WomenHeard New York Women in Communications

"I've always gone into things with a lot of curiosity and learned by doing." In this episode, WomenHeard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Katherine Barna. As the Head of PR for Waymo (formerly the Google self- driving car project), a pioneering technology company on a mission to be the world's most trusted driver, she's built upon her strong foundation of brand building. Katherine's woven storytelling throughout her communications journey, both at media and tech companies - fully embracing that a non-traditional road to PR is what makes her a strong practitioner. Listen to this interview to hear about how a "Degree in Feelings" and intentionality can increase your leadership capacity. 

"I know that it means a lot to me when I see people who have gone through a lot in their lives and have overcome it." In this episode, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich interviews Checkey Beckford, an Emmy® Award-winning reporter for NBC 4 New York. A Jamaican immigrant who got her start in PR, Checkey transitioned to broadcast reporting - writing, shooting and editing her own stories in Florida, Illinois, and California - ultimately landing in the #1 largest TV market: New York.

Now she appears in front of millions on weekday evenings, breaking news and covering general assignment stories. Listen to this interview for relocation advice to "move on and move up", especially in the midst of major life changes. Plus, Checkey's candid thoughts on working motherhood and what she learned from Oprah. 

"The way I've had to show up in rooms, [I've] done my fair share of swimming upstream... but when you're someone who's faced adversity, there's a confidence that exudes after that." In this episode, WomenHeard: Changemakers host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Matrix 2024 Honoree Rakia Reynolds!

As the Founder and Executive Officer of an award-winning strategic communications agency, Rakia has been named by Inc. Magazine as one of the 27 Business Leaders Aiming to Change the World, listed as one of the 25 Most Socially Influential Tastemakers on Dell’s “Inspire 100” list, and was on Forbes' “Next 1000” list. Listen to this interview to hear about her formative years and how it inspired her creativity. Plus, what she does for grounding and restoration.

The Matrix Awards by NYWICI serves as our opportunity to recognize exceptional leaders in the communications industry. This year’s theme is Rule Breakers! The 2024 honorees don't just accept the status quo, they are carving their own paths forward and rewriting the rules to success. Listen to this episode to hear directly from some of our honorees, host, scholarship recipients, and attendees! 



Sarah Ng, senior journalism major at Hofstra University and three-time NYWICI Scholarship recipient, took to the red carpet on May 21 and interviewed Matrix Awards honoree Rakia Reynolds, Founder and Executive Officer of Skai Blue Media; Matrix Awards host, Peloton instructor and TODAY Show contributor Ally Love; President and CEO of GLAAD Sarah Kate Ellis; NYWICI President-elect Brandi Boatner; and a few of our 2024 NYWICI Scholarship recipients.

“Always learn the ‘other thing’ – it doesn’t hurt to have an extra skill set.” In this interview, WomenHeard host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich speaks with Tess Quinlan, a NYWICI Scholarship Winner, Content Planning Lead for the NBA, and MBA graduate. Tess began her career in broadcast communications at Marquette University and an internship at Yahoo Sports. Learning a little bit about every sport was key to growth in her roles - she covered college basketball and football for USA Today, as well as tackled podcasts and editorial partnerships at NBC. 



At the NBA, Tess works on DTC (direct to consumer) – everything from leading content production for the app to working with Peloton as a launch partner to covering the Olympics. Listen to this episode to learn what it's like to work in sports communications, gain actionable advice on how to find a mentor, and advocate for yourself throughout your career path. 

"Get comfortable talking about yourself... it's not bragging if it's based on facts." Cate Luzio spent two decades in financial services, most recently as the Global Head of Multinational Corporate Banking for HSBC, before she made a sharp career pivot. In 2018, she launched and self-funded Luminary, a global, membership-based professional education and networking platform offering resources, programming, and community to propel women to the top of their industries.

Cate speaks with host Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich about why accomplishments don't just speak for themselves and the untapped potential of transforming networking into the practice of relationship-building. Listen to this episode for what gave her the motivation to create Luminary, the power of an "exploratory conversation", as well as key pieces of advice for entrepreneurs and women who want to check off their next achievement.