GW Law Alumna Anna M. Gomez, JD ‘92, a commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, received the 2026 Belva Ann Lockwood Award during a luncheon and presentation at the George Washington University Law School earlier this month.
For more than 20 years, GW Law has celebrated and honored the accomplishments of Belva Lockwood, a lifelong women’s rights advocate and the first woman to graduate from National University (later George Washington University) with a legal degree in 1873, through the Belva Ann Lockwood Award.
Lockwood went on to become the first woman to argue before the United States Supreme Court in 1879 and the first woman to run for president. The award, which is hosted by the GW Law Belva Lockwood Society, the Law Association for Women, and the GW Law Office of Development and Alumni Relations, recognizes GW Law Alumnae who have made an impact through the law.
“Commissioner Gomez embodies the spirit behind the Belva Ann Lockwood Award,” GW Law Dean Dayna Bowen Matthew said. “Throughout her legal career, she has advanced communications law and policy, pushing the FCC into the future and serving as a national leader in communications law and policy.”
Commissioner Gomez was sworn into her current position in September 2023, bringing over 30 years of public and private sector experience in domestic and international communications law and policy to the role. She has overseen high impact initiatives with the Department of State and with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). While at NTIA she oversaw the successful transition to digital television as well as efforts that resulted in the establishment of a broadband network for first responders.
Commissioner Gomez has also served for 12 years in various positions at the FCC, including as Deputy Chief of the International Bureau, Senior Legal Adviser to then-Chairman William E. Kennard, Counsel to the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, and Deputy Chief of Staff of the National Economic Council.
“I am very thankful for this recognition,” Commissioner Gomez said. "Mrs. Lockwood pushed our profession to a higher standard and broke through dogged barriers, opening a way for future generations of female attorneys. All of us benefit from the courage and support of the powerful women who came before us. It is an honor to receive an award that embodies those principles.”
Commissioner Gomez joined GW Law faculty, students, and alumni at the luncheon on February 13. Rosa Celorio, associate dean for International and Comparative Legal Studies and the Burnett family professorial lecturer in international and comparative law and policy, provided opening remarks and Dean Matthew presented Commissioner Gomez with the award. GW Law student Onyeka Nwabunnia, JD ‘27, provided the welcome and closing remarks.
