“In most mainstream news, women’s stories are not prioritized. They’re not centered. Women are often covered as an afterthought, as a sidebar to the main event, as if women are not an integral part of the story.”

In this episode, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich interviews Francesca Donner, the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Persistent. Dedicated to amplifying women’s voices and stories, the platform’s mission is to "cover women for a change". Francesca honed her storytelling skills and newsroom expertise at The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes, launching initiatives that brought together a rich variety of perspectives. Listen to this episode for Francesca's thoughts on AI's effect on the newsroom and hear her perspective on what it means for allies to step in. 

"We're really in a moment of people having to reinvent, redefine, rediscover themselves. Our world changes so dramatically that I think it's helpful for us all to remember that there's no deadline and it isn't over. We'll keep finding things inside of us." 

In this episode, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich interviews Bellamy Young, a 2025 Matrix Honoree and film, TV, and Broadway actress. After her iconic role as President Mellie Grant on the Shonda Rhimes's award-winning series Scandal, for which she earned a Critics’ Choice Award, she hasn't stopped! She's an ambassador for the global humanitarian organization CARE, for whom she created the podcast She Leads with Care to uplift the stories of incredible female leaders from around the world who have changed their lives and communities. Her first novel The Aetherion Code, a futuristic coming-of-age story co-written with her dear friend Fay Masterson, was published in July 2025. Listen to this episode for her perspective on support systems and what it means to "adventure in all directions". 

Advice for young writers and communicators: “Care about storytelling, care about voice, care about the opinions that you are honing and developing as a person in the world.”

In this episode, Womenheard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Lucy Kaylin, 2025 Matrix Honoree and Editorial Director at the world's largest lifestyle publisher, Hearst Magazines. Prior, Lucy served as executive editor at Marie Claire and deputy editor at O, The Oprah Magazine before becoming editor-in-chief. During her seven years at the helm, the magazine boasted one of the largest monthly magazine circulations and was named Advertising Age’s Magazine of the Year. 

Listen to this episode for behind-the-scenes info on her collaboration for Katie Couric's memoir and how Lucy puts storytelling's impact at the intersection of everything she does. 

"The areas where I think it can be really helpful for communicators to think about are business fluency and thinking about communicators being a business partner. Aligning what they're doing right now, and the decisions they need to make, with a business strategy that has the mission of the company front and center: the North Star." 

In this episode, Womenheard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Diane Schwartz at Ragan Communications, the leading training and networking community for communicators worldwide. As the first female CEO in Ragan's 57-year history, Diane has led the organization to unparalleled growth for the past 5 consecutive years. Listen to this episode for her thoughts on AI's impact in the industry and why asking for help is the key to success. 

"What it truly means to be at the top of your game - that really is not perfection. At the top of your game is when you're contributing and when you're feeling like you're adding value. Part of that is also sharing everything. Part of it is being vulnerable...we're all on this journey together and I think that's part of the culture I want my own daughter to grow up in: understanding that she does not have to be perfect to succeed." 

In this episode, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich interviews Eleanor Reece, a 2024 NYWICI Trailblazer Honoree and communications leader.  Eleanor is responsible for guiding Whirlpool Corporation’s global communications function and corporate communications strategy to support the company’s vision of improving life at home. Her natural curiosity about the world led her to crave experiences in journalism, public policy, strategy, and anything with a sense of urgency. Listen to this episode for why having a growth mindset can be the best asset in your career toolbox. 

The Matrix Awards by NYWICI serves as our opportunity to recognize exceptional leaders in the communications industry. This year’s theme is Leading Luminaries! The 2025 Matrix honorees are lighting the path of success and influencing the future. The light within our honorees showcases their unwavering spirit of human resilience and the power of perseverance. 

Sarah Ng, Digital Content Producer at The New York Post and three-time NYWICI Scholarship recipient, took to the red carpet of this star studded event. Listen to this episode for insights from Kristen Welker, moderator of NBC's Meet The Press; Bellamy Young, actor, film producer, and host of the She Leads with CARE podcast; Rachel Lindsay, media personality, attorney, and Higher Learning podcast co-host; and more! 

"I find that most often I take the risk and not only do I grow, I learn. I'm furthering not only my career and whatever it is I'm taking the risk in, but when I fail I've also learned something. And you only learn the most valuable lessons, unfortunately, when you fail." 

In this special event recording, you'll hear behind-the-scenes info and career lessons from fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff! As the author of Fearless: The New Rules for Unlocking Creativity, Courage, and Success, podcast host of Superwomen with Rebecca Minkoff and co-founder of the Female Founder Collective, Rebecca's encouragement stems from her 20 years of entrepreneurship - both the successes and the frustrations. 

Moderated by Jackie Hyland, NYWICI member and Associate Director of Corporate Affairs, Sustainability at KPMG US, this conversation focuses on taking educated risks and transforming setbacks into opportunities. You'll also hear tips for how to establish your unique vision and get to know the audience you hope to serve. 

"That 'people piece' has value. There's a value to having empathy in a corporate environment, in an organizational environment." In this episode, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich interviews Francesca Larson, founder and CEO of creative and technology agency Studio Mosaic. She got her storytelling start as a NYWICI Scholarship Recipient, which she credits with launching her career and her sense of self. 

After stints in politics PR, she was inspired to work on projects and products with a mission to amplify community voices. Listen to this interview for her perspective on the future of work, along with the career paths she followed and the ones she created for herself. 

"Money should be working for you." It's never too late to level up! In this special event recording sponsored by Yahoo!, you'll learn from Judy Herbst, financial expert and the Executive Director of Savvy Ladies. This nonprofit is dedicated to providing free financial education and resources to women, empowering them to achieve financial independence.

Moderated by Jackie Hyland, NYWICI member and Associate Director of Corporate Affairs, Sustainability at KPMG US, this conversation focuses on how to manage your money instead of it managing you. Whether it's building a diversified investment portfolio, shoring up an emergency fund that fits a tight job market (potentially 9 months of runway) or leveraging your earning potential, you'll come away with actionable tips to explore your next steps to long-term wealth building. 

Resources mentioned: Free Financial Helpline; CFP Board; Podcast: Power of the Ask; Ellevest; Jean Chatzky

"As part of a daily practice, I think about earning trust and earning reliability in the eyes of those that I work with — and work for. It's about what I advocate for and the behaviors that I model." 

In this episode, Womenheard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Tracy-Ann Lim, a NYWICI Trailblazer Honoree in the 2024 inaugural class and a powerful storytelling strategist. As the Chief Media Officer at JPMorganChase, she manages a fast-paced global team of 100+ people. Prior to this role, Tracy-Ann filled executive roles at media agencies in New York, LA and Ireland where she is from. Listen to this episode for why simplicity can be a strategic advantage, along with how to build trust with your team and trust in your brand.