NYWICI Network

Seth Meyers Head Writer & Weekend Update Anchor "Saturday Night Live

2010-04-19T13:07:52Z

Seth is presenting the Matrix Award to Tina Fey.

Seth Meyers returns for his ninth season on "Saturday Night Live," his fourth season as head writer, and his fourth season as anchor of "Weekend Update." Seth is thrilled to present Tina Fey with her Matrix Award because she has always been the Oprah to his Gayle. The two met while working together on "Saturday Night Live." Before focusing his attention solely on "Update," Meyers was a regular player in sketches, performing numerous characters and impressions, most notably, an uncanny portrayal of Senator John Kerry for the show's satire of the 2004 Presidential election. A graduate of Northwestern University, he studied and performed at ImprovOlympic (where many "SNL" cast members and writers got their start, including past cast members Rachel Dratch, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler) before moving on to the Boom Chicago Theater in Amsterdam, Holland. His acclaimed show "Pick-ups and Hiccups" with partner Jill Benjamin toured Europe and eventually caught the eye of "SNL." Most recently, Meyers is one of the Executive Producers on the "SNL" sketch turned feature film "MacGruber" due out May 21.

Ladies Who "Lunch"

2010-04-13T16:18:04Z

Preparation for the Matrix Awards takes months of hard work. Check out this video of some of our dedicated volunteers as they tackle the tough-- and tasty-- task of deciding what we'll be enjoying for lunch. Which dish would you choose?

Perfection on a Plate

2010-04-13T16:03:55Z

This year's Matrix Awards will end on an especially sweet note. Eli's Cheesecakes, from Chicago, will be our featured dessert. Oprah Winfrey, a former Matrix winner and one of this year's presenters, has a special place in her heart for Eli's She says, "Maybe it's the all-butter cookie crust, maybe it's the Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans--this cheesecake is perfection on a plate!"

The cheesecake connoisseurs at Eli's have a special message for this year's Matrix winners-- watch the video and whet your appetite!

Mariska Hargitay, Actress, "Law & Order: SVU" President & Founder, Joyful Heart Foundation

2010-04-12T16:27:34Z

Mariska is presenting the Matrix Award to Sheryl Crow

Emmy and Golden Globe Winner Mariska Hargitay plays Detective Olivia Benson on NBC's long-running drama "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." She is also President and Founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, dedicated to healing, educating and empowering survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse.

Mariska met Sheryl Crow on the Big Island of Hawaii in 2006. "I always wear a necklace with the word 'Fearlessness' on it," says Hargitay. "I think that's what first drew me to Sheryl. I have a deep appreciation for people who grab life by the horns and ride it for all it's worth. She does it with such grace and beauty, with humor and humility, and this magical combination of you-can't-stop-me determination and tranquil self-awareness. She may have the most beautiful heart of anyone I know-pure and good and true. They should get ready to yank me off the stage when I present the award because I am going to go on for a while."

Congratulations to the 2010 Scholarship Recipients!

2010-03-29T18:02:36Z

Stephanie Aaron - School of Visual Arts
Katie Corrado - Fordham University
Shira Engel - NYC Lab School for Collaborative Studies (Judy Corman Memorial Scholarship from Scholastic)
Natifia Gaines - Gonzaga University (On the Road to Matrix Scholarship)
Amanda Ferrarotto - Manhattan College (Interpublic Group Scholarship)
Samantha Gordon - Ardsley High School
Stephanie Guzmán - St. Joseph High School
Megan Hess - Syracuse University (AOL Scholarship)
Denise Horn - University of Chicago (Daniel Ladner - Political Communications)
Amelia Jiménez - Hershey High School
Diana Lau - Pratt Institute (Interpublic Group Scholarship)
Liane Membis - Yale University (Ruth Whitney Scholarship from Glamour magazine)
Emellie O'Brien - NYU (Women @ NBCU Scholarship from NBC Universal)
Chelsea Orcutt - Syracuse University (NYWICI Alumna Award of Excellence)
Amanda Quick - Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School
Tess Quinlan - Immaculate Heart Academy
Taylor Trudon - University of Connecticut (Hearst Scholarship)
Eva Werk - New York University (Daniel Ladner - Financial Communications)
Jie Jenny Zhou - Stony Brook University (Carlozzi Family Scholarship)

Lesley Stahl, "60 Minutes" and CBS News Correspondent

2010-03-29T17:54:16Z

Lesley Stahl has been a "60 Minutes" correspondent since March 1991. The 2009-10 season marks her 19th on the broadcast.

She is thrilled to present Doris Kearns Goodwin with her Matrix Award because she is a "great historian and more importantly, a good kid!" The two became close after meeting at Amherst College where both of their children went to school.

In September 2005, Stahl landed the first interview with American hostage Roy Hallums who was held captive by Iraqis for 10 months. Her other exclusive "60 Minutes" interviews with former Bush administration officials Paul O'Neill and Richard Clarke ranked among the biggest news stories of 2004. She was the first to report that Al Gore would not run for president, in a 2002 broadcast.

Prior to joining "60 Minutes," Stahl served as CBS News White House correspondent during the Carter, Reagan and George H. W. Bush presidencies. Her reports appeared on the "CBS Evening News," first with Walter Cronkite, then with Dan Rather, and on other CBS News broadcasts.

From September 1983-May 1991, she also served as moderator of "Face the Nation," CBS News' Sunday public affairs broadcast, where she interviewed such newsmakers as Margaret Thatcher, Boris Yeltsin, Yasir Arafat and virtually every top U.S. official.

Her experiences covering Washington for more than 20 years became the subject of her book Reporting Live (Simon & Schuster, 1999). The stories she has covered while at CBS News range from Watergate in 1972 through the 1981 assassination attempt on President Reagan to the 1991 Gulf War.

She has a collection of Emmy Awards for her interviews on "Face the Nation" and her "60 Minutes" reporting, including a Lifetime Achievement Emmy given in September 2003. Her profile of search engine giant Google earned her a 2005 Business and Financial Emmy award.

Stahl was born Dec. 16, 1941, in Swampscott, Mass. and graduated cum laude in 1963 from Wheaton College. She currently serves on the board of the New York City Ballet. She and her husband, author Aaron Latham, live in New York. They have a daughter, Taylor.

Katie Couric, Anchor and Managing Editor, "CBS Evening News with Katie Couric" Correspondent, "60 Minutes"

2010-03-25T15:23:15Z

Katie is presenting The Matrix Award to Anne Keating Katie Couric is the anchor and managing editor of the "CBS Evening News with Katie Couric," a "60 Minutes" correspondent and anchor for CBS News primetime specials. When the "CBS Evening News with Katie Couric" debuted on September 5, 2006, Couric became the first female solo anchor of a weekday network evening news broadcast. Katie is thrilled to present Anne Keating with a Matrix Award because "Anne is the ultimate 'go-to' person - always supporting everyone in anyway she can, and I am honored to be her 'go-to' person and share what an amazing person she is professionally and personally." Prior to the "CBS Evening News," Couric completed a 15-year run as co-anchor of NBC News' "Today" on May 31, 2006. While at NBC, Couric was also contributing anchor for "Dateline NBC." She was a "Today" substitute co-anchor from February 1991 before taking over the job permanently two months later. Couric joined NBC News in 1989 as deputy Pentagon reporter before serving its first national correspondent in June 1990, which included two stints covering the Gulf War. Couric has covered most of the major breaking news events over the past 15 years, including the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center; the Columbine tragedy in Colorado; six Olympic Games, including the 1996 Atlanta Olympic bombing; the funeral of Princess Diana; the Oklahoma City bombing; the Timothy McVeigh execution; the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings; and the end of millennium coverage, which she co-anchored with Tom Brokaw. She has interviewed an extraordinarily diverse collection of newsmakers, from presidents and prime ministers to captains of industry and cultural icons. She has interviewed Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, along with all of the major presidential candidates over the past several elections. Couric has also sat down with Vice President Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, Madeleine Albright, Sandra Day O'Connor and First Ladies Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Nancy Reagan, Rosalynn Carter, Betty Ford and Lady Bird Johnson. After losing her husband, Jay Monahan, to colon cancer in 1998, Couric embraced the fight against the country's number two cancer killer. In March 2000, Couric launched the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance in association with the Entertainment Industry Foundation and Lilly Tartikoff, to fund new medical research in colorectal cancer and to conduct educational programs encouraging the prevention and early detection of the disease through proper screening. Following Couric's on-air colonoscopy in 2000, a scientifically documented 20% increase was noted in the number of colonoscopies performed across the country. Researchers at the University of Michigan dubbed this "The Couric Effect." Born in Arlington, Virginia, Couric graduated with honors from the University of Virginia in 1979 with a bachelor's degree in English and a focus on American studies. She currently lives in New York with her two daughters.

Learn about the Matrix online auction

2010-03-11T20:39:34Z

New York Women in Communications Foundation is proud to announce its annual partnership with the online auction site, charitybuzz.com in conjunction with the Matrix Awards. This special auction is not-to-miss, offering invaluable experiences and highly coveted goods, including high-end travel, luxury merchandise, a day with a prominent industry member or celebrity, behind-the-scenes access at leading businesses, vacations, spa and hairstyling packages, shopping experiences and more! The special annual auction helps fund scholarships and educational programs for women who are just beginning a career or transitioning to a career in communications. In the past three years, the auction has raised more than $100,000! This year's auction will launch on "Matrix Monday," April 19 at the Awards luncheon. Feeling generous? Would you like to offer a day with a CEO, a vacation-home or time-share stay, spa or hair-salon packages or a shopping jaunt? If so, contact Cheryl Thompson, NYWICI's auction specialist at charitybuzz.com via cthompson@charitybuzz.com or at 203.226.8306. Visit www.charitybuzz.com/auctions/nywici2010 for current auction highlights.

NBC Universal is proud to announce the "Women at NBCU Scholarship"

2010-03-11T20:27:40Z

This year, the Matrix Awards host has created a special scholarship in lieu of spending money on Matrix gift bags, typically provided by the host. One very special student who is currently enrolled in college and plans to pursue a career in broadcasting and digital media will receive a scholarship of $10,000 toward their education. She will also have the chance to visit NBC Universal headquarters and spend a day learning various aspects of the broadcasting and digital media business. "We are extremely excited to create this opportunity for a deserving communications student," said Allison Gollust, executive vice president, corporate communications, NBC Universal. "In light of the current economy, we felt it would be a greater use of our resources to provide a scholarship, so a worthy student can continue to reach their educational goals."

NYWICI's leaders' favorite Matrix memories

2010-03-11T20:22:03Z

New York Women in Communications leaders share their favorite Matrix memories! My favorite Matrix memory, to date, was last year. While I was sitting on the dais watching all these amazing and inspiring women accept their awards, I became increasingly excited to be at the helm of this fantastic organization as its President this year.

- Denise Warren, New York Women in Communications President The year I won the Matrix, I was seated on the dais along side Caroline Kennedy. We were chatting for quite a while and my friends and family thought we were involved in a heady conversation about education, politics or world peace. But what we talked about was: 1. Why I was allowed to bring my handbag on the stage, when hers was taken away. 2. If I could share her pencil, as we were both making myriad changes to our respective speeches and were quite nervous about the time limits. 3. The fact that neither of us wanted to eat because, heaven forbid, we'd need to apply our lipstick in full view of thousands of people. Kennedy or not, she was the most down to earth "celebrity" I'd ever met, and that was a memory I'll never forget. And, of course, getting the Matrix award wasn't half bad either. - Linda Kaplan Thaler, New York Women in Communications President-Elect I guess it would be 2002, the year that former President Bill Clinton presented the Matrix to Helen Thomas of the White House Press Corps. I was seated up in the balcony section - which has the best views of the stage - and I thought that this moment in time is what the Matrix Awards are all about. Honoring a woman in communications who blazed the trail to the highest levels of our profession, and having that award presented by the 42nd President of the United States. It was inspiring, energizing and just really cool. These are the women I want to keep in my life, I thought. The women on that stage and in this room truly are Women Who Change the World, and I want to always be a part of this.

- Joan Cear, New York Women in Communications Foundation President

Anna Quindlen, Bestselling Author & Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalist

2010-03-10T00:44:46Z

Anna is presenting The Matrix Award to Ina Garten. Novelist, social critic and former Newsweek and New York Times columnist Anna Quindlen has provided audiences with her perspective on events of the day for more than 30 years, while delicately balancing the political with the personal. Quindlen is thrilled to present a Matrix Award to honoree Ina Garten because "she has presented to me, and my family, for many many years. Indonesian ginger chicken. Coconut cupcakes. She has never steered us wrong, and we owe her a debt of gratitude for many happy, and easy, meals. She is the queen of modern home cooking, and I'm one of her millions of acolytes. I just happen to be lucky enough to be able to e-mail her and say, 'How long do you cook those steamed potatoes with herbs again?' Last time I did that, she wrote right back and wanted to know about the rest of the meal, and who was coming to dinner. That's Ina--approachable, good-natured, and wild about the kitchen. Her enthusiasm is infectious. If food is love, she's Cupid." A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author, Quindlen recently retired from her Newsweek column of ten years, "The Last Word," though she will continue to write pieces for the magazine. She began her career at age 18 as a copy girl, joining The New York Times a few years later. Starting off as a general assignment reporter, she eventually became the third woman in the paper's history to write for its influential Op-Ed page when she began her award-winning column "Public and Private." Her bestseller, "One True Thing," was made into a film starring Meryl Streep and Renee Zellweger, and her bestsellers "Blessings" and "Black and Blue" were both made into TV movies. Her novel, "Rise and Shine," debuted on The New York Times bestseller list at #1, and "A Short Guide to a Happy Life" has sold more than one million copies. Her most recent book "Good Dog. Stay." is about her beloved black Labrador, Beau. She is currently working on a new novel, "Every Last One," to be released on April 13, 2010. Chair of the Board of Trustees at Barnard College, she is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and holds honorary degrees from more than a dozen American universities.

Jill Abramson, Managing Editor, The New York Times

2010-03-10T00:40:16Z

Jill is presenting The Matrix Award to Susan Chira. Jill Abramson was appointed managing editor of The New York Times in August 2003, after holding the position of Washington bureau chief since December 2000. For the past year, in addition to her managing editor duties, Jill has been The Times' online pet columnist, writing about her experiences with her new dog, Scout, in a column called "The Puppy Diaries." Jill is thrilled to present the Matrix Award to Susan Chira because "she defines integrity in journalism and is such a generous and large-spirited editor and friend." The two met when Jill came to the Times in 1997, but she knew of Susan's legendary gifts as an editor and correspondent going back to her days at The Harvard Crimson. Jill also loved the book Susan wrote on motherhood. From April 1999 until November 2000, she was Washington editor of The Times where she was responsible for planning and directing the work of the Times' 60-member bureau. Before becoming Washington editor she served as the enterprise editor in the Washington Bureau. She joined the newspaper in September 1997. Previous to The Times, she worked at The Wall Street Journal from 1988 to 1997. While there, she served as deputy bureau chief in its Washington, D.C. bureau and investigative reporter, covering money and politics. From 1986 to 1988 she was editor in chief of Legal Times, a weekly newspaper in Washington, D.C. Born in New York City, Jill received a B.A. degree in history and literature, graduating magna cum laude, from Harvard College in 1976. She is co-author of "Strange Justice," published by Houghton Mifflin in 1994 and "Where They are Now," published by Doubleday in 1986. She is married, has two children and lives in New York City.

Maria Bartiromo, Anchor, CNBC's "The Closing Bell" & Host and Managing Editor, "The Wall Street Journal Report with Maria Bartiromo"

2010-03-10T00:33:31Z

Maria is presenting The Matrix Award to Marissa Mayer. Maria Bartiromo is the anchor of CNBC's "Closing Bell with Maria Bartiromo" and host and managing editor of the nationally syndicated "Wall Street Journal Report with Maria Bartiromo," which was also recently rated the most watched financial news program in America. "The Wall Street Journal Report with Maria Bartiromo" is a nationally syndicated business, financial and economic news program. The half-hour weekly newscast appears on more than 200 stations each week and provides the clarity, depth and insight of The Wall Street Journal in a television magazine format. Maria is thrilled to present the Matrix Award to Marissa Mayer because she is a dynamic, fresh face leading an industry that is constantly changing. The two shared an instant bond when they met at Google Headquarters during a story about Google that Maria completed. In 1995, Maria became the first journalist to report live from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on a daily basis where she covered breaking news for the network's unscripted and fast-paced business morning program, "Squawk Box." Maria joined CNBC in 1993 after five years as a producer and assignment editor with CNN Business News. She has written a weekly column for BusinessWeek and Milano Finanza, as well as monthly columns for Individual Investor, Ticker and Reader's Digest magazines, and she has been published in the Financial Times, Newsweek, Town and Country, Registered Rep and The New York Post. HarperCollins published her book, "Use the News: How to Separate the Noise from the Investment Nuggets and Make Money in Any Economy" in June 2001. The book was on the bestseller lists of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and USA Today. Maria's latest book, "The 10 Laws of Enduring Success" will be released by Crown Publishing Group in late March 2010. In May 2008, Maria received a Gracie Award in the category of Outstanding Documentary for her documentary "Greenspan: Power, Money & the American Dream." She was also awarded a 2008 News and Documentary Emmy for her "Bailout Talks Collapse" coverage. In December 2009, Maria was featured in The Financial Times as one of the "50 Who Shaped the Decade." Maria graduated from New York University, where she majored in journalism and minored in economics.

Oprah Winfrey, Chairman, Harpo, Inc.

2010-03-10T00:21:22Z

Oprah is presenting The Matrix Award to Gayle King. Through the power of media, Oprah Winfrey has created an unparalleled connection with people around the world. For more than two decades, she has hosted the legendary and award-winning "The Oprah Winfrey Show." Her commitment to use her life to make a difference in the lives of others has extended beyond the realm of television into philanthropy, film, radio, digital media and publishing--including O, The Oprah Magazine, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary. In January 2011, Oprah and Discovery Communications will launch "OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network," a new multi-platform media venture designed to inspire people to live their best lives. Her influence and generosity have established her as one of the most respected and admired public figures today. Oprah Winfrey is honored to present the Matrix Award to her best friend and colleague Gayle King. Since working together at a Baltimore television station in 1976, Oprah and Gayle have forged a friendship that extends into business with Gayle serving as the editor-at-large for O, The Oprah Magazine since its inception. Gayle also hosts the popular, live talk program "The Gayle King Show" on Sirius XM's Oprah Radio.

Tina Fey, Executive Producer, Head Writer, & Star of NBC's three-time Emmy Award-winning "30 Rock"

2010-03-09T23:52:47Z

Tina Fey is executive producer, head writer and star of NBC's three-time Emmy Award-winning comedy series "30 Rock." Her performance as "Liz Lemon" has earned Fey an Emmy, two Golden Globes, two SAG Awards and a People's Choice Award. This past year, "30 Rock" was nominated for a record 22 Emmy Awards, the most of any comedy series on television. For her comedic genius, Tina Fey will receive a 2010 Matrix Award. Prior to creating "30 Rock," Tina completed nine seasons as head writer, cast member and co-anchor of the "Weekend Update" segment on NBC's "Saturday Night Live." Tina is an Emmy winner and two-time Writers Guild Award winner for her writing on SNL and won an Emmy this year for Guest Appearance by an Actress in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of Sarah Palin on the 2008-2009 season of SNL. Tina expanded to feature films in spring 2004 as both a screenwriter and an actress in the hit comedy "Mean Girls," which earned her a nomination for a Writers Guild Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. On the big screen, Tina most recently starred alongside SNL's Amy Poehler in the film "Baby Mama" for Universal Pictures, which exceeded the $50 million dollar mark at the U.S. box office. Tina next stars in the 20th Century FOX film, "Date Night" opposite Steve Carrell, which will be released in theaters nationwide on April 9, 2010. Tina is also in the process of writing her first book for publisher Little, Brown and Company. Tina lives in New York with her husband, Jeff Richmond, and their daughter.