NBCUniversal Entertainment Chairman Donna Langley and technology activist and founder Tracy Chow are among this year’s special recipients of the Vital Voices Global Leadership Award.
As one of the most powerful and respected executives in the global entertainment industry, Langley will receive the Trailblazer Award in recognition of his continued efforts to bring diverse stories and storytellers to life. Langley, who was made a Dame by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2020, has supported Vital Voices’ mission as a leader and as a member of the Board of Directors.
Chou, founder and CEO of Block Party, will be one of two winners of the inaugural Susan Wojcicki Tech for Impact Award. The new award celebrates the life and work of Wojcicki, former YouTube CEO, Vital Voices leader and advocate for women in tech, and aims to recognize women who are “leveraging technology to address the world’s most pressing challenges through bold innovation and innovative policy solutions.” Mr. Chou will be recognized for his work promoting accountability and transparency in the technology industry and building more secure digital platforms.
Women’s rights activist and campaigner Seyi Akilowo has been awarded the Susan Wojcicki Award for the second time. Akiwolowo is the founder and director of Glitch, a nonprofit organization that campaigns to end online abuse, and will be honored for her work advocating for inclusive, rights-based digital policies.
The ceremony will be held on April 23rd at the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) and will be hosted by marketing executive and entrepreneur Bozoma St. John. Vital Voices co-founder and former US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will also make a special appearance at the ceremony. The Global Leadership Awards are Vital Voices’ annual fundraising event that supports the nonprofit organization’s mission to “identify, invest in, and empower women leaders to tackle the world’s biggest challenges.”
“For more than 28 years, Vital Voices has invested in women leaders who are shaping a more just and prosperous world,” said Arise Nelson, president and CEO of the nonprofit, which co-sponsored the event. “This year’s honorees exemplify bold leadership that challenges systems, expands opportunity, and creates lasting change.”
Rounding out this year’s winners are Susie Wolf, Shirin Musa and Farwiza Farhan. Wolff, a former racing driver and current managing director of the F1 Academy, will receive the Icon Award for her groundbreaking career in motorsport and her leadership in expanding opportunities for women in racing.
Moosa and Farhan will also be presented with the Global Leadership Award. Moussa, founder of the grassroots organization Femmes for Freedom, will be recognized as an advocate for ending coercive and honor-based violence. Last year, Moussa was elected to the Dutch Senate and continues to advocate for reforms that protect the dignity of all women and girls. Farhan, a leading forest conservationist, will be honored for his environmental leadership in protecting Indonesia’s Leuser Ecosystem and promoting community-led conservation in the country.
“As the world feels increasingly complex and divided, female leadership like this year’s honorees reminds us of what is possible,” Nelson added. “From boardrooms to racetracks, from technology platforms to grassroots movements and fragile ecosystems, they are rebuilding systems and expanding opportunities for others. We are proud to celebrate not only their accomplishments, but the ripple effects of their leadership across generations.”
Event co-hosts include Rachel Hruska McPherson, Selina Tabakowara, Sari Christison, Stéphane de la Faverie, Deborah Rutter, Diane von Furstenberg, Elizabeth and Bruce Buchanan, and Fabi Ola Bellacasa Beckman, Huma Abedin, Jennifer Taft, Karlie Kloss, Christina O’Neal, Laura Brown, Mark Pritchard, Lili Buffet, Sarah Harden, Abbey Phillippe, Catherine Saint Laurent.
