She Changed Publishing

"Women Who Changed the World" was the theme of this year's glitzy Matrix Awards luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City on April 19. Sponsored by New York Women in Communications, the event honored Penguin Group president Susan Petersen Kennedy in the book category (other "fun fearless females" feted were CNN's Paula Zahn for broadcasting; People managing editor Martha Nelson for magazines; and Bernadette Peters for arts & entertainment). Award presenters were equally impressive—Candice Bergen, Hillary Swank, Joel Grey and Ellen Burstyn. Burstyn, who is writing a book for Penguin, introduced Kennedy and noted that the company she runs is an outer manifestation of who she is—"committed, passionate, diverse, successful and growing." Kennedy thanked many of her publishing mentors and colleagues, and her son, Peter Harris. Kennedy expressed her gratitude and good fortune in her chosen profession: "To serve words, the people who write them and the people who read them has been my privilege."