Matrix Awards Presented April 22; Tony Winner Audra McDonald Among 2013 Honorees | Playbill

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News Matrix Awards Presented April 22; Tony Winner Audra McDonald Among 2013 Honorees New York Women in Communications presents the 2013 Matrix Awards, honoring seven women who have established themselves in the communications industry, April 22. Five-time Tony winner Audra McDonald is among the honorees.

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Audra McDonald Photo by Michael Wilson

The awards luncheon ceremony, emceed by actress and television personality Joan Rivers, is hosted by WE tv at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.

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

McDonald will be presented with the Matrix Award by Christine C. Quinn, speaker of the New York City Council. She joins honorees Joanna Coles, editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine (presented by Val Demings, former Orlando Chief of Police); Anne Finucane, global strategy and marketing officer, Bank of America (presented by Mika Brzezinski, co-host, MSNBC's "Morning Joe"); Mindy Grossman, chief executive officer of HSN Inc. (presented by Iman, founder and CEO of IMAN Cosmetics, Skincare and Fragrances); Bonnie Hammer, chairman, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group (presented by Ryan Seacrest, TV, radio host and producer); Jacki Kelley, CEO, IPG Mediabrands North America and president, Global Clients, UM (presented by Tom Curley, past president and chief executive officer of The Associated Press); and Kara Swisher, editor, reporter and author (presented by Barry Diller, chairman and senior executive, IAC and chairman and senior executive, Expedia, Inc.).

"We honor these inspiring women for their significant impact on the world of communications," said Nancy Weber, president of New York Women in Communications and executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Meredith Corporation, in a recent statement. "These women truly exemplify the theme of the Matrix Awards, 'Women Who Change the World,' and we look forward to celebrating their achievements."

McDonald, who starred as Bess in last season's The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, won her first Tony Award in 1994 for Carousel, in which she played the role of Carrie Pipperidge. In 1996 she took home the Featured Actress Tony Award for her performance as Sharon in Master Class. She also received Featured Actress Tonys for Ragtime, in which she played Sarah, and A Raisin in the Sun, for the role of Ruth Younger. The 2012 Tony for her role of Bess was her first Best Actress Tony Award. Previous award recipients include Barbara Walters, Meryl Streep, Diane von Furstenberg, Anna Wintour, Cindi Berger, Gayle King and Martha Stewart, among others.

For more information and tickets, visit NYWICI.org.

 
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