AL DÍA is excited to announce the return of Loraine Ballard Morrill as the emcee for the 2021 AL DÍA 40 Under Forty event.

Morrill is the award-winning news and community affairs director at iHeartMedia, a role she has held since 1983.

“I had the pleasure of moderating AL DÍA News’ 40 Under Forty Event which was held virtually last year and so excited to emcee the event this year in person,” Morrill wrote to AL DÍA in an email.

At iHeartMedia, Morrill is responsible for coordinating community outreach and campaigns, as well as social media. She also hosts and produces two public affairs programs, “Insight” and “What’s Going On.” In addition, Morrill also coordinates external communications and government relations for each of its six stations.

Throughout her career, Morrill has been given a number of awards and honors. Among the many include the 1996 and 1997 Mercury Award for Best Public Service Announcement, the 1997 NAACP President’s Award, the 2009 Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists Community Service Award, and more. 

In 2001, she became the first woman to be honored with the Achievement in Radio Lifetime Achievement Award.

Morrill has seen her organization win a number of honors under her stewardship, as well. Just this month, iHeartMedia was named a 2021 honoree of The Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia by Philadelphia Foundation, for its commitment to the Philadelphia community.

Morrill’s resume of success makes her an ideal choice to be the voice behind the AL DÍA 40 Under Forty event once again.

“We're excited and honored to welcome back Loraine as Master of Ceremonies for the 2021 AL DÍA 40 Under Forty. Loraine believed in our vision from the beginning and she really helped us deliver, through her voice, the meaning behind this event,” said Martin Alfaro, AL DÍA’s director of business development.

The 40 Under Forty event is an annual showcase that serves to highlight some of the most diverse and impactful young professionals across the Philadelphia region.

The criteria for nominations include: under the age of 40, involvement in their community, career achievements, academic credentials and meaningful contributions to their industry. 

The honorees at the event will then be selected by a panel of esteemed judges, and announced shortly thereafter.

“Last year, in the midst of the pandemic and before the awakening of social injustice, we believed it was necessary to recognize the diverse voices that make up this city's workforce, who are the future of this region and beyond,” said Alfaro. 

“We, as media, have the responsibility of telling the stories of these individuals who are often left untold. Our role is to validate the work of these individuals, give them a platform, and celebrate the richness in diversity that makes up this city,” he added. 

Nominations are open until Sunday, July 18th, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. The submission form can be found here. 

“I commend AL DÍA for shining a light on the extraordinary young leaders and makers in this city,” wrote Morrill. “I can’t wait to meet the 2021 awardees!”

The 2021 AL DÍA 40 Under Forty event will take place Friday, August 27, 2021, at the Barnes Foundation from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. For ticket information, click here.