Rise is honouring Cinegy co-founder and managing director Daniella Weigner with its Woman of the Year Award.
The accolade celebrates an “extraordinary and inspirational woman” who has made a significant contribution within her field.
As well as her work with Cinegy, Weigner is being honoured for helping members of the company’s team who were based in Ukraine to leave the country following Russia’s invasion in February.
She worked with Sonya Chakarova and Phillip Covel to bring together more than 400 broadcast and media companies and individuals to provide resources, solutions and hardware to Ukrainian TV channels and media outlets to ensure they could stay on air amid ongoing conflict. Their initiative continues to support refugees in finding media roles across Europe.
Speaking about the award, Weigner said: “I am honoured to have been awarded the Woman of the Year by the board of Rise for Women in Broadcast. To simply be nominated in the category for business was amazing enough and then to learn that I have been given the Woman of Year award is beyond words. I am in the company of so many inspiring women in an amazing industry and so am very grateful to be recognised by Rise, especially for its acknowledgement of the importance of looking after our team which was severely impacted by the war in Ukraine.
“As a company, Cinegy has always put family at its heart and so ensuring the safety of our research and development and sales support teams located in the area was a top priority for us when the hostilities started. I hope that this award helps shine a continuing light on the plight of our friends and colleagues fighting and surviving in Ukraine, for those waiting to return to their homeland and it is on their behalf that I am extremely humbled and proud to accept this award.”
Carrie Wootten, managing director of Rise, added: “It is such an honour to announce Daniella as this year’s Woman of the Year. This award is a true testament of her compassion for others, her contribution and incredible work to support staff and their loved ones caught in the conflict. Daniella is truly an inspirational role model for us all.”
