2026 Signature Awards Luncheon Recap

A Look Back at the 2026 Signature Awards Luncheon

The 2026 Signature Awards Luncheon brought together the brightest minds across media, entertainment and technology. This year’s event took over the iconic Cipriani 42nd Street on May 12 for an afternoon dedicated to excellence.

We proudly recognized our 2026 Women of the Year and Women to Watch, spotlighting the leaders whose strategic influence and vision drive our industry forward.

The room was filled with energy thanks to a powerful opening performance by the Hawaiian Hula Troupe, setting a spectacular tone for a day of celebration and community.

Photos by L. Busacca/Getty Images for WICT

Hawaiian Hula Troupe (Photo by L. Busacca/Getty Images for WICT)

The momentum only grew when Michelle L. Rice took the stage to officially open the afternoon’s main program. After greeting attendees, Michelle shared the stage with Tracy Pitcher for a dynamic fireside chat that marked Tracy’s exciting new chapter as our President & CEO. Their conversation highlighted how our network helps leaders navigate an evolving industry, showing the unparalleled value The WICT Network delivers as the go-to organization for leadership development. It was a fantastic introduction to an afternoon dedicated to celebrating the women who are moving media and technology forward.

Michelle L. Rice, Global Board Chair, The WICT Network & President, TV One & Cleo TV (Photo by L. Busacca/Getty Images for WICT)
(L-R) Michelle L. Rice and Tracy Pitcher, President & CEO, The WICT Network (Photo by L. Busacca/Getty Images for WICT)

2026 Women of the Year and Women to Watch Honorees

The true centerpiece of the afternoon was spotlighting our 2026 award recipients. Our Women to Watch honorees are exceptional executives who bring fresh perspectives and powerful momentum to the media, entertainment, and technology sectors. By championing innovation and excellence, these rising leaders are shaping a future where impact and strategic influence take center stage.

Women to Watch: Mary Pouliopoulos (Media), Karen Bronzo (Entertainment), Pooja Jugran (Technology)

(L-R) Alison Hellman (SVP & General Manager, Spectrum News), Mary Pouliopoulos (Senior Vice President, Customer Experience & Automation, Spectrum Reach) Channing Dungey (Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros. Television Group & WBD US Networks), Karen Bronzo (Chief Global Marketing Officer, US Networks & News, Warner Bros. Discovery), Nikhil Suhaney(AI Product Manager, Former Founder of GFC, Big 4 GRCS Consultant), Pooja Jugran (Vice President, Strategy and Growth, Tech Mahindra)

Our 2026 Women of the Year represent the highest standard of leadership in our industry. It was a privilege to recognize these exceptional executives, whose strategic vision and dedication continue to drive meaningful progress across their organizations. Congratulations to each of our honorees on this significant and well-deserved honor.

Women of the Year: Karen Kovacs (Media), Stephanie Mitchko (Entertainment), Chandy Ghosh (Technology)

(L-R) Cece Ryan (Chief Revenue Officer, Mansueto Ventures, Parent of Inc. and Fast Company), Karen Kovacs (President, Advertising and Partnerships, NBCUniversal), Jennifer Yohe (Chief Procurement & Corporate, Administration Officer, Optimum), Stephanie Mitchko (Chief Technology Officer & Global Head of Media Operations, AMC Global Media), Sonia Ghosh (Senior Manager, Strategy & Management Consulting, Accenture), Chandy Ghosh (Chief Operating Officer & GM, Sinch Emergency Services​)

Rhonda Crichlow concluded the Signature Awards Luncheon with a strong message focused on our community’s shared goals. Her remarks provided an excellent final note for an afternoon dedicated to professional excellence and industry progress. We are grateful to Rhonda for helping us wrap up this year’s event!

Rhonda Crichlow, Vice Chair, The WICT Network Global Board, SVP, Community Impact & Engagement (Photo by L. Busacca/Getty Images for WICT)

The 2026 Signature Awards Luncheon demonstrated that the future of our industry relies on a strong foundation of executive excellence and diverse perspectives. Providing a space for meaningful collaboration allows us to strengthen the entire business landscape, ensuring our network remains the go-to resource for professional growth. We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors and attendees!