More than 100 Remarkable Women winners from across the nation received the star treatment in Hollywood on Monday.
Each regional winner was selected for their outstanding contributions to their community in the areas of public policy, social progress and quality of life.
Their first stop on Monday was the world-famous TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. This was followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of the Warner Bros. Studios lot, where they were treated to a big surprise.
The women were brought to “The Jennifer Hudson Show” set for a “tour.” Little did they know Jennifer was backstage ready to surprise them.
When they came down to the studio floor for a picture, Jennifer popped out. After thanking them for what they do, Jennifer invited them to stay for a show taping.
Later, at a ceremony in the heart of Hollywood complete with a purple carpet, Jerelyn Rodriguez was announced as Nexstar Media’s 2024 Remarkable Woman.
Rodriguez takes $10,000 back home to the Bronx for her work at The Knowledge School, where she’s helping to shape digital leaders that will use technology to lift their communities out of poverty.
The ceremony came after a day of recognition where in addition to meeting Jennifer Hudson, the Remarkable Women nominees made their way to Warner Brothers Studios via a double-decker bus for a VIP tour.
“We don’t often get stuff done for us,” nominee Christy Pennison from Louisiana said. “So, this has been an honor and a privilege, just a really awesome experience.”
For months, the nominees have been featured by Nexstar Stations in their cities for inspiring public policy, leading by example and improving their community’s quality of life.
“When you get to see all this put together, see the stories of these women and what they’ve been through, you understand why they’re so remarkable,” KTLA’s Cher Calvin, who acted as host of the event, said.
Every March, Nexstar celebrates Women’s History Month by honoring “Remarkable Women” across the country and recognizing one of them as the “Nexstar Woman of the Year.” “Remarkable Women,” a nationwide initiative to honor women’s influence, celebrates local women who inspire, lead and forge the way for other women.
More than 200 Nexstar broadcasting stations in 117 markets accept nominations for “Nexstar Woman of the Year.” Based on nominations with universally selected criteria including community contributions, self-achievement and family impact, each market selects four local women for consideration as that market’s “Remarkable Woman.” Profiles of the top four nominees in each market air on local newscasts every Tuesday during March, and the nominees are featured on the websites of each local television station.
Each market’s “Remarkable Woman” receives a $1,000 contribution on their behalf to a nonprofit of their choice and that winner is then considered for “Nexstar Woman of the Year.” The Nexstar Charitable Foundation makes a $10,000 contribution on behalf of the “Nexstar Woman of the Year” to the nonprofit organization of her choice.