NYWIFT Blog

She’s a five-time Billboard Magazine Award winner known for her unprecedented success holding the No.1 on-air position in the New York radio market.

Now, Valerie Smaldone can add emcee of NYWIFT’s Designing Women Awards to her long list of accomplishments. We’re thrilled to welcome her to our May 23 event.

As a media personality, Smaldone has handled many prestigious events, including the Clinton Global Initiative, New York Emmy Awards, and GLAAD Media Awards. Her nationally syndicated programs have featured in-depth interviews with top recording artists, such as Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, and Mariah Carey.

Most recently, Smaldone launched an Internet radio show, Valerie’s New York (weekdays, 6-7 pm), where she dishes about food, theater, and other lifestyle topics.

While her professional responsibilities — which include writing a book on her transition from traditional to new media — are more than enough to fill anyone’s day, Smaldone still makes time to help the causes important to her.

“We are all part of a community, and volunteering time or money or resources is always a wonderful way to make a difference in the world,” she says. — MIMI SPILLANE

Designing Women 2013 will be held at The McGraw Hill Building (1221 Avenue of the Americas) on May 23 at 7 pm, followed by a reception. Member price is $75, nonmembers $150. Proceeds from ticket sales go to NYWIFT’s nonprofit educational programs. Buy tickets.