NYWIFT Blog

Susan Steiger (third from the right), the rest of the NYWIFT board, and Muse honorees take the stage at the 2012 Muse Awards.

At the 2001 Muse Awards, Dede Allen — the first editor to get an exclusive credit on a film — received a standing ovation from a packed house. It’s those moments that make Susan Steiger, NYWIFT’S VP of Special Events, proud to be a part of the popular event year after year.

This year marks the 34th Muse Awards for Outstanding Vision and Achievement and Susan’s third as its chief organizer. She has volunteered at the event since 1998.

NYWIFT’s Muse Awards are full of “extraordinary women from all walks of life and in different professions,“ says Susan. “That makes it really fun.”

A native New Yorker, Susan has worked in politics and network news. She has a law degree, and today, focuses on helping and promoting women in the arts, volunteering with organizations like NYWIFT. “It’s all about what women can do for women,” she says.

Putting together a flagship fundraising event is quite the job. But the chance to honor the women who have been pioneers keeps her motivated, says Susan. (Check out the full list of honorees.)

This year, NYWIFT will honor actors Ellen Barkin (The Big Easy, Broadway’s The Normal Heart), Connie Britton (Nashville), Robin Wright (House of Cards), Sonia Manzano (Sesame Street), Frances Berwick (president of Bravo and Oxygen Media), and Nancy Malone (co-founder, Women in Film and director/producer/actor).

Tickets are now on sale for Muse 2013, being held on December 12 at the New York Hilton.

— MIMI SPILLANE (@mimispillane)