Verizon Joins EBONY to Pay Tribute to Outstanding Women in Marketing and Communications

NEW YORK - As the exclusive telecommunications sponsor of the fifth annual EBONY Outstanding Women in Marketing and Communications Awards program, Verizon joins luminaries from the world of business and entertainment to celebrate the progress of a distinguished group of African-American women. The event, which takes place today at the Hilton New York and Towers, will honor eleven of the most influential African-American women for their significant professional achievements and contributions in marketing and communications.

"Verizon is proud to join EBONY for its fifth anniversary in honoring amazing women who serve as inspirations to us all," said Verizon Foundation President Patrick Gaston. "We are committed to supporting and celebrating people who truly make progress every day, and salute those who, through their vision and accomplishment, illuminate the path for others to advance and aspire to greatness."

In 2000, Johnson Publishing Co. and EBONY magazine realized there was no real forum acknowledging the accomplishments of African-American women who excelled in marketing and communications.

They created an awards program to recognize the achievements of successful women who are improving the quality of life for African-Americans through work that impacts all of America.

The event will honor eleven women of distinction in several categories including advertising, corporate marketing, journalism and entrepreneurship.

Gaston will present the advertising agency awards to Linda Jefferson, senior vice president and group media director for Burrell, and Dana L. Wade, president of Spike/DDB.

The corporate marketing awards went to Susan A. Mboya, associate director African American multicultural business development at Procter & Gamble; Carole Munroe, account director for broadcast alliances at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; and Debra A. Sandler, vice president of marketing for McNeil Nutritionals Worldwide.

Honored with journalism awards were Pamela Oliver, a feature reporter for Fox Sports; Jacque Reid, anchor for BET Nightly News; and Soledad O'Brien, anchor for CNN's American Morning.

The entrepreneur awards went to L. Marilyn Crawford, president and CEO of Primetime Omnimedia, and Terrie M. Williams, president of the Terrie Williams Agency.

The coveted Madame C.J. Walker Award was presented to Suzanne de Passe, CEO of de Passe Entertainment.

Diversity is an integral part of Verizon's business and influences everything from work force development and supplier relationships to marketing, economic development and philanthropy. The company measures diversity progress like any other business objective, holding executives accountable through incentives linked to short-term compensation.

Verizon remains committed to supporting various communities of interest in its philanthropic efforts, sponsorship events, hiring practices and suppliers. Visit www.verizon.com/diversity to learn more about diversity at Verizon.

Verizon Communications

A Fortune 10 company, Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services, with approximately $68 billion in annual revenues. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world, as measured by directory titles and circulation. Verizon's international presence includes wireline and wireless communications operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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