USA TODAY Honors Remarkable Women: A Night of Inspiration and Empowerment at Barclays Center
Brooklyn, NY – The Barclays Center radiated with a powerful energy on Tuesday evening as USA TODAY celebrated its 2025 Women of the Year honorees, an event that underscored the profound impact women are making across various fields. The gathering, a testament to resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication, brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, journalists, scientists, athletes, and advocates, all united by a shared commitment to inspiring the next generation.
Hoda Kotb, the esteemed former "Today" show anchor, graced the event, emphasizing the vital role of supportive women in fostering success. She highlighted the often-unseen figures who champion and encourage women to reach their full potential. Kotb poignantly stated that behind every woman achieving recognition, there’s a woman who served as a cheerleader, instilling belief and paving the way for accomplishments. Her words resonated deeply, acknowledging the collective effort that underpins individual triumphs. Kotb urged the audience to honor those women who had enabled them to be in attendance and accepting such prestigious honors.
USA TODAY’s 2025 Women of the Year campaign spotlighted 61 extraordinary women from across the nation. These individuals are not merely achieving personal milestones; they are actively breaking down barriers, advocating for meaningful change, and strengthening communities. From Olympic medalist and body-positive advocate Ilona Maher to trailblazing astronaut Kellie Gerardi, the honorees’ narratives are both intensely personal and universally relatable. They embody the unique challenges and triumphs of womanhood while also reflecting the shared experiences of perseverance and determination.
The event also recognized Priscilla Almodovar, Scout Bassett, Jonquel Jones, and Angela F. Williams, all acknowledged as change makers. The honorees met inside The Toki Row in the arena for the reception, adding a touch of community to the celebration.
Kotb, who recently embarked on a new chapter after 26 years at NBC’s "Today" show, shared her motivation for stepping away from her prominent role. Her decision was driven by a desire to prioritize her family, particularly her two daughters, Haley and Hope. She is also channeling her energy into launching a wellness app and company, reflecting her commitment to promoting holistic well-being. She explained that she felt a need to dedicate more of her time and attention to her children, while exploring new avenues for personal and professional growth. Kotb stated that she’s changing her life in her 50’s and planning to be brave in her 60’s.
As Kotb accepted her award, a heartfelt video message from Gayle King, "CBS" morning host and Kotb’s close friend, resonated with the audience. King lauded Kotb’s unwavering dedication and expressed confidence in her future endeavors, emphasizing that Kotb approaches every undertaking with unparalleled commitment.
“The women that you guys have featured here are amazing,” Kotb said, after expressing how honored she was to be in such incredible company.
Kellie Gerardi, whose presence was truly unforgettable, showcased the inspiring convergence of science and style. Dressed in a dazzling black suit adorned with silver stars and carrying a unique UFO-shaped Kate Spade purse, Gerardi radiated the same brilliance as the cosmos she has explored. Her 7-year-old daughter complemented her mother’s stellar look with a star-shaped pink purse.
Gerardi, as one of only 90 women to have ventured into space, is passionate about encouraging young girls to embrace science and demonstrating that intellectual pursuits and personal expression can harmoniously coexist. She emphasized the importance of representation, sharing how her daughter’s perception of astronauts differs from conventional stereotypes. Her daughter sees someone who looks like her, reflecting the impact of visible role models in shaping aspirations. Gerardi emphasized the transformative effect of seeing oneself reflected in fields previously dominated by a single demographic.
Gerardi has openly documented her journey online, including both her triumphs and vulnerabilities. She has shared her struggles with secondary infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss since the birth of her daughter. She also shared the joyous and painful milestones of her IVF journey, building a community with her 1.4 million Instagram followers. She shared openly that two weeks prior to the event, she suffered a miscarriage.
“It was devastating, and I’m still actively miscarrying tonight, she said. “But I think so many people, even here tonight, came up to me and said… seeing your videos and your story has inspired me to keep going or to talk to someone in my family about (IVF), something that isn’t talked about enough. So I just wanted to say that seeing that, I feel really good about my decision to share so openly. I feel no shame.”
Gerardi also highlighted the progress made by women in space exploration, noting that her mother’s generation was excluded from such opportunities, while she herself had the privilege of reaching the stars.
Ilona Maher, the bronze Olympic medalist and body-positive activist, expressed her humility at being included among such inspirational women. She joined the event via video to share her experiences.
Scout Bassett, the American Paralympic track and field athlete and president of the Women’s Sports Foundation, recounted her remarkable journey from losing her leg in a chemical fire in China to becoming a world record holder. She emphasized the significance of representation, hoping that her story would empower young girls, particularly athletes with disabilities, to envision a brighter future for themselves.
Jonquel Jones, the WNBA star, spoke with pride about her identity and her upbringing in the Bahamas. She emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity, inspiring young girls to embrace their true selves.
Monica Richardson, senior vice president of USA TODAY, announced the launch of Studio 9, a dedicated platform that will expand USA TODAY’s coverage of women’s sports, including women’s basketball, soccer, and football. This initiative reflects USA TODAY’s commitment to amplifying the voices and achievements of women in athletics. She also shared that the platform will be led by a team of visionary women.
Priscilla Almodovar was honored for her leadership as the CEO of Fannie Mae, an organization dedicated to promoting housing affordability and helping families achieve the American dream.
Angela F. Williams, CEO of the United Way, delivered a poignant speech, celebrating the persistence and success of women while redefining the role of leadership in non-profit organizations. She emphasized the importance of equality and social justice. Williams stated that she was honored to be in the midst of women that are serving as role models for generations to come. Williams stated that, “When we leave this place, we will leave inspired and encouraged to know that each of us, individually and collectively, can make a difference. So all of us are Women of the Year. You hear that?”
The USA TODAY Women of the Year event at Barclays Center was more than just an awards ceremony. It was a powerful reminder of the extraordinary contributions women are making to society and a celebration of their unwavering determination to create a better future for all. The stories shared resonated with the audience, inspiring them to embrace their own potential and to support and uplift the women around them. The honorees serve as beacons of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that with passion, perseverance, and a commitment to change, anything is possible.
