IWMF Names Bloomberg’s Karen Amanda Toulon as Winner of the Second Annual Gwen Ifill Award

Veteran journalist recognized for developing diverse talent

[WASHINGTON, DC: September 6, 2018] – The International Women’s Media Foundation today announced that this year’s Gwen Ifill Award winner is Karen Amanda Toulon of Bloomberg News. Toulon, who is a senior editor on Bloomberg’s talent, diversity, standards and training team and a former New York bureau chief, was honored for developing and promoting the broadcast skills of Bloomberg journalists and researchers around the world, while helping to diversify Bloomberg’s global lineup.

Each year, IWMF’s Gwen Ifill Award recognizes an outstanding female journalist of color whose work carries forward Ifill’s legacy of mentoring and supporting other women journalists. Ifill, who passed away in November 2016, was a friend of the IWMF and served as co-anchor of the PBS NewsHour alongside IWMF founder Judy Woodruff.

Bloomberg’s nomination of Toulon stated, “Karen spots talent that others don’t see and cultivates up-and-coming stars. She has upped the game for scores of Bloomberg journalists in bureaus around the world who are seeking opportunities to appear on television and radio. She is generous about sharing her years of experience and know-how.”

“Karen is a revered mentor and role model at Bloomberg and beyond,” says Elisa Lees Muñoz, executive director of IWMF. “We’re thrilled to applaud her work and the inspiration she’s provided to countless young journalists who have followed in her footsteps.”

Toulon says, “I marveled at Gwen’s intelligence and grace and I am truly humbled to receive an award in her name. I never imagined I would be recognized for doing what I enjoy: contributing to the success of the news organizations and the journalists I have been proud to support.”

Toulon will be recognized in person during IWMF’s Courage in Journalism Awards, which will take place at ceremonies in New York City and Washington, D.C. this fall. Bank of America is National Presenting Sponsor for the 13th year.

About Karen Amanda Toulon
Karen Amanda Toulon develops global talent for Bloomberg News, which has journalists in more than 120 countries. She provides on-air coaching for print journalists, researchers and broadcast staff; helps develop cross-platform initiatives, often with a diversity focus; provides university instruction; and supports Bloomberg’s news leadership efforts. Born in London and raised in New York, Toulon works with staff in the U.S. and Canada, Latin America, London, across Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and beyond.

From 2007-2015, Toulon served as Bloomberg’s New York bureau chief. Prior to joining the company in December 1999, she held management and production positions at Reuters, CNBC, and the CBS Radio Network.
Toulon is a member of the board of directors of the Committee to Project Journalists, chair of the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism Alumni Board, and secretary of the Overseas Press Club Foundation Board. She is a member of the Economic Club of New York, the Newswomen’s Club of New York, and the National Association of Black Journalists. She is active in Bloomberg’s news literacy, leadership and diversity programs for young people. Toulon lives with her family in Chatham, New Jersey.
More information on the IWMF’s Gwen Ifill Award can be found here.

About the IWMF
Since 1990, the International Women’s Media Foundation has worked to unleash the potential of women journalists to transform the global news media. Through our programs and grants, we help ensure that women journalists worldwide are fully supported, protected, and recognized for their vital contributions to the news media at all levels, and to global press freedom as well. By empowering women journalists to become leaders in their fields, we aim to increase demand for news with a diversity of voices, stories, and perspectives, as a cornerstone of democracy. Learn more at www.iwmf.org. Follow IWMF on Twitter @IWMF, on Facebook @IWMFpage and on Instagram @TheIWMF.