anchor; Abbe Raven, President and CEO of AETN, A&E Television Networks, and presented by Mark Burnett, producer; Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, and presented by Adrianna Huffington, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post; and Gina Sanders, President and CEO of Fairchild Fashion Group, and presented by Evelyn H. Lauder, senior corporate vice president of The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc.

The Matrix Awards was attended by more than 1,000 people and celebrated and saluted exceptional women in the communications fields. Previous award recipients include Barbara Walters, Meryl Streep, Nora Ephron, Toni Morrison, Tina Fey, Martha Stewart, Anna Wintour, Meredith Vieira, Annie Leibovitz, Anna Quinlen, to name a few.

About The Matrix Awards:
Since 1970, New York Women in Communications’ Matrix Awards Luncheon has been recognized by New York’s communications and entertainment communities as one of the most outstanding events of the year. Proceeds from the Matrix Awards Luncheon are used by New York Women in Communications to develop and maintain a full calendar of affordable programs and special events, networking and support systems for the organization’s members and the community at large. The New York Women in Communications Foundation awards scholarships and provides educational programs for women, whether just beginning their careers or embarking on a transition in their careers. It is the largest foundation for communications scholarships for women in the tri-state area.

About New York Women in Communications:

New York Women in Communications, founded in 1929, is a not-for-profit organization of almost 2,000 communications professionals dedicated to promoting the highest standards throughout the industry and to providing education and leadership for the next generation. The membership encompasses senior executives and other experienced communicators from a wide range of enterprises as well as young professionals and students. The organization empowers women in all communications disciplines to reach their full potential by promoting their professional growth and inspiring them to achieve and share their successes in the rapidly changing world of communications. For more information on NYWIC and The 2011 Matrix Awards please visit http://www.nywici.org/matrix

(Source: New York Women in Communications)