Audra McDonald Honored with 2013 Matrix Award Today

New York Women in Communications will present the 2013 Matrix Awards today, April 22, 2013 to honor seven remarkable women who have established themselves in the communications industry. The awards will be given in a luncheon ceremony hosted by WE tv at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. The distinguished honorees will include Audra McDonald, Joanna Coles, Bonnie Hammer and Mindy Grossman.

The Matrix Awards is recognized by the communications and entertainment communities as one of the most outstanding and prestigious events of the year, with more than one thousand people expected to gather to honor exceptional women in communications fields. Previous award recipients include Barbara Walters, Meryl Streep, Diane Von Furstenberg, Anna Wintour, Cindi Berger, Gayle King, and Martha Stewart to name a few.

Portions of the proceeds from the Matrix Awards luncheon will benefit the organization's Foundation which is dedicated to cultivating female leaders in the communications field. The Foundation offers financial support through generous scholarships and provides opportunities for professional development and mentoring, as well as an entrée to a diverse community of communications professionals.

2013 Matrix Award Honorees:

- Joanna Coles - Editor-in-Chief of Cosmopolitan magazine

- Anne Finucane - Global Strategy and Marketing Officer, Bank of America

- Mindy Grossman - Chief Executive Officer of HSN Inc.

- Bonnie Hammer - Chairman, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group

- Jacki Kelley - CEO, IPG Mediabrands North America and President, Global Clients, UM

- Audra McDonald - Singer & Actress

- Kara Swisher -Editor, Reporter and Author

TICKETS: Individual tickets, tables and information on sponsorship opportunities are now available at www.nywici.org.

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. Past recipients include Arianna Huffington, Katie Couric, Meryl Streep, Gail Collins, Ann Moore, Toni Morrison, Barbara Walters and Annie Leibovitz.

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. Additionally, the New York Women in Communications Foundation is dedicated to cultivating leaders in the communications field by providing financial support including generous scholarships, opportunities for professional development, mentoring, and entrée to a diverse community of communications professionals. The Foundation is the largest foundation for women's communications scholarships in the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut-Pennsylvania region.

WE tv (www.wetv.com) is the women's network that features original stories for and about modern women who are taking charge of their life, their family and their household. Hit shows like Braxton Family Values, Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?, Mary Mary and Bridezillas showcase strong, bold characters that are as entertaining as they are relatable and that viewers just can't get enough of. Audiences connect to WE tv online, on demand and via WE tv Sync, a live, dual screen viewing experience tailored to each new original episode. WE tv is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc.

New York Women in Communications, founded in 1929, is a not-for-profit organization of more than 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. New York Women in Communications 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. For more information, please visit www.nywici.org.

The New York Women in Communications Foundation, a public charity founded in 2000, exists to help a younger sisterhood successfully enter the world of communications with financial support, professional guidance and ongoing friendship. An arm of New York Women in Communications, the Foundation awards scholarships and provides educational programs for women, whether just beginning or embarking on a transition in their careers. It is the largest foundation for communications scholarships for women in the tri-state area.