Gina Rodriguez to produce, host new Young Women’s Honors

LOS ANGELES – Gina Rodriguez is producing and hosting a new ceremony to honour young women making a difference in the world.

The inaugural Marie Claire Young Women’s Honors will air Dec. 19 on the CW TV network, it was announced Thursday.

In a statement, Rodriguez said her goal in creating the event was to foster the “unlimited potential” in every woman.

“As a young Latina, I had to break down barriers and overcome naysayers. When you see someone following their dreams, it gives you allowance to follow your own,” said Rodriguez, the Golden Globe-winning star of the CW’s “Jane the Virgin.”

Women of achievement in a variety of fields including technology, science and education are selected for recognition by a blue-ribbon panel. It is chaired by Rodriguez and includes, among others, Anne Fulenwider, Marie Claire magazine’s editor-in-chief, and Dr. Julie Vose, past president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

The show will offer “stories of inspiration from empowered females worldwide who are breaking down barriers and debunking stereotypes,” according to the announcement. Honorees will be announced at a later date.