Alliance for Women in Media and its Foundation Announce Ford Motor Company Fund as 2016 Partner

Partnership Includes Sponsorship of Gracie Awards Gala, Women in Media Event Sponsorship and Scholarships.

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Feb 04, 2016, 10:03 ET

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Alliance for Women in Media and its Foundation are pleased to announce longtime supporter Ford Motor Company Fund as a 2016 Partner. Ford Motor Company will be official automobile sponsor at the 2016 Gracie Awards Gala, May 24, 2016 at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, Calif.

"The Alliance for Women in Media and its Foundation are proud of the strong partnership we have with Ford Motor Company Fund," said Kristen Welch, AWMF Chair and SVP, Global Content Operations at Discovery Communications. "For years, Ford has stood with AWM and its members to support, encourage and promote women in the media industry at every level and we are proud to continue that tradition of excellence."

"Everyone deserves an opportunity to reach their full potential as a student, as a person and as a contributing member of the community," said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. "Our work with AWMF is opening doors and inspiring young women to take the lead in moving their careers and their communities forward."

Ford's partnership for 2016 includes a Diamond Sponsorship with The Gracie Awards Gala, making it the official automobile sponsor, a Platinum Sponsorship of the Women in Media event this fall and two scholarship programs aimed at recognizing and promoting excellence in media by tomorrow's media leaders.

The Gracie Awards recognize individual achievement and outstanding programming created by, for and about women in all facets of media, including radio, television, cable and new media. The Gracie Awards, established in 1975 and named for the late Gracie Allen, are presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Alliance for Women in Media that supports educational programs, charitable activities, public service campaigns and scholarships to benefit the public, the electronic media and allied fields. For more information about the 2015 Gracies Awards, please visit www.thegracies.org.

About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services
Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services works with community and global partners to advance driving safety, education and community life. Ford Motor Company Fund has operated for more than 65 years with ongoing funding from Ford Motor Company. Ford Driving Skills for Life is free, interactive, hands-on safety training focused on skill development and driving techniques, while addressing inexperience, distractions and impaired driving. Innovation in education is encouraged through Ford Blue Oval Scholars, Ford Next Generation Learning and other inspiring programs that enhance high school learning and provide college scholarships and university grants. The Ford Volunteer Corps enlists more than 30,000 Ford employees and retirees each year to work on local projects that strengthen their communities and improve people's lives in more than 40 countries around the world. For more information, visit http://community.ford.com.

About the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM): The Alliance for Women in Media connects, recognizes and inspires women across the media industry. AWM is a diverse community – whether type of media, job or global location – that facilitates industry-wide collaboration, education, and innovation. Established in 1951 as American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT), AWM is the longest-established professional association dedicated to advancing women in media and entertainment. AWM harnesses the promise, passion and power of women in all forms of media to empower career development, engage in thought leadership, and drive positive change for our industry and societal progress.

About the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation:
The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (formerly known as The Foundation of American Women in Radio & Television) supports and promotes educational programs, charitable activities, public service campaigns and scholarships to benefit the public, the electronic media and allied fields. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has created partnerships and joint initiatives with the Emma Bowen Foundation, NCTA, NAB and other organizations that are philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation. In addition to giving nearly $20,000 a year away in scholarships to deserving female students, the Foundation also produces nationally acclaimed recognition programs, including the Gracie Awards, a gala that honors exemplary programming created by, for and about women.

SOURCE Alliance for Women in Media