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Karen Holmes Ward

2016 Speaker

KAREN HOLMES WARD is the director of public affairs and community services for WCVB5. She is also the host and executive producer of “CityLine,” WCVB-TV’s award-winning weekly magazine program, which addresses the accomplishments, concerns and issues facing people of color living in Boston and its suburbs. “CityLine” has been a recipient of the Associated Press Massachusetts/Rhode Island Best Public Affairs Program and numerous Emmy nominations. Holmes Ward spearheaded WCVB’s first-of-its-kind web-based initiative, “Commonwealth 5.” WCVB’s community service efforts during and following the Boston Marathon attack were honored with a National Association of Broadcasters Service to Community in Television award. A graduate of Boston University’s School of Public Communications (now COM) , Holmes Ward has received numerous awards for her work in the community including the Boston Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young Leaders award; National Association of Black Journalists Region I  Journalist of the Year; Big Sister of Greater Boston Achievement award; Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts President’s award; YWCA Cambridge Tribute to Outstanding Women; Women of Courage and Conviction award from the Greater Boston Section National Council of Negro Women, Inc. and the Silver Circle Lifetime Achievement award from the Boston/New England Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, among others. @karenholmesward