USA TODAY Launches USA TODAY’s “Women of the Year” Franchise, Featuring Interview With Vice President Kamala Harris

Rhea-AI Summary

Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) announced the launch of USA TODAY’s "Women of the Year" franchise, recognizing women of distinction across all 50 states. The initiative, beginning during Women’s History Month, will honor 10 women nationally and one from each state, emphasizing resilience and support during the pandemic. Vice President Kamala Harris is the first honoree. The project aims to showcase diverse women who inspire change and promote equity. This follows last year’s "Women of the Century" project, reinforcing Gannett's commitment to diversity and inclusion in media.

Positive

• Launch of 'Women of the Year' franchise to honor women across the U.S.
• First honoree is Vice President Kamala Harris, increasing visibility and recognition.
• Focus on resilience and support during the pandemic aligns with current societal needs.
• Expansion of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in media.

Negative

• None.

USA TODAY, part of Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), today launched USA TODAY’s “Women of the Year” franchise that will recognize women of distinction in all 50 states and nationally each year, beginning with an interview featuring Vice President Kamala Harris as the first honoree.

USA TODAY’s “Women of the Year” follows last year’s successful Women of the Century project, which highlighted achievements of trailblazing women in the 100 years since they achieved the right to vote. The new franchise kicks off during Women’s History Month with nominations of women who have made a difference on a state or national level. With the theme “women helping women,” this year’s project will focus on resilience – women who inspired change, championed equity, lifted up others and gave women a place to seek help and find hope during the pandemic as well as those who are fighting for change across the country.

“I think there are so many heroes and angels who have been exposed – for their courage, for the value and the importance of their work and for their courage to keep doing it even in the face of exposing themselves and their families to harm and in particular, exposure to COVID,” Harris told USA TODAY. "I've been focused on issues affecting women and girls my whole career."

USA TODAY, with the help of a diverse panel of judges, will recognize 10 women nationally who will be interviewed and profiled by USA TODAY national columnist Suzette Hackney, and USA TODAY NETWORK newsrooms across the country will honor a woman from every state, Washington D.C., and the U.S. territories. The multiplatform project will include online, audio, video, print and more content surrounding the announcements of the honorees.

“We are excited to build off ‘Women of the Century’ with an annual project to honor women for their achievements. Of course, this year’s effort is made in the context of the pandemic, which has had such a far-reaching toll – especially for women,” said USA TODAY Opinion Editor Kristen DelGuzzi, who is leading the project. “USA TODAY’s Women of the Year for 2021 will recognize women across the country who have stepped up in ways large and small to support and care for one another, their neighbors and complete strangers, and challenge the status quo.”

“We have made a significant investment in our diversity, equity and inclusion coverage and are certain that the USA TODAY Women of the Year initiative will be a great opportunity to lift up the diverse, strong, and resilient women who are paving the way for generations to come,” said Maribel Perez Wadsworth, Gannett’s news division president and publisher of USA TODAY.

Find out more information about USA TODAY’s “Women of the Year” here.

About USA TODAY

Founded in 1982, USA TODAY reflects the pulse of the nation, serving as host of the American conversation by delivering high-quality, engaging content through unique visual storytelling across all platforms. A media innovator, USA TODAY reaches more than 90M unique visitors each month across digital platforms, with more than 25 million downloads of our award-winning app. USA TODAY is owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI).

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FAQ

What is the 'Women of the Year' initiative by Gannett (GCI)?

The 'Women of the Year' initiative recognizes women of distinction in all 50 states, focusing on resilience and support during the pandemic.

Who is the first honoree in the USA TODAY Women of the Year program?

Vice President Kamala Harris is the first honoree in the USA TODAY Women of the Year initiative.

When does the Women of the Year initiative begin?

The Women of the Year initiative begins during Women's History Month each year.

How many women will be recognized in the Women of the Year initiative?

Ten women will be recognized nationally, and one woman will be honored from each state, Washington D.C., and U.S. territories.

What is the focus of this year's Women of the Year project?

This year's project focuses on women who have inspired change, championed equity, and offered support during the pandemic.