Voice of America programming received top prizes at the 49th Gracie Awards this year. The awards, presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, recognize exemplary programming created by women, for women, and about women in all aspects of the media and entertainment industry.
Recognized at the May 21 awards gala and luncheon, 22 episodes in VOA’s documentary series 52 Documentary won for specific programs focused on women’s journeys in the category of Original Online Programming Video Series.
“52 Documentary is a labor of love, aimed at amplifying the voices of the voiceless and shedding light on the global issues that VOA audiences either face or are eager to learn about,” said Senior Executive Producer Euna Lee. “This recognition from the Gracie Awards underscores the profound impact of these diverse stories from around the world."
VOA News Center reporter Cecily Hilleary earned recognition for her piece, “Reporter's Notebook: My Ancestor Taught in Federal Indian Boarding Schools,” in the Blog/Vlog category. In this three-part series, Hilleary explores the life of her great-grandfather, an educator at federal boarding and day schools in Arizona tribal communities, and illuminates the trauma faced by the Native American children under his care.
"In my career, I've heard many stories of Indian boarding school abuses, so I was stunned when I found out that my ancestor was part of that system,” Hilleary said. “I was even more stunned by what I learned in months of researching the man and the children he taught."
“Congratulations to Cecily for her powerful series and to Euna and the entire 52 Documentary team for their eloquent and moving programs,” said Acting VOA Director John Lippman. “It is an honor to have the AWMF recognize VOA women journalists for their dedicated and impactful storytelling.”
Voice of America reaches a weekly global audience of more than 354 million people in 48 languages in nearly 100 countries via radio, television, web and mobile media and a network of more than 3,500 affiliates.
