Women of Concern Professionals & Strategic Conscious Networking, Inc.
The WOCPSCN Founder's Award will be presented to
Patricia Del Pozo Fernandezoz
Minister of Culture and Sport
Professional Women's International
and
JazzyJZ Achievements Awards Gala
September 19-20, 2025
The JazzyJ Contemporary Achievement Award is presented to Zeta Phi Betaority Inc., Sigma Kappa Zeta Chapter, NYC, USA. This award young professionals in leadership and honors three contemporary jazz artists—Audrey Ochoa, Camille Thurman, and Melissa Aldana (Photo: AFP / FILE)—who are paving new paths in the jazz genre, much like the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Sigma Kappa Zeta Chapter.
The Sara Vaughan Community Achievement Award is presented to Dr. Angana Chatterji in recognition of her dedication to community and global advocacy. This award is named in honor of legend Sarah “Sassy” Vaughan (1924-1990), who broke barriers in a-dominated industry. Her boldness in exploring new vocal realms led to triumph in the Apollo Theater Amateur Night, and in 1943, she became the lead vocalist for bandleader Earl “Fatha” Hines. Dr. Chatterji embodies the same unstoppable spirit as Ms. Vaughan's remarkable voice.
The Clora Bryant Improvisation Achievement Award is presented to Dr. Elena Paweta in recognition of her unique contributions that have fostered international collaborations. This award is named after the renowned singer and trumpeter Clora Bryant (1927-2019), who explored improvisation by recording her solos alongside jazz records using a wire recorder. In 1948, she performed with the all-female orchestra International Sweethearts of Rhythm, made an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, and became the first American female jazz musician to perform in the Soviet Union.
The Peggy Gilbert Legendary Achievement Award is presented to an the Swiss Association of Women & Empowerment, as they continue to create a lasting generational impact. This honors saxophonist Peggy Gilbert (1905-2007), a trailblazer in radio and television performances who came to Hollywood in 1928. In 1938, she expressed her views in Down Beat Magazine, addressing the challenges faced by women in jazz. She also worked with Local 47 to help manage the Hollywood Canteen and established an all-female jazz band, Peggy Gilbert and Her Metro Goldwyn Orchestra, continuing her passion for music into her late sixties by forming the Dixie Belles, a senior citizen Dixieland jazz band.