On February 27, 2025, Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) announced the selection of the 2025 Women of the Year by USA TODAY, highlighting remarkable women who have made significant contributions across various fields. This announcement comes as part of the upcoming Women's History Month, with a focus on amplifying the voices of women who embody resilience, empowerment, and leadership.

The 2025 honorees include a diverse group of influential figures from business, athletics, entertainment, and media, each representing one of the 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. This year’s lineup also features seven notable national honorees whose achievements have inspired communities and driven positive change.

2. Spotlight on National Honorees

The national honorees for the 2025 Women of the Year include:

Priscilla Almodovar, President & CEO of Fannie Mae, recognized for her leadership in promoting equitable access to homeownership and affordable housing. As a Latina leader, Priscilla has become a role model for women and people of color in the finance and real estate sectors.

Scout Bassett, a paralympic athlete who won gold in the Women's Long Jump at the Parapan American Games. Her journey from an orphanage in China to becoming a leader in the Women’s Sports Foundation exemplifies her dedication to addressing disparities faced by female athletes with disabilities.

Kellie Gerardi, a commercial astronaut and advocate for making space exploration accessible to women and youth in STEM. Kellie’s work with Virgin Galactic and her role as a science communicator have positioned her as a key figure in the aerospace industry.

Jonquel (JJ) Jones, the WNBA Finals MVP, has made her mark in professional basketball while advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and self-expression. Her journey from the Bahamas to championship glory highlights her inspiring career.

Hoda Kotb, a beloved broadcast journalist and author, has spent nearly 25 years as a staple in American media. Hoda's recent ventures into wellness entrepreneurship and her advocacy for breast cancer awareness add depth to her impressive career.

Ilona Maher, an American rugby player, not only secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics but is also an advocate for body positivity and women’s sports. Her recent participation in Dancing with the Stars has made her a household name.

Angela F. Williams, President & CEO of United Way Worldwide, is the first Black woman to lead the organization. Angela focuses on social justice and community empowerment, addressing critical issues such as housing insecurity and gender equity.

3. A Month of Recognition and Celebration

Monica Richardson, Senior Vice President at USA TODAY, expressed her admiration for the honorees, stating, “I am deeply inspired by the resolve and contributions of these remarkable women who make the world a better place.” Throughout March, USA TODAY will feature stories of these trailblazers in its print editions, celebrating their achievements and contributions to society.

On March 4, 2025, an exclusive event at the Barclays Center will honor the national honorees, while interviews with state honorees will be published in their respective local USA TODAY Network publications during the first week of March.

4. About Gannett Co., Inc.

Gannett Co., Inc. operates as a diversified media company committed to empowering communities through journalism and digital marketing solutions. They aim to inspire and inform audiences via their trusted brands, including USA TODAY and local media organizations across the United States and the UK.

5. Conclusion

The 2025 Women of the Year announcement by Gannett Co., Inc. serves as a powerful reminder of the impact women have across various sectors. By recognizing these trailblazers, USA TODAY continues to champion female empowerment and inspire future generations. For more stories and profiles of the honorees, readers are encouraged to visit womenoftheyear.usatoday.com.

Original press release