Real Cougar Women Dazzled At The Matrix Awards

I was lucky enough to attend The Matrix Awards on Monday and I have to admit I was starstruck.  It's not every day you get so see so many truly accomplished women gathered in one room. The grand ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria was packed to the rafters and "estrogen energized". This prestigious award recognizes women who have established themselves in the field of communications. This year's honorees were:

Susan Chira, foreign editor, The New York Times

Sheryl Crow, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter

Tina Fey, executive producer, head writer, star, NBC's three-time Emmy Award-winning "30 Rock"

Ina Garten, author and host, Emmy Award-winning Food Network Program,"Barefoot Contessa"

Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and presidential historian

Anne Keating, senior vice president, public relations, special events & corporate philanthropy, Bloomingdale's

Gayle King, editor-at-large, O, The Oprah Magazine, host, The Gayle King Show, Sirius XM Radio

Marissa Mayer, vice president, search products & user experience, Google

Each women was introduced by a close friend or colleague and I don't have to tell you how excited we all were when Oprah stood up to talk about her BFF Gayle.  They have been friends for over thirty years and Oprah said they are more than friends they are sisters. A few of the other presenterswere Katie Couric, Mariska Hagerty, Leslie Stahl and  Maria Bartiromo.

The master of ceremonies for this mega celebration of women was Brian Williams.  Brian is not only gorgeous he is so funny.  There was no doubt he had a connection with this crowd of fabulous females.

For me, the best thing about this celebration, was the majority of women in the room were over 40.  They were smart, accomplished, confident and independent - Real Cougars.  They are women who knew what they wanted and went after it.  Women, who when they didn't make it at first try, didn't give up. But most of all women who are following their bliss - doing something they are passionate about.  That's the real key.  They are great role models for all of us.