A Night of Recognition and Momentum: Celebrating the 2026 Media Alliance of Houston Awards

On April 17th, the Media Alliance of Houston hosted its annual Awards Gala; an evening dedicated to honoring the people and organizations shaping the future of Houston’s advertising and media industry. The event, which also supports scholarships and the DREAM Fund, brought together leaders across the market for a night of recognition, connection, and impact.

This year’s gala raised more than $46,000 for scholarships and the DREAM Fund, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to investing in the next generation of media professionals.

A Defining Year for Avail Media

For Avail Media, the 2026 gala marked a milestone year of both individual achievement and collective recognition. We were honored to be named Agency of the Year (Mid-Size Firm)—a reflection of the strategy, collaboration, and consistency our team brings to every partnership.

Beyond the agency honor, Avail Media team members were recognized across multiple categories, underscoring the depth of talent across our organization:

• Cristina Fernandez – Agency Account Services of the Year

• Taylor Roby – Agency Digital Specialist of the Year

• Nikki Dargahi – Agency Social Media Specialist of the Year

• Amanda Reed – Media Director of the Year

• Avery Domenech – Agency Planner of the Year & Market Rockstar

• Grace Dlugosh – Rising Star

• Liz Ferrari – Unsung Hero

In addition, Helaena Hy (Agency Support Staff), Caitlin Stansfield (Agency Brand Management), and Kelley Robinson (Agency Principal) were recognized as finalists.

Leadership at Every Level

This year’s recognition extended beyond the stage and into the broader Media Alliance of Houston organization, where several Avail Media team members played active leadership roles.

Avery Domenech served as MAH President, helping lead the organization throughout the year and playing a key role in shaping and delivering a successful 2026 Gala. Avail Media is incredibly proud of the time, effort, and leadership she dedicated to the association and this year’s event.

Taylor Roby served on the MAH Board as Vice President of Communications, helping guide messaging, member engagement, and the organization’s broader communications strategy throughout the year. Grace Dlugosh contributed as a member of both the Communications Committee and Gala Committee, supporting the planning and execution of one of the industry’s most anticipated annual events.Cristina Fernandez also served on the Scholarship Committee, helping support MAH’s mission to invest in future media professionals, while Nikki Dhgarhi contributed to the Communications Committee, supporting ongoing messaging and outreach efforts

The breadth of recognition across Avail Media this year reflects the full spectrum of our team’s impact from leadership to early career talent, from client-facing excellence to the often behind-the-scenes contributions that keep everything moving forward. Honorees included Amanda Reed (Media Director) representing senior leadership, Grace Dlugosh (Rising Star) representing emerging talent, Cristina Fernandez (Agency Account Services) representing client-facing excellence, and Liz Ferrari (Unsung Hero) representing the critical work that often happens outside the spotlight. Alongside Avery Domenech’s dual recognition as Agency Planner of the Year and Market Rockstar Winner, these honors collectively underscore the strength of strategic thinking, innovation, and execution across every level of the organization.

From media planning and digital execution to account leadership, board service, and event stewardship, these honors reflect what defines Avail Media: a team that consistently shows up with expertise, curiosity, and a shared commitment to excellence.

A Reflection of Our Industry—and Our Community

While the awards are a moment of celebration, they also represent something larger: the strength of Houston’s media community. The Media Alliance of Houston continues to play a vital role in recognizing talent, fostering connection, and investing in the future of the industry through scholarships and the DREAM Fund.

We are grateful to be part of a community that not only raises the bar professionally but also invests in what comes next.

Looking Ahead

Being named Agency of the Year (Mid-Size Firm) is both an honor and a responsibility. One that reflects the trust of our clients, the strength of our partnerships, and the dedication of our team.

To our fellow nominees, winners, and the broader Houston media community: congratulations & cheers! We are proud to stand alongside you in shaping what’s next.

Here’s to continued momentum, continued collaboration, and many more nights worth celebrating.