Thursday, June 15, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members, $15 for non-members

In celebration of Juneteenth, join WMG member Fatimah Gilliam and WMG co-President Jodi Brockington in conversation about the origins of Juneteenth and how to best honor this holiday today. They will also discuss Fatimah's forthcoming book: Race Rules—What Your Black Friend Won’t Tell You. This sneak peek into the book will focus on identifying and helping all of us navigate the unwritten “rules” relating to race in today’s racially-polarized world. Topics will include cultural appropriation, micro-aggressions, and best practices for discussing race. The goal is to provide concrete and actionable guidance about complex issues for how individuals can adapt in their personal and professional lives to the pivotal times we're living in by responding with knowledge and facts, not just emotion. Come learn, listen, and be a part of this important conversation.

Fatimah Gilliam is Founder and CEO of The Azara Group, which is a management consulting firm specializing in diversity and inclusion, leadership development, negotiation, and strategy consulting services for Fortune 500 companies and institutional clients. Her mission is to empower her clients to be strong leaders, have successful careers, and be strategic in influencing others. Her book Race Rules hits bookshelves on January 30, 2024.

Jodi Brockington embodies the term “multi-hyphenate.” Many of her colleagues know her to be a Master Networker, Super Connector, and “Diversity Disruptor”, creating seamless and authentic interactions within the workplace, marketplace, and community. As the founder of Niara Consulting, Jodi has developed a solid global network leading strategic and major accounts defining strategies creating innovative solutions for non-profit organizations and Fortune 500 companies. She truly enjoys connecting people as her professional expertise lies within the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)space. In her spare time, Jodi is an author, speaker, traveler and fitness enthusiast.

This is a ⚡️WMG Power Hour⚡️ event! WMG Power Hours are part of a series of events focused on diversity and inclusion that will help members learn more about our diversified society and enhance our abilities to be supportive women, colleagues, citizens, and allies. 

 All proceeds from this event support the Women's Media Group Educational Foundation.

Tuesday, May 16, 6:00-7:15 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members, $15 for non-members

Learn from leading podcast professionals at WMG’s first-ever podcast roulette! At this event, you get to ask the questions. Structured as a series of small group rotations with industry experts, you’ll have the opportunity to ask for feedback on your own podcasting projects. Registration will be limited so that all attendees will have time to consult with podcasting pros who specialize in production, strategy and operations, monetization, marketing, partnerships, and more. Whether you are just beginning to think of producing a podcast or you have questions about any aspect of a podcast you already manage or host, this is a unique chance to consult experts. 

All proceeds from this event support the Women's Media Group Educational Foundation.

Meet the experts:

Alexandra Cohl is the founder of pod.draland, a PR and marketing consultant for podcasters, and someone who has been helping women in podcasting get heard since 2019. Current and past clients include Webby Award winning podcast Father Wants Us Dead (named Best of 2022 by Variety), award-winning Immigrantly, Admissible: Shreds of Evidence, Spotify Original You Heard Me Write, and more. She writes the newsletter Podcasting by the Moon and is the host and executive producer of The Pod Broads, a podcast about women in podcasting, which was featured in Apple Podcasts' 2023 "Our Legacy" Women's History Month collection.

Vanessa Grigoriadis is one of the founders of Campside Media, and the co-creator of Chameleon: Hollywood Con Queen, Fallen Angel, Run Bambi Run, and Infamous, a new weekly narrative nonfiction show. She is a National Magazine Award winner for writing, and the author of Blurred Lines: Sex, Power, and Consent on Campus.

Martha Little is Senior Director of Creative Development at Audible. She oversees the commissioning and production of Audible investigative documentaries and non-fiction episodic series. She and her team has worked with talent ranging from Martin Sheen to Steph Curry to Queen Latifah. She started her audio career at major American public radio outlets, including NPR (Day to Day, All Things Considered), APM (Marketplace), PRI (America Abroad, Studio 360) News Director at WBUR. Her work has been recognized by such awards as The Peabody, The Gracie and Edward R. Murrow. 

Emily Rudder is the Head of Development at Wonder Media Network (WMN), a mission-driven audio-first media company that was named 2022 Podcast Network of the Year by Adweek. She works across WMN originals and branded podcasts for partners such as Audible, Pfizer, and Harvard University. Prior to working in audio, she was a digital strategist for nonprofits, foundations and corporate social responsibility practices. She has a BA in Urban Studies from Brown University.

Erica Tong began her career in audio advertising with GroupM over 12 years ago as a National Broadcast Buyer. Since 2016, she has led Audioboom's sales operations and in 2021 she was appointed to Chief Operating Officer where she also oversees research & development, HR and communications.

Wednesday, May 10, 5:30-6:30 p.m. ET

WMG members only; FREE

A fun and informal way for new members to virtually connect and get to know each other. It's a wonderful way to meet other talented, high-energy women, all ready to assist one another in our professional endeavors. Please be ready to share the name of a woman from the past or the present you admire for any reason.

This social is open to anyone who joined WMG in 2023 and will be hosted by WMG Co-President Jennifer A. Perry.

Wednesday, May 3, 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET

WMG members only; FREE 

Space is limited

Join Michelle Garside for a BRANDING HOT-SEAT EXPERIENCE! Bring your questions or thoughts about your brand, your business, and/or your big idea and Michelle will offer individualized laser focused strategy.

Michelle Garside is the Founder of Soul Camp Creative, a full-service Creative Agency devoted to working with ideas that change the world. Soul Camp specializes in creating authentic, aligned, soul-driven branding for mission-driven companies and personal brands. Michelle has been featured in Oprah Magazine, Travel and Leisure, Fitness, Women’s Health, Good Morning America, ABC News, Parents, Fortune, Inc., and Forbes.

Wednesday, April 26, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members, $15 for non-members

Are you a casualty of the media’s latest round of layoffs? Afraid you’ll be next? Working in ad-supported media is more volatile than ever. Be prepared to make your next move and learn how to use your editorial and writing skills to transition into a new exciting career in an adjacent industry — content marketing, brand publishing, communications, thought leadership, and more! 

Led by Chandra Turner, recruiter / career coach and founder of The Talent Fairy and Ed2010 Inc., this panel discussion will feature women who have successfully pivoted outside of their media roles into new, exciting opportunities in content.  

Carolyn Abate is a health and wellness editor with nearly 20 years of content experience. She started her career as a reporter for print newspapers, migrating to magazines and then digital content. She’s written for the Christian Science Monitor, Healthline, and Reuters, among other news and content sites. She was a book editor for Calisto Media for 5 years, in the personal growth and development portfolio. She recently joined Linkwell Health as a Senior Editor. She holds a B.S. in Food Science and Nutrition, from California State University, Chico and did post-graduate journalism coursework at San Francisco State. University. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, her three children, and her dog, Tanner.

Kara Corridan is a director of communications at Prudential Financial, focused on telling stories to its employees about issues related to DEI, talent development and more. She joined Prudential in 2020, after 25 years as a magazine editor for consumer publications including Parents and Modern Bride as well as classroom magazines for Scholastic. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and two daughters.

Cristina Goyanes is the cofounder of Revel, an award-winning, strategy-first brand editorial agency producing high-quality, multimedia content for brands that are dedicated to improving people’s lives. Prior to founding Revel, Cristina was a launch editor at Women’s Health. From there, she went freelance for 12 years, by-lining close to 500 articles for major magazines and media platforms, including National Geographic Adventure, Marie Claire, SHAPE, Elle, Teen Vogue,Yoga Journal, ESPNW, Refinery29, and many more. In 2014, she began her pivot into brand editorial work, starting with building a women’s digital hub for her favorite bike brand, Specialized. This work opened the door to more global brands, including Clif Bar and the luxury safari company, Extraordinary Journeys. Over the last decade, Cristina has carved out a successful second career in content marketing.

Jessica Torres-Cooper is a passionate content strategy executive with extensive experience in print, digital, and social. As she developed her career in media, she explored her interests in styling, casting, and photography. After shifting her focus from images to words, she joined the editorial teams at Parents Magazine and Ser Padres. She cultivated a deep understanding of the nuances between the general market and multicultural audiences. In 2006 she joined Siempre Mujer as an editorial assistant in the beauty and fashion department. By 2016 she was named Editor-in-Chief of the publication. Folio Magazine honored her as one of the Top Women in Media in 2016. Torres-Cooper went on to helm the Parenting Group at Evolve Media, overseeing content for five digital titles, including the award-winning website Momtastic.com. Today, she is the Editorial Director of Branded Content for Hearst Magazines, leading digital branded content for over twenty-seven titles at Hearst.

All proceeds from this event support the Women's Media Group Educational Foundation.

Thursday, April 13, 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members, $15 for non-members

As the 2024 race for President heats up and Donald Trump continues to make headlines, it’s time to take a clear-eyed look at his ongoing legacy and how it impacts women’s lives. A panel of experts, including acclaimed journalist Nina Burleigh, The Nation magazine’s national affairs correspondent Joan Walsh, and political strategist Celinda Lake, will explore such topics as:

• Did the Great Women’s March in Washington, DC, the day after Trump’s inauguration, have any lasting impact?
  
• How have the Trump Years affected the “women’s movement?”
  
• Is the Me Too movement dead?
  
• Has an increasingly hostile and partisan environment for elected women, reduced women’s power?
  
• Why are teenage girls in crisis and how does that relate to the Trump presidency?
  
• What role does social media and internet porn play in the above situation?
  
• Will we ever see an American woman President?
  

Moderator

Nina Burleigh, author of seven books, has been based in Washington, D.C., New York, Paris and Italy, and has reported extensively from the Middle East and throughout the United States. Her journalism has been published in such media outlets as The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, Time, and New York Magazine, among others. Two of her magazine articles were made into dramatic productions and she was an executive producer on a documentary series about Ghislaine Maxwell and a Peacock documentary on Prince Andrew. She is currently an adjunct professor at NYU’s Arthur J. Carter Journalism Institute.

Panelists

Celinda Lake, president of Lake Research Partners, was one of the top two pollsters for President Biden in 2020. She is also one the nation’s foremost experts on electing women candidates and on framing issues to women voters. She and her firm are known for cutting-edge research on issues including the economy, health care, the environment, and education, and have worked for a number of institutions including the Democratic National Committee, Planned Parenthood, EMILY's List, VoteVets Action Fund, and the Kaiser Family Foundation. Her international work has included work in Liberia, Belarus, Ukraine, South Africa, and Central America.

Joan Walsh is a national affairs correspondent for The Nation, a coproducer of The Sit In: Harry Belafonte Hosts The Tonight Show, and the author of What’s the Matter With White People? Finding Our Way in the Next America. Salon’s first news editor, Walsh served as editor in chief for six years. She is a frequent guest on MSNBC and CNN, and has contributed to publications ranging from Vogue to The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle. 

All proceeds from this event support the Women's Media Group Educational Foundation.

Thursday, March 30, 1:00-1:30 p.m. ET

WMG members only; FREE

Please come to the WMG 2023 Annual Business Meeting on March 30th from 1:00-1:30 p.m. ET via Zoom. 

Spend 30 minutes with Co-Presidents Jennifer Perry and Charlie Schroder, and members of the board, in an abbreviated virtual meeting to:

• Vote in the new board
• Welcome new members
• Review highlights of the past year
• Talk about opportunities to volunteer

We value your time and participation, and hope to see you there!

Wednesday, March 15, doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET; the event starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. ET

$75 for members and $100 for non-members

Virtual: $25 for members and $35 for non-members*

An intimate evening with WMG and celebrated dancer, author, trailblazer, and mentorship advocate Misty Copeland. 

Join this very special fundraising event in support of the Women’s Media Group Educational Foundation, which funds WMG’s annual scholarships granted to future publishing and media professionals who have demonstrated leadership in advancing literacy and promoting underrepresented voices. This event features celebrated dancer Misty Copeland.

Misty made history as the first African American principal ballerina at the American Ballet Theatre. Her talent, passion, and perseverance enabled her to make strides no one had previously accomplished. But, as she will tell you, an achievement never happens in a void. Her new memoir, The Wind at My Back, shares the story of her friendship with dance pioneer Raven Wilkinson. Their journey captures the importance of mentorship, shared history, and honoring the past to ensure a stronger future.

This evening features: 

• Misty in conversation with HuffPost Editor in Chief, Danielle Belton about her career, her struggles with racism and exclusion, as well as the transformative power of supportive intergenerational friendships
• A signed copy of Misty’s memoir The Wind at My Back
  

• Light bites and beverages

• Time for networking with fellow WMG members and guests

Every year, the Women’s Media Group Educational Foundation depends on fundraising to support its growing scholarship partnerships with New York City-based colleges and universities. WMG Scholars are given stipends for tuition, granted three years of free WMG membership, and invited to participate in our mentorship program. The number of scholarships we can support depends on the amount of dollars we raise. By attending this event, you will contribute essential financing to WMG’s 2023 scholarship plans. 

This event is held in partnership with Pride Global at their private event space, the Flight Deck. Pride Global is a minority-owned professional recruitment and staffing advisory firm located in NYC with locations throughout the U.S., the U.K., Brazil, Canada, Singapore, the Philippines, and India. They assist clients with direct hire and contract talent search solutions across a variety of skill sets and industries.

*Note: the virtual option for this event includes the livestream of Misty and Danielle’s conversation only–it does not include a copy of The Wind at My Back. Email info@womensmediagroup.org with any questions.

Wednesday, March 8, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members, $15 for non-members

This program is designed for women working in corporate environments. It will focus on strategies for negotiating compensation, promotions, and career moves. It’s no secret that the pay gap is costing women hundreds of thousands of dollars, and sometimes even millions, over the course of their careers. Research shows that a major cause of the pay gap is women’s reluctance to negotiate on their own behalf. This combined with “discrimination” accounts for 40% of the pay difference. 

In this insightful panel, our experts will explore what causes women to feel awkward talking about money or asking for a raise. Panelists will share their perspective on raises and promotions from the other side of the negotiating table. They will provide practical advice on how women can better recognize and value their contributions and negotiate more effectively. Panelists will also answer questions from the audience. 

Moderator:

Bhavana Smith is the Founder of Until There Are Nine®, an organization whose purpose is to give women the power to advocate for their rightful share of compensation, rewards and professional advancement. Bhavana has spent 25+ years in marketing, advertising and consulting and in speaking to her friends and colleagues, realized the support system they each needed when it came to negotiating compensation. She wanted to find a way to share their lessons learned and their experiences with other women, after learning that reluctance to negotiate was a reason for the gender pay gap. Bhavana lives in NYC with her daughter and two dogs.  

Panelists:

Debbie Kemp is the Global Chief People Officer at Biz2Credit.  She has over 30 years experience crossing investment banking/securities, telecommunication, media, ecommerce, and executive recruiting industries. Debbiespecializes in creating and delivering people strategies in fast paced environments enabling business growth and driving operational excellence. Debbie’s career is complemented by a Bachelor of Science in Communications degree from the University of Kansas. She is an active member of Until There Are Nine® and is an advisor to St. Francis, Streetwise, Pinnacle, and CICA. 

Cynthia Medina Carson, CEO Wager is a salary transparency maven, career guru, organizational growth gxpert and next generation workforce advocate. Cynthia started Wager because she saw firsthand how the lack of transparency and conversations created barriers and anxiety in the workplace. Prior to her move into the talent field, Cynthia worked as an international relations and policy expert for the Department of Treasury, Homeland Security and JP Morgan, and served in Peace Corps, Nicaragua. Cynthia is also the Founder of the Cheeky Monkey Club, a networking group for women who hate to network, is a Board member of her hometown’s Girls Inc., and hosts a makerspace in her basement studio. She is a graduate of Georgetown University and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Melissa Carson is the author of A Perfect Life is Not the Goal and There is No Such Thing as a Perfect Job. With over 25 years as a global HR leader for large, successful organizations, Melissa is now focused on partnering with fast-growing small to mid-size organizations. She works with individual leaders by helping them understand what she calls their “imperfection gremlins” so they can get above the day-to-day of their lives, see the full view, set a strategic direction for themselves and their teams, and be more intentional in their approaches. She lives in Delaware with her husband, high school senior daughter and college freshman son.

All proceeds from this event support the Women's Media Group Educational Foundation.

Friday, February 17, 7:00 p.m. ET

WMG members only

Private Manhattan residence (Upper West Side)

WMG members of color are invited for an intimate in-person gathering for Black History Month to connect, support, and inspire each other. Join WMG board members Jodi Brockington and Brittany Fuller for a night of guaranteed upliftment and fun.

Meet your hosts:

Jodi Brockington embodies the term “multi-hyphenate.” Many of her colleagues know her to be a Master Networker, Super Connector, and “Diversity Disruptor”, creating seamless and authentic interactions within the workplace, marketplace, and community. An entrepreneur’s entrepreneur, she has represented, coached and advised thousands of leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals helping them launch, manage and develop their business. She truly enjoys connecting people as her professional expertise lies within the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)space. She is a champion of investing in the workforce of the future, driving evolution, implementing effective and sustainable business strategies while consistently delivering tangible outcomes. In her spare time, Jodi is an author, speaker, traveler and fitness enthusiast.

Brittany Fuller is a fun-loving writer, content creator, and plus-size blogger. A graduate of Pace University, where she received her BA in Communication Arts and Journalism, and an MS in Publishing, Brittany is in love with all things media! She’s worked with some truly inspiring publications like Woman's Day, Country Living, The Village Voice, The Knot, and Westchester Magazine while networking with many influential and creative individuals along the way. In her spare time, she works on her plus-size lifestyle blog, The Essence of A Curvy Girl, discussing lifestyle topics. Brittany currently is a freelance Content Creator and editor working with various brands and companies.  

Wednesday, February 8, 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members, $15 for non-members

Are you mad as hell at the Supreme Court ripping away women's rights, worried about what they will do next, and feeling powerless? Well, we are, and we want to learn from women who have done something. Women’s Media Group is pleased to invite you to a Master Class with some powerful and purposeful media changemakers who will share their stories, vision, and how they made it happen.

Moderator: 

Bridget Todd is a frequently cited expert, trainer, and speaker on combating disinformation and extremism online, advocating for social media platform accountability, creating safer digital experiences for women and other marginalized people, and celebrating and amplifying marginalized people’s contributions to tech and the internet. She created her critically acclaimed podcast, There Are No Girls on the Internet, to explore how marginalized people show up online in response to the lack of inclusion in conversations around the internet. 

Her podcast earned “Best Technology Podcast” at the iHeart Radio Podcast Awards and a Shorty Award for “Best Podcast Miniseries” for DISINFORMED, a miniseries exploring how misinformation and conspiracy theories around COVID, gender, and race hurt marginalized communities. As Director of Communication for the national gender-justice advocacy organization Ultraviolet, Bridget regularly meets with leadership from social media platforms to advocate for and develop policy recommendations to make digital experiences safer and more inclusive. Bridget’s writing and work on technology, race, gender, and culture have been featured in the Atlantic, Newsweek, the Nation, the Daily Show, and several other outlets.

Panelists:

Sara Berliner is a creator, producer, and social entrepreneur who bridges creative development, product strategy, brand-building, and business development. Sara is an advisor at Hellosaurus, the groundbreaking interactive video platform for kids, where she was on the founding team and created the award-winning original series, The Birthday Show. Sara’s career has threaded digital formats alongside puppet theater, documentary film, the music business, book publishing, animation, consumer products, and live events. 

At Star Farm, the children’s media company she co-founded, Sara created properties like Edgar & Ellen, with two seasons on Nicktoons, twelve books with Simon & Schuster, and a host of licensed products. In 2008, Sara founded the Kids & Family group at ScrollMotion, launching first-ever apps for IP’s like Harry Potter and Batman, then spent five years as Chief Strategy Officer of Night & Day Studios, home of worldwide bestselling app Peekaboo Barn. Sara has told stories with collaborators like Sesame Street, Warner Bros., Disney, DreamWorks, Mattel, Scholastic, the NFL, National Geographic, Highlights for Children, and Wow in the World. Sara develops IP and consults for clients like Tom Colicchio’s nonprofit, A Place at the Table, and speaks regularly at conferences like Harvard University’s Folklore & Mythology Symposium. As the founder of Vote Like a Mother, Sara put her brand-building skills to work raising awareness, money, and volunteers for important causes and nonprofits, creating a thousands-strong community of engaged citizens driven by empathy and a fierce desire to improve the world for future generations.

Arielle Nissenblatt is the founder of EarBuds Podcast Collective, a weekly podcast newsletter and podcast. She is the Community Manager at SquadCast.fm, a remote recording platform. She is a graduate of the Salt Institute of Audio Documentary Studies. Nissenblatt is a podcast marketing expert, having spoken on panels at conferences such as Radiodays Asia, Sounds of New York, Podcast Movement, International Documentary Association’s Podcast Day, at USC, Montana Media Lab, American University, and more. She is one of the founders of Podcast Taxonomy, an international effort to categorize roles and credits in the podcast industry. She is the cohost of Sounds Profitable, Adtech Applied, a show about adtech in the audio space. Nissenblatt listens to over 40 hours of audio content per week. 

Vaishnavi Patel is a lawyer focusing on civil rights. She often writes about the intersection of Indian myth, feminism, and anti-colonialism. She is the author of the New York Times bestselling novel Kaikeyi. Vaishnavi was the co-creator of Authors for Abortion Access, which raised over $30,000 for abortion funds and clinics. Vaishnavi grew up in and around Chicago, and in her spare time, enjoys activities that are almost stereotypically Midwestern: knitting, ice skating, drinking hot chocolate, and making hotdish.

All proceeds from this event support the Women's Media Group Educational Foundation.

Thursday, January 26, 6:00 p.m. ET

WMG members: $20; Non-member guests of WMG members: $20

Private Manhattan residence (Gramercy)

Masks required for all attendees

Enjoy an up-close and personal conversation with Jean Hanff Korelitz, the bestselling author of eight novels.

We will start the evening with a conversation between Jean and Jane Wesman, WMG’s Programming Chair, about The Plot and The Latecomer, both of which are being adapted as limited tv series. Attendees will then have a chance to ask their own questions about Jean’s books and her experiences as a writer.

We request that attendees read The Plot or The Latecomer (or both) and come prepared to participate in what promises to be a funny, surprising, and lively conversation. You’re encouraged to bring copies of Jean’s books to be signed.

About Jean Hanff Korelitz 

Born and raised in New York City, Jean was educated at Dartmouth College and Clare College, Cambridge. In addition to The Latecomer and The Plot, she is the author of You Should Have Known (adapted for HBO as The Undoing), Admission (2013 film adaptation), The Devil and Webster, The White Rose, The Sabbathday River, and A Jury of Her Peers, as well as a middle-grade reader and a collection of poetry.

With her husband, Irish poet Paul Muldoon, she adapted James Joyce’s The Dead as an immersive theatrical event, The Dead, 1904. Jean is also the founder of BOOKTHEWRITER, which offers “Pop-Up Book Groups” in New York City. Learn more at about Jean at www.jeanhanffkorelitz.com.

Thursday, January 19, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members, $15 for non-members

If you’re an entrepreneur, solopreneur, consultant, free-lancer, or independent contractor who wants to grow your revenues in 2023, then this discussion is for you. 

Our panel of expert coaches will help you identify the emotions or ideas about money that are holding you back. They’ll show you how to set fees and value your services, and how to implement marketing strategies that result in enjoyable and effective sales conversations. There will be plenty of time for attendees to ask questions. Our goal is to provide information and answers that will help you grow your business in 2023.

Moderator: 

Jane Wesman, who serves as WMG’s Programming Committee Chair, is president of Jane Wesman Public Relations, Inc. an agency that provides book marketing and publicity services (wesmanpr.com).  She is also the author of Dive Right In — The Sharks Won’t Bite: The Entrepreneurial Woman’s Guide to Success and has spent many years mentoring women business owners. Her articles on women and entrepreneurship have been published in a wide range of media outlets including Entrepreneur and Inc.

Panelists: 

Monica Shah helps women entrepreneurs build businesses that support their ideal lifestyles. After receiving her MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and working in marketing for L’Oreal Paris, Monica left corporate America to start her own business. At Revenue Breakthrough (revenuebreakthrough.com), she guides clients through building, growing and expanding their businesses. She combines her business acumen with her intuition and healing abilities to help clients get unstuck, eliminate self-sabotage, and move through fear. Monica is the bestselling author of three books: Getting Rich: You’re Doing It Backwards, Pause: 52 Questions that Lead to More Money and Time, andThe Breakthrough Planner: A 90-Day System for Entrepreneurs.

After spending eight years on Wall Street as an equity markets sales specialist and corporate finance manager at such industry powerhouses as Merrill Lynch and Citigroup,Tricia Taitt started offering financial consulting services and officially formed FinCore in 2016 (fincorestrong.com). It is a boutique fractional CFO services company with a mission to engage, educate and empower business owners around their financials and to create a path to long-term financial stability and success. She helps clients move to a healthier relationship with money; gain confidence in their financial know-how to make the right decisions; and grow financially so they can give back to their businesses and communities and prepare to live the life they want upon exit. Tricia holds an MBA from Fuqua (Duke University) and a bachelors in finance from Wharton (University of Pennsylvania) and is the bestselling  author of Dancing with Numbers: Grow a Financially Healthy Business and Choreograph the Life You Want.

Mikelann Valterra is a writer, keynote speaker, and money coach who helps women transform their relationship with money. For over 25 years she has been a thought leader in the field of financial psychology. Mikelann has a bachelor’s in economics and a master’s in psychology and consciousness studies, including post-graduate training at the Financial Recovery Institute. She also holds an AFC® from the Association of Financial Counseling and Planning Education. Mikelann is the author of Why Women Earn Less, How to Make What You’re Really Worth. Her strong background in emotional intelligence, paired with her practical money strategies, enable her clients to consciously design their best life, while escaping financial anxiety. Learn more seattlemoneycoach.com.

All proceeds from this event support the Women's Media Group Educational Foundation.

Tuesday, January 10, 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET

WMG members only; Free

Please join us for a special members-only, 45-minute bliss-out that is yoga nidra. Despite the word “yoga,” there will be no downward facing dogs or triangle poses. This is a guided, very visual meditation that makes it hard for your mind to wander and is designed to put you into the deeply relaxed, creative state between sleep and waking. 

Yoga nidra is done either lying on a yoga mat or seated on a straight-back chair. Your camera will be off. We'll begin with a few simple breathing exercises and then begin this deeply restorative practice, which promotes both relaxation and inspiration. Warning: You might end up having a great night’s sleep.

WMG member Dawn Raffel is a developmental editor and the author of six books, including The Strange Case of Dr. Couney: How a Mysterious European Showman Saved Thousands of American Babies and the forthcoming Boundless as the Sky. When not staring at words, she leads yoga nidra sessions. She is a 200-hour Yoga Alliance certified teacher with an additional 100 hours of certifications in teaching meditative practices. She has taught yoga and creative writing at the Center for Fiction in New York, and has been leading regular online yoga nidra sessions since the spring of 2020.

Thursday, December 8, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members, $15 for non-members

Join us for a virtual event on understanding podcast audiences. Featuring Christy Mirabal (Senior Director of Audience Growth at SiriusXM), Maggie Taylor (Director of Marketing at Pushkin Industries) and Cecilia Lei (host and producer of Fifth and Mission, The San Francisco Chronicle’s daily news podcast). The panel is moderated by Golda Arthur (executive producer and podcast consultant). Learn how to figure out who’s listening to your show, how to build a relationship with those listeners, and grow that audience. 

All proceeds from this event support the Women's Media Group Educational Foundation.

Wednesday, December 7, 6:00-7:30 p.m. ET

WMG members only; Free

Do you ever wonder how you can transform your expertise into purpose? Or ask yourself “what am I here to do?”

During this special WMG program, Michelle Garside and Alison Leipzig will take you on a soul-led journey towards uncovering and claiming your true purpose.This intimate evening will include a guided sound healing meditation with Tibetan Singing Bowls and an in-depth Breakthrough in Purpose exercise that will help you gain a deeper understanding of who you truly are and what you're here to do. Michelle and Alison will then offer practical steps on how to take that purpose into the world.

Michelle Garside and Alison Leipzig are the Founders of Soul Camp Creative, a full-service Creative Agency devoted to working with ideas that change the world. They specialize in creating authentic, aligned, soul-driven branding for mission-driven companies and personal brands. Soul Camp has been featured in Oprah Magazine, Travel and Leisure, Fitness, Women’s Health, Good Morning America, ABC News, Parents, Fortune, Inc., and Forbes.

Tuesday, November 15, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. ET

WMG members only

A fun and informal way for new members to virtually connect and really get to know each other. It's a wonderful way to meet other talented, accomplished, curious women who are eager to  collaborate with and support each other in our professional endeavors.

This social is open to anyone who joined WMG between November 2021 and now and will be hosted by WMG Co-President Charlie Schroder.

Email us at info@womensmediagroup.org with any questions.

Wednesday, November 2, 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members, $15 for non-members

TikTok is the fastest-growing social media platform in the world with more than one billion active users every month. Part 1 of our TikTok series last summer explored the influence and impact of TikTok on the business of book publishing for both publishers and retailers. Now in response  to popular demand, we're pleased to host Part 2, which will put the focus on content creators. A diverse panel of women creators who produce content for the platform’s “BookTok” community will showcase examples of their work, discuss how they choose which titles to feature, share tips about production, review their video strategy for book sales, and answer your questions. Come join the conversation if you're looking for book influencers to follow or want to create your own TikTok videos.

All proceeds from this event support the Women's Media Group Educational Foundation.

Moderator - Miral Sattar, CEO of Publishing Services Marketplace, Bibliocrunch.com. Check out Miral on TikTok here: @miralreads.

Wednesday, October 12, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET at Arte Cafe in NYC

WMG members only

$30 per person, includes light bites and 2 drink tickets for beer, wine, or soft drinks

Registration is closed

Opportunities to network and socially connect with colleagues have been core to our mission from day one – and wow, do we miss you all! 

Our first all-membership event in 2+ years will be held at the iconic Arte Cafe (covered) outdoor space, just steps from Central Park and a variety of public transportation options. 

Exciting update: for this event, WMG is partnering with Pajama Program, a New York City-based nonprofit with a mission to promote and support a comforting bedtime routine and healthy sleep for children to help them thrive. Pajama Program provides new books and pajamas to children experiencing instability and facing adversity. Please bring one brand-new book appropriate for kids 0-12 to Arte Cafe for donation to Pajama Program. If you cannot make the event and would like to contribute to Pajama Program, you can do that here.

Whether you're a new member or have been involved with WMG for years, we can't wait to see you there!

Thursday, September 15, 6:00 - 7:00 pm ET

Free for WMG members, $15 for non-members

Publishing insiders will discuss what agents and publishers mean when they ask writers “What is your author platform?”.  Discussion will revolve around what exactly is an author platform. What matters to agents and to publishers?  Are all author platforms the same?  What are the components of a platform? When and how should writers start building their platform? This is the perfect opportunity to learn the many ways writers can create robust communities waiting for their books; when they should begin building their platforms. Not only authors, but literary agents, editors, and marketing experts will find this a useful and informative discussion. 

Moderator:

Bridget Marmion spent over a decade each at FSG, Random House and Houghton Mifflin, working in editorial, publicity, sales, advertising, marketing during her career, for both adult and children’s books.  She launched her own marketing firm, www.yourexpertnation.com in 2012. which relaunched last year as www.bridgetmarmionbookmarketing.com.

Panelists:

Regina Brooks is the founder and CEO of Serendipity Literary,  the largest African American literary agency in the US and home to many award winning authors and illustrators. She's the author of Writing Great Books for Young Adults and You Should Really Write a Book,  how to Write Well and Market Your Memoir. 

Jane Friedman has spent nearly 25 years working in the book publishing industry, with a focus on author education and trend reporting. She is the editor of The Hot Sheet, the essential publishing industry newsletter for authors, which was named 2020 Media Outlet of the Year by Digital Book World. Her latest book is The Business of Being a Writer(University of Chicago Press), which received a starred review from Library Journal.

Patsy Jones currently serves as VP of Marketing at Hachette Book Group in Franklin, TN, following years at 

Books A Million and Anderson Merchandisers. She is seasoned both as a marketing professional 

at the highest levels as well as a veteran in the retail space and has a deep, lived understanding of the connection between content and audience and between products and retail.

Friday, September 9, 12:30 p.m. ET at the Javits Center in NYC

$25 for WMG members only (full price Armory Show tickets are $55!)

Registration is closed for this event

The Armory Show is an international art fair that has been a cornerstone of New York’s cultural landscape since its founding in 1994. This year’s edition features 240 of the world’s top contemporary and modern art galleries from 30 countries. The fair is a fun and exciting experience that gives visitors a chance to see what is happening in today’s art world.

Meet WMG Programming Chair – and veteran Armory Show attendee – Jane Wesman for a one-hour tour of some of the most interesting galleries at the show. You will meet select gallerists and learn about the art on view in their booths. You will then be able to wander the fair at your leisure – on your own or with other WMG members. Fair hours are noon to 8:00 p.m. This offer is limited to 15 WMG members, so sign up fast!

Proceeds from this program will benefit the Women’s Media Group Educational Foundation.

Tuesday, August 16, 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only

"I just love asking people for money” said almost no one ever. But what if you got to raise money for a fantastic cause, using creative and entertaining ways, with a group of women who love to laugh? If that sounds like you, come join the WMG Fundraising Committee! Check out our 101 Webinar Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. ET to learn how you can make a difference in the lives of dedicated young women just starting out in the media industry. We promise it will be worth it!

Hosted by Ashley Gordon and Mary McAveney, Fundraising Co-Chairs.

Tuesday, July 19, 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members, $15 for non-members

TikTok has been the #1 downloaded app in the world for three years, with over half-a-million new users every day. Every day! To tap into that sizable audience, publishers, authors, and retailers are collaborating with avid book fans who have created popular content for the platform’s “BookTok” community. Some  publishing pros are also producing original BookTok content to drive brand awareness, excitement, and sales of books. 

How is TikTok impacting publishers' marketing strategies? What kinds of content work on TikTok and which don't? Who are the most effective creators? How are bookstores capitalizing on TikTok trends? 

Learn all about TikTok as a marketing platform, and bring your questions and comments to this presentation with industry experts.

Proceeds from this program will benefit the Women’s Media Group Educational Foundation.

Moderator: Miral Sattar is the CEO of Bibliocrunch, an award-winning publishing services marketplace that connects authors with editorial services. She has worked in the media industry for 15 years; has lectured at universities across America; and has helped numerous authors hit #1 in their categories. Miral is a TikTok creator (@miralreads) and a WMG member and past co-president!

Shannon DeVito is the Director of Books at Barnes & Noble, where she leads the Category Management team, overseeing all of Trade & Kids' Book categories. She creates initiatives for the company's promotional book strategies, develops campaigns with the publishing industry for important releases, negotiates exclusive opportunities, and executes overall book strategy for the company's 600+ stores. Shannon is a frequent spokesperson for B&N on publishing trends.

Kristen McLean is the executive director of business development and the primary industry analyst at NPD Books. Her career has spanned many roles, which gives her deep perspective as a market analyst. She is a widely-recognized expert in the areas of children’s books, comics and graphic novels, and cross-entertainment consumer behavior. Kristen is deeply interested in the confluence of retail, technology, literacy, and demographics in the digital age.

Brianna Yamashita, Senior Marketing Director at Scribner, has strategized and executed New York Times bestselling campaigns for such authors as Anthony Doerr, Stephen King, Jennifer Egan, Huma Abedin, Mark Bittman, and Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski, among others. She has spearheaded marketing for major franchises, established marketing partnerships with leading lifestyle brands, and instituted marketing best-practices and analytics-driven book marketing systems. Brianna is also a WMG member!

Tuesday, June 28, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET

Join members of BookMachine for an international online mixer and networking event, bringing together two communities.

Come together on the virtual networking platform, Wonder, for an informal and sociable cameras-on mixer with members of U.K.-based BookMachine and Women’s Media Group. Our friends at BookMachine will provide plenty of conversation starters to help you get to know professionals from across the publishing and creative industries, swap tips, and share ideas. This is a great opportunity to meet publishing people in both the U.S. and abroad.

About BookMachine:

BookMachine is a global community of publishing professionals. Founded in 2010, BookMachine helps people develop their careers, build their knowledge, and expand their networks. Members can tap into online and in-person events, take video courses, and access a community hub of hundreds of publishing colleagues.

How it works:

An RSVP is required. Bookmachine will share the private Wonder link to join the session via email to everyone on the attendee list ahead of the event. Please contact Aimee on aimee@bookmachine.co.uk if you are having difficulties receiving the link or accessing the session.

Wednesday, June 22nd, 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET

Saturday, June 18th, 10:30 a.m. ET

Wednesday, June 15th, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET

Tuesday, June 14th, 12:30 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only

Come for an outdoor picnic in Central Park hosted by WMG member Jennifer Weltz! Be sure to bring a blanket to sit on and a portable lunch. 

This group will meet at the Women's Rights Pioneers Monument in Central Park and then pick a spot to picnic in Sheep's Meadow for a picnic.

Email us at info@womensmediagroup.org with any questions.

Monday, June 13th, 5:30-6:30 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only

Join this informational session to share your ideas for the WMG Scholarship Committee, which offers scholarships and fellowships to help support the next generation of media superstars and innovators. (Meet the brilliant recipients so far here).

The Scholarship Committee is always looking for help in expanding WMG's scholarship offerings, selecting scholarship and fellowship recipients, and growing WMG's mentorship program. There are many ways to get involved with this committee, from single projects to an ongoing basis and everything in-between – explore ways that work best for you!

Hosted by Communications Chair Nevin Mays.

Wednesday, June 8th, 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members, $15 for non-members

Are you in the midst of launching or growing your own business? Learn from our panel of powerhouse women who have started their own companies, overcome common and not-so-common obstacles, and advised countless women on how to do it. Whether you're an entrepreneur, an intrepreneur, or have dreams about starting a venture, this program will inform, entertain, and coach you towards success.

Lara Hodgson, is President and CEO of NOW Corp, and has served as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Harvard Business School. Prior to Now, Lara co-founded Nourish (a children's products company), and Insomnia, LLC, a firm specializing in investment, development, and management of complex and innovative “worldchanging” projects. Lara received an MBA from the Harvard Business School, and a BS in Aerospace Engineering with highest honors from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Today, she serves as a Trustee of the Georgia Tech Foundation in addition to other Boards. E&Y recognized Lara as a 2018 Finalist for the Southeast Entrepreneur of the Year and named her to the Entrepreneurial Winning Women Class of 2019. Lara is co-Author of Level Up: Rise Above the Hidden Forces Holding Your Business Back with Stacey Abrams and Heather Cabot.

Terrez M. Thompson is the founder of Powered By Zerret (PBZ), a nonprofit focused on the empowerment of women of color entrepreneurs through mentoring, networking and other resources including financial. Prior to founding PBZ, Terrez was a 35-year veteran of The Coca-Cola Company where she served as Vice President of Global Supplier Diversity until her retirement. She is proudest of the innovative work she did to develop diverse suppliers. Her crowning accomplishment was to establish a world class program focused on Women of Color entrepreneurs, including a Spanish language version launched in her final year. Terrez, who has received numerous business awards and honors, is a nonpracti

Lorine Pendleton, lead partner Portfolio Rising America Funds, is a seasoned business development executive and attorney with extensive experience in the legal, technology and entertainment industries. She was recently named by Marie Claire as one of the “Most 50 Connected Women in America,” and Crunchbase as “39 Black Women Investors Inspiring a New Generation of Investors”. She is the NY Chair at TIGER 21, as well as an active angel investor who invests in and advises women and diverse-led companies. She is on the Board of Directors of the Angel Capital Association (ACA) and ACA's first African-American board member in its history. She is also an alumna and member of Pipeline Angels as well as a guest judge on BET/Centric TV's breakout series Queen Boss, a pitch competition show where African-American female entrepreneurs competed for a grand prize to fund their businesses. Lorine is a graduate of Brown University, New York Law School, Kauffman Foundation FastTrac New Ventures Entrepreneurship (Graduate Certificate) and Lean Startup Machine.

Moderator Heather Cabot, is an award-winning journalist, author, and former ABC News correspondent/anchor. She is the author of the critically-acclaimed business narrative, The New Chardonnay: The Unlikely Story of How Marijuana Went Mainstream (Currency, 2020), co-author of Geek Girl Rising: Inside the Sisterhood Shaking Up Tech (St. Martin’s Press, 2017), and a freelance writer published in Forbes, Elle, Parents, The Huffington Post, People, USA Today, and more. Following her time reporting for ABC’s Good Morning America and anchoring World News Now/World News This Morning, Cabot served as Yahoo! Web Life Editor from 2007-12 and appeared regularly on NBC’s TODAY, cable news outlets, and daytime TV talk shows to report on consumer tech and digital trends. She is a member of the Alumni Board of Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and was an adjunct professor at the school from 2012-17.

Proceeds from this program will benefit the Women’s Media Group Educational Foundation.

Thursday, May 12th, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only

A fun and informal way for new members to virtually connect and really get to know each other. It's a wonderful way to meet meet other talented, high-energy women, all ready to assist one another in our professional endeavors.

This social is open to anyone who joined WMG between May 2021 and now and will be hosted by WMG Co-President Charlie Schroder.

Email us at info@womensmediagroup.org with any questions.

Thursday, May 12th, 5:30-6:30 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only

WMG programs are at the core of what we do to support members' career growth and networking. We are always looking for new program ideas and volunteers to help coordinate our many different kinds of events. Join this informational session to share your ideas for programs and learn what other members are suggesting as well. We’ll also explain how you can get involved. There are many ways to get involved in programming, from single projects to an ongoing basis and everything in-between – explore ways that work best for you!

Hosted by Programming Chair Jane Wesman

Wednesday, April 27th, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members, $15 for non-members

Learn the secrets of the pros from a vet who's seen it all. You will hear Mollie's take on:

• The best advice for authors crafting their pitch
  
• What a super agent wishes publishers and editors knew
  
• The joys of discovering a great literary writer
  
• Balancing taking risks as an agent
  
• How to level up your agenting game to get stellar clients
  

Proceeds from this program will benefit the Women’s Media Group Educational Foundation.

Meet the speakers:

Mollie Glick represents many top authors and thought leaders, including President Joe Biden; Vice President Kamala Harris; Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg; Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Ken Armstrong, T. Christian Miller, and Kyle Hopkins; MacArthur Grant-recipient astrophysicist Sara Seager; National Book Award Finalists Ali Benjamin and Karla Cornejo Villavicencio; NYT Top 50 Memoirs of the Past 50 Years recipient Patricia Lockwood; #1 NYT bestselling authors Mark Manson and Nic Stone; change-makers Michelle Alexander, Brittany Packnett, and Janaya Future Khan; and NYT bestselling novelists Carol Rifka Brunt; Julie Clark, Jonathan Evison; Sarah McCoy; and Stephanie Land.

Christine Pride is a writer, editor and long time publishing veteran. She’s held editorial posts at many different imprints including Doubleday, Broadway, Crown, Hyperion, and Simon and Schuster. As an editor, Christine published many bestselling and critically acclaimed books, with a special emphasis on inspirational stories and memoir. As a freelance editorial consultant, she does select editorial work and proposal/content development, as well as teaching and coaching and pens a regular column — “Race Matters" for Cup of Jo. Her debut novel, We Are Not Like Them, written with Jo Piazza was published in Fall 2021. You can follow her on IG at @cpride.

Tuesday, April 26th, 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only

A fun and informal way for new members to virtually connect and really get to know each other. It's a wonderful way to meet meet other talented, high-energy women, all ready to assist one another in our professional endeavors.

This social is open to anyone who joined WMG between January 2022 and now and will be hosted by WMG Co-President Jennifer Perry.

Email us at info@womensmediagroup.org with any questions.

Monday, March 28th, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only

If you're involved in the media industry, you likely have routine encounters with legal issues - from the negotiation of all sorts of agreements (publishing, ghost writing, content licensing and distribution, app development, and many more), to issues relating to copyright and the First Amendment. During this 1 hour Zoom webinar, we'll discuss key issues in publishing agreements and important negotiation points, and will review significant court cases related to publishing, including cases about embedding, book scanning and fair use. There will be plenty of time reserved for questions, so don't be shy.

About the speaker:

WMG member and former Board Member Stacy Grossman runs a boutique law firm where she specializes in intellectual property, publishing and general business law.  Prior to launching her firm, Stacy was Vice President and Associate General Counsel at News Corporation, where she handled intellectual property and related legal issues for HarperCollins, the New York Post and other media businesses.

Friday, March 18th, 7:00-8:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members and non-members

Novelist/poet/blogger Dale M. Kushner, and the marketing veteran she has worked with for eight years, WMG member Bridget Marmion, share the process, tasks, benefits and challenges of connecting a writer with readers today.

About the speakers:

WMG member Bridget Marmion spent over a decade in publishing (at FSG, Random House and Houghton Mifflin), working in editorial, publicity, sales, advertising, and marketing during her career (for both adult and children’s books). She launched her own marketing firm in 2012 www.bridgetmarmionbookmarketing.com.

Dale M. Kushner is a novelist, poet, essayist and blogger. Dale’s first novel, The Conditions of Love, was published by Grand Central, and her second novel, The Lie of Forgetting has just been completed. Dale’s first collection of poetry, M, is coming out in January from 3: A Taos Press. Dale's blog “Transcending the Past" is published monthly on the Psychology Today website.

Wednesday, March 9th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only

A fun and informal way for new members to virtually connect and really get to know each other. It's a wonderful way to meet meet other talented, high-energy women, all ready to assist one another in our professional endeavors.

This social is open to anyone who joined WMG between October 2021 and now and will be hosted by WMG Co-President Julie Blattberg.

Email us at info@womensmediagroup.org with any questions.

Tuesday, March 1st, 6:00-7:30 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members, $15 for non-members

Come hear stories from the top women leaders who are breaking barriers in book publishing today. These inspiring, kick-ass women started their own publishing companies or grew their businesses and will share their innovative, entrepreneurial approaches to storytelling. Learn about how they are going beyond the page with customized publishing platforms, podcasts, audiobooks, and film adaptations. Speakers include:

• Dominique Raccah (Moderator), CEO of Sourcebooks
• Jennifer Goldstein, Head of Books at A Kids Book About
• Lavaille Lavette, President & Publisher at Ebony Magazine Publishing
• Cindy Spiegel, Partner and CEO at Spiegel & Grau

Dominique Raccah is the entrepreneurial Publisher and CEO of Sourcebooks, the company she founded from her home in 1987. Originally a source of financial information for bankers, Sourcebooks, under Dominique’s leadership, has become a continuously growing, pioneering general book publishing house that happily produces everything from adult and teen fiction to top titles in children’s books to baby names and college guides. The publisher has created scores of New York Times bestsellers, hundreds of national bestsellers, and #1 selling titles in perennial categories. Sourcebooks today has over 130 employees, publishes more than 350 new titles each year, and is proud to be one of the top book publishers in America. It is the largest woman-owned book publisher in the country as well as the largest trade book publisher in Chicago. Dominique has been widely recognized as a leader in innovation in book publishing--Sourcebooks has won every innovation award that the industry gives--as well as in the field itself, being named Publishers Weekly's Person of the Year in 2016.

Jennifer Goldstein is Head of Books at A Kids Company About which is a new kind of media company built on telling stories which feature diverse voices on topics that matter to kids like racism, anxiety, belonging, and empathy. Jennifer is a proud member of the thriving Chicago publishing community. She was Publisher & EVP of Phoenix International Publications, and Publisher for Agate Publishing for a short and wonderful time. She began her publishing career at Publications International, where she grew with the company for 20+ years and was an integral force in their children’s book growth. As Executive Vice President (EVP), Creative for Children's Books, Sound Books, ebooks, Apps, and Learning, Jennifer led a strong creative team making books that made a difference in children’s lives with amazing children’s partners such as Sesame Workshop, The Walt Disney Company, Nickelodeon, Marc Brown Studios, Scholastic, and many more. Jennifer is an advocate for solid organ donation. She is also a Volunteer at Bernie's Book Bank and The GenderCool Project. 

Lavaille Lavette is currently the President & Publisher at Ebony Magazine Publishing. She is a New York Times bestselling publisher/editor and the author of several bestselling books including the children’s book series, The Adventures of Roopster Roux. “The Roux”  a chain of convenience stores based on the Roopster Roux book series, launched in 2021. Lavaille is a social entrepreneur who advocates for educational issues. She served as special advisor to Former U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Rod Paige. She is a Founding Principal of The Daymond John Center For Entrepreneurship as well as a Founding Board Member and the first President of the Luanda Africa Sister City Association, and co-founder of Every Child An Author. She also created the 86400 Seconds Movement. Ebony Magazine Publishing is doing a line of books in partnership with Sourcebooks.

Cindy Spiegel was a founding editor of Riverhead Books and later became Co-Publisher of Riverhead with Julie Grau, with whom she went on to co-found Spiegel & Grau. She has launched the literary careers of writers including James McBride, Khaled Hosseini, Bryan Stevenson, Chang-rae Lee, Gary Shteyngart, Alex Garland, Sana Krasikov, Philipp Meyer, Kathleen Norris, ZZ Packer, Domenica Ruta, and Danzy Senna and edited bestselling books by Yuval Noah Harari, Harold Bloom, Steven Rinella, Dan Pink, Sara Gruen, Yann Martel, and Anne Lamott, among many others. She sits on the board of Archangel Ancient Tree Archive and on the advisory board of Columbia Global Reports. She is co-editor of the anthology Out of the Garden: Women Writers on the Bible.

All proceeds from this program will benefit the Women’s Media Group Educational Foundation.

Wednesday, February 16th, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only

A fun and informal way for new members to virtually connect and really get to know each other. It's a wonderful way to meet meet other talented, high-energy women, all ready to assist one another in our professional endeavors.

This social is open to anyone who joined WMG between November 2020 and now and will be hosted by WMG Co-President Kathy Sandler.

Email us at info@womensmediagroup.org with any questions.

Tuesday, February 1st, 7:00-8:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members, $10 for non-members

There are an estimated 56% more job openings in branded content versus traditional journalism. That's why we see an uptick in journalists and editors wondering how to break into this kind of content creation. And the truth is, branded content hiring managers would rather teach a journalist the basics of marketing than teach a marketer how to create compelling, editorial-like content (at least this hiring manager anyway). Another truth: creating content for brands can be fascinating and even fun—as either a gig or a career. In this session, we'll cover: How to find a job or writing opportunity; what the work entails; and where the industry is headed.

Proceeds from this program will benefit the Women’s Media Group Educational Foundation

Meet the speaker:

WMG member Diane di Costanzo is the VP/Editorial Director of the Foundry, the branded content division within Meredith Corporation. She has worked in branded content for 12 years, providing strategy, talent, and content for diverse brands. Additionally, she was a finalist in the 2020 Women in Content Marketing Awards as well as one of Folio’s Top Women in Media in 2019. Diane often speaks at conferences and workshops about content marketing.

Wednesday, January 26th, 6:00-7:30 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members, $15 for non-members

We’re excited to welcome Alexandra Alter, publishing reporter for The New York Times, and Maris Kreizman, essayist, critic and host of The Maris Review on Lit Hub, for a far-ranging discussion on the seismic shifts in how we’re discovering, buying and consuming books and what the future holds for authors, publishers, retailers and readers.

Proceeds from this program will benefit the Women’s Media Group Educational Foundation.

Meet the speakers:

Alexandra Alter is a reporter for the New York Times, where she has covered the publishing industry and the literary world since 2014. Prior to joining the Times, she reported on arts and culture for The Wall Street Journal, and before that covered religion for The Miami Herald.

Maris Kreizman is the host of The Maris Review, a literary podcast from Lit Hub. An essayist and critic, her work has appeared in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, Vanity Fair, The Atlantic, The New Republic, Publishers Weekly, and more. She created Slaughterhouse 90210, a blog and book that celebrates the intersection of literature and pop culture. She was previously the Editorial Director of Book of the Month, the Editorial Director of digital content at B&N.com, a publishing outreach lead at Kickstarter, and an Editor at Free Press/S&S.

Wednesday, January 19th, 7:00-8:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members and non-members

Is one of your new year’s resolutions to finally start (or finish) your book? There’s tons of advice out there on how you “should” do it. But quite often, the advice doesn’t free up creativity; it constricts it. What if you could approach writing a book in a way that felt less like “work” and more fun and creative? What if you threw out the templates and did the whole thing backwards? Because you can. Join us for a fun evening that’s part discussion and part book launch with WMG member Terri Trespicio, author of Unfollow Your Passion: How to Create a Life that Matters to You (Atria Books, December 2021), and Richelle Fredson, founder of Purposeful Platforms and former head of publicity at Hay House. Come discover a fresh and nonlinear approach to crafting, sharing, and promoting your work.

About the speakers:

Terri Trespicio is a writer, speaker, brand advisor, and author of Unfollow Your Passion (Atria, Dec 2021) whose work has appeared in Marie Claire, Jezebel, Business Insider, Oprah magazine, and others. Her TEDx talk, "Stop searching for your passion" recently surpassed 7 million views. A former magazine editor at Martha Stewart and media contributor, she speaks widely, and works with individuals and organizations to help them craft their critical messaging.

Richelle Fredson is the Founder of Purposeful Platforms and the host of the Bound + Determined podcast. As a Book Proposal Coach and Publishing Consultant, Richelle lends her extensive knowledge to aspiring authors to guide them through the book writing process from concept to proposal to agent introductions. As the former Director of Publicity and Book Marketing at Hay House, Richelle brings a unique advantage to aspiring authors who want to anchor their stories and amplify their expertise.

Thursday, January 13th, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only (Space is limited!)

The pandemic has made some of us rethink career choices and priorities. Are you thinking of making a change? Are you looking to pivot from one field to another? Would you like feedback on your elevator pitch? Do you want to put your dream job description out there in the universe and get some help finding the contacts to make it happen? Are you seeking advice about wanting to go on your own or freelance? Do you need tactical or moral support to embrace a new job search?

Come bounce ideas off of your WMG peers, who represent a very wide range of media professionals eager to share concrete advice and lend a hand, a shoulder, or whatever you might need to take your next step.

This is a FREE, confidential, members-only virtual event. Space is limited, so sign up today!

Meet the speaker:

Chandra Turner is the founder and CEO of Ed2010 and Talent Fairy. She has helped countless media professionals find their dream jobs in content creation — so much so that she was often referred to as the industry’s “fairy godmother.” Chandra has held top editorial positions at brands such as Cosmopolitan, CosmoGirl, Parents, and Scholastic. In her 20+ year career, Chandra created award-winning consumer magazines, managed print and digital content teams, and executed content strategy for dozens of Fortune 500 companies.

Thursday, December 9th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only

Join WMG for a one-of-a-kind virtual party to celebrate the holidays with flair! Come celebrate with us, get to know your new fellow members, and reconnect with old friends. We’ll have guided breakout rooms with festive themes for intimate networking, contests for Best Zoom Décor and Most Creative Cocktail or Mocktail, and we’ll be naming a Belle of the Ball. So, feel free to dress to impress…without having to leave the comfort of your home!

Tuesday, November 16th, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only

Have you missed the exchange of ideas, industry information, random conversations about topical events, and general camaraderie that used to happen in the “before times” at the water cooler, in front of the restroom sink, and in the lively chatter before the start of a WMG event? As we optimistically look forward to more in-person communication, we could all use a little TLC, so come Talk, Listen, and Connect! 

Join WMG member Sally Ekus for an hour of chit-chat about whatever you want to discuss the day we meet, with an emphasis on meaningful connections to benefit those in this virtual room. Sally's area of expertise is cookbook representation, so you can be sure there will be a chance to tip one another off to your favorite recipes that are getting you through each day. 

Plus, who is looking for a bit more laughter in their lives too? In her personal life Sally also does improv comedy and enjoys bringing a bit of fun to the day to day. She will lead the group in a few fun prompts to help lift our spirits and offer a change of pace to zoom fatigue. Come to network, stay to laugh!

About WMG Member Sally Ekus: 

Sally Ekus is the co-owner and a Literary Agent at The Lisa Ekus Group, a full service agency specializing in cookbook representation. She also sits on the board of Happier Valley Comedy and during pre-pandemic times, is a Main Stage cast member in both an adult and children's improv troupe. She has a deep appreciation for tacos.

Friday, November 12th, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only

A fun and informal way for new members to virtually connect and really get to know each other. It's a wonderful way to meet meet other talented, high-energy women, all ready to assist one another in our professional endeavors.

This social is open to anyone who joined WMG between November 2020 and now and will be hosted by WMG Co-President Kathy Sandler.

Email us at info@womensmediagroup.org with any questions.

Monday, November 8th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members, $15 for non-members

Are you a writer looking for tips on pitching story ideas to global or niche digital outlets? Are you a publicist who wants to improve on the success rate of engagement for your press releases? Are you a brand-builder keen to understand how digital media is or is not like pitching to traditional news outlets?

Learn about the process and best practices from industry experts.

Zahara Hill (Moderator), Deputy Editor at Blavity Inc.

Meena Ganesan, Senior Editor at FiveThirtyEight

Anna Halkidis, Features Editor at Parents.com

Diane Di Constanzo, Editorial Director of Millie magazine

You’ll hear about:

• The ideal format for an editorial pitch
• How to find an editor or journalist who is likely to connect with your topic
• Creative ways to stand out in an overcrowded in-box
• When is the best time to initiate outreach
• If outreach on Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn will help you get your pitch seen
• And more!

Tuesday, October 26th, 6:00-7:30 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members & non-members

Halloween how-to featuring celeb makeup artist, propmaker, costumer and set decorator Stacia Gorsuch!

Come for Stacia’s ghoulish demo and stay for spirited book chat, cocktails and costume review. This event is virtual—dress up and drink up.

Moderator Kelly Hoey will be joined by Jan Knuth, the owner of Grey House Haunts, a professional haunted house in Central Nebraska, and LaNelle Freeman, co-owner of Texas Haunters Convention. With the summer release of their book, Not Afraid to Slay, Jan and WMG’s own Candi Cross have appeared at Midwest Haunters, Texas Haunters Convention, and on numerous podcasts. Next stop: WMG’s Zoom room as Jan opens up her house for the season. Best costume and spirited cocktail will be selected and praised!    

About Stacia Gorsuch:

Stacia applies her mad makeup, fabrication and set design skills to feature films, music videos and events across the country. She is based in Las Vegas. Check out her work here.

 

About Candi S. Cross:

Candi S. Cross dressed as Raggedy Ann on her first wild Halloween night out as a toddler. She is the founder of You Talk I Write, a modern ghostwriting agency. She has co-developed approximately 150 books with authors worldwide.

About LaNelle Freeman:

LaNelle Freeman is part owner of the Texas Haunters Convention. The Texas Haunters Convention is a two day Halloween convention targeting Halloween and cosplay fans. It is geared towards haunt owners, industry professionals, home haunters, families, trick or treaters, and just anyone who loves the Halloween season. 

 

About Jan Knuth:

Jan Knuth became fascinated with Halloween as a child and acted on that passion in 2007 when she started a home haunt, which ran through 2013. She then went on to become the sole owner and director of Grey House Haunts, a Halloween haunted house, in 2014. In 2019, with the goal of helping the haunt industry continue to grow and thrive, Jan joined the board of the Chamber of Haunters as 2nd vice-chair. Not Afraid to Slay is her debut as an author.  

About the Moderator:

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Kelly Hoey recalls her Halloween costumes always included rubber boots and a raincoat - and that a paper mache space helmet wasn't the smartest costume design. Kelly is the author of Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships In A Hyper-Connected World wherein she addresses the frightening topic of networking.

About Shakespeare & Co: 

Shakespeare & Co. is an iconic Manhattan bookstore founded in 1983. Its store at 939 Lexington Avenue, adjacent to the Hunter College campus, has been a staple on the Upper East Side for over 20 years. Shakespeare & Co second location in New York is at 2020 Broadway (between 69th and 70th Streets) and they also are located at 1632 Walnut Street (between South 16th and South 17th Streets) in downtown Philadelphia.

Wednesday, October 20th, 7:00-8:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members and non-members

Biases, micro-aggressions, and workplace inequities: how can we heal from these traumas and how do we interrupt the cycle that prevents everyone from excelling? What are the strategies we can use to put painful career disappointments behind, and in doing so, thrive? What are the ways organizations and individuals can take responsibility for driving true change, based on equity and belonging?

We’re addressing these critical questions around the imbalance in career opportunity (and its impact) with authors, Minda Harts (Right Within: How to Heal from Racial Trauma in the Workplace) and Melinda Briana Epler (How to Be an Ally: Actions You Can Take for a Stronger, Happier Workplace).

The WMG Programming Committee is thrilled to partner with Shakespeare & Co. for this important conversation with Minda and Melinda. Order your copies of the books we’re discussing here.

About Minda Harts:

Minda Harts is the CEO of The Memo LLC and an award- winning and best-selling author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need To Know To Secure A Seat At The Table. Minda is a Professor at NYU Wagner and hosts a live weekly podcast called Secure The Seat. In 2020, Minda was named the #1 Top Voice for Equity in the workplace by Linkedin. She is an Aspen Ideas Festival Scholar and has been featured on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Fast Company, The NY Times, and Time Magazine. Minda frequently speaks at companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Nike, and Bloomberg on topics such as Managing Diverse Teams, Courageous Leadership, and Advancing women of color in the workplace. Right Within: How to Heal from Racial Trauma in the Workplace is the essential self-help book for women of color to heal—and thrive—in the workplace. 

About Melinda Briana Epler:

Melinda Briana Epler has over 25 years of experience developing business innovation and inclusion strategies for startups, Fortune 500 companies, and global NGOs. As CEO of Change Catalyst, she works with the tech industry to solve diversity and inclusion issues. Her popular TED talk “3 Ways to Be a Better Ally in the Workplace” reached one million views in the first 24 days of its release. She is also host of the popular podcast series “Leading with Empathy and Allyship.” In How to Be an Ally: Actions You Can Take for a Stronger, Happier Workplace, Melinda show how through the power of allyship, each of us can create an equitable, innovative workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and able to thrive

About The Moderator:

WMG Board Member, Kelly Hoey is the author of Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships In A Hyper-Connected World, a modern guide on how to build the powerful, real relationships you need to succeed in our digital world. She has been lauded from Forbes (“1 of 5 Women Changing the World of VC/Entrepreneurship”) and included on EBW 2020’s list of the “100 Most Influential Global Leaders Empowering Women Worldwide”.

About Shakespeare & Co:

Shakespeare & Co. is an iconic Manhattan bookstore founded in 1983. Its store at 939 Lexington Avenue, adjacent to the Hunter College campus, has been a staple on the Upper East Side for over 20 years. Shakespeare & Co second location in New York is at 2020 Broadway (between 69th and 70th Streets) and they also are located at 1632 Walnut Street (between South 16th and South 17th Streets) in downtown Philadelphia.

Thursday, October 14th, 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only

A fun and informal way for new members to virtually connect and really get to know each other. It's a wonderful way to meet meet other talented, high-energy women, all ready to assist one another in our professional endeavors.

This social is open to anyone who joined WMG between April 2021 and now and will be hosted by WMG Co-President Julie Blattberg.

Email us at info@womensmediagroup.org with any questions.

Tuesday, September 28th, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members & $15 for  non-members

Join us for a lively panel discussion with women leaders from publishing, digital media, and broadcasting about the changing media landscape. Moderator Rachel Deahl, News Director at Publishers Weekly, will be in conversation with Kristen McLean, Executive Director, Business Development at NPD Book and Leila Milgrim, Director of Brand Marketing at Conde Nast and Self Magazine, and Linda Saint Marc, Associate Professor of Professional Practice at The New School about emerging content trends they’re seeing across media industries, how consumers’ interests, needs, and consumption habits have evolved since the onset of the pandemic, and how businesses—large and small—can adapt to meet those needs in innovative ways.

Proceeds from this program will benefit the WMG Scholar program.

About the Moderator: 

Rachel Deahl is a writer and editor with over 15 years of experience covering the trade book business. At Publishers Weekly, where she is the news director, she covers general news, oversees author profiles, and writes the magazine's weekly Deals column, which details the notable titles being acquired at the major publishing houses. Rachel has also overseen the programming for both of PW's main trade shows, the New York Rights Fair and the U.S. Book Show. She has contributed to such publications as Slate; The Boston Globe Magazine; Nylon; and O, The Oprah Magazine.

About Kristen McLean:

Kristen McLean is the Executive Director of Business Development, and the primary Industry Analyst at the NPD Books. Kristen is a twenty-five-year veteran of the publishing industry, with a career spanning many roles including retailing, buying, field sales, marketing, and business development which gives her an unusually deep perspective as a market analyst. A widely-recognized expert in the areas of children’s books, comics & graphic novels, and cross-entertainment consumer behavior, she works broadly with NPD Books’ key clients, and she is deeply interested in the confluence of retail realignment, technology, literacy, and demographics in the Digital Age.

About Leila Milgrim:

Leila Milgrim is the Director of Brand Marketing at Condé Nast Traveler and SELF. She's previously held positions at Glamour, Rolling Stone and InStyle, and was the first Marketing Director for a boutique European tour operator. She is also the founder of Sonder Support, a resource-driven website and peer-led network of travelers committed to mental health support and awareness.

Leila is a Masters student at NYU studying International Affairs and Global Futures. She obtained her undergraduate from the University of Florida, where she majored in Journalism. Craving adventure beyond her cubicle, she embarked on a journey to Florence in 2016, and she's split her time between Italy and Manhattan ever since.

About Linda Saint Marc:

Linda Saint Marc is an Associate Professor of Professional Practice with the School of Media Studies’ Media Management Graduate Program at The New School. She is a media maker, educator, and change agent with a successful global track record for designing and reimagining ventures with experience developing category-leading brands on six continents as a C-suite media industry executive and business development consultant. She has a comprehensive understanding of publishing operations, branding, leadership, coaching, and team building throughout her career trajectory with an appreciation of diverse cultures. As a brand strategist, Linda is internationally recognized for her innovative work leveraging content assets with licensing programs for products, services, events, and e-commerce.

Linda is the founder of Media x Women, a professional community of young media makers which amplifies women's accomplishments in the industry worldwide through the “How She Made It” career journey podcast. Recently, Linda launched a new initiative advancing media and information literacy through community learning, Media Smart Citizens (MSC), in collaboration with The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) of The New York Public Library and UNESCO.

Thursday, September 23rd, 7:00-8:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members & non-members

Writer and editor Michelle Burford has co-authored ten memoirs and six New York Times best sellers (three of which debuted at #1) including Just As I Am written with legendary actress Cicely Tyson (who tragically passed away on January 28, 2021, two days following publication of her memoir). Michelle’s celebrity collaborations also include books with Alicia Keys, Toni Braxton and Simone Biles (to name just a few) - plus there are more in the pipeline (this past summer Michelle was working on no less than three memoirs). Her extraordinary ability to deliver dazzling life stories under tight deadlines is just one of Michelle’s many strengths as an author and editor.

The Oprah Magazine calls Just As I Am an “essential, passionate, raw, revelatory account of a woman who refused to allow any obstacle to thwart her quest for excellence—racism, misogyny, poverty, single motherhood—and today stands as one of the greatest actresses of all time.”

The New York Times book review of Just As I Am noted “A throng of admirers has been eager to hear whatever she [Cicely Tyson] wants to tell. [Michelle] Burford, a sensitive listener, has organized 96 years’ worth of stories with grace. Right about now, the autobiography of Miss Cicely Tyson is a balm for the afflicted.”

In this WMG conversation with Michelle on September 23, we’ll explore not only the extraordinary careers of her memoir collaborators but Michelle’s own career story: how her writing career started, why she’s passionate about book collaborations and her secret to getting things done. 

The WMG Programming Committee is thrilled to partner with Shakespeare & Co. for this conversation with Michelle. Purchase your copy of Michelle’s book Just As I Am.

About Michelle Burford: 

Michelle Burford is a #1 NYT bestselling collaborative writer and a founding editor of Oprah Magazine. Michelle has written memoirs for iconic actress Cicely Tyson, whose memoir debuted at #1 on the New York Times' list; singer Alicia Keys; Olympic champions Simone Biles and Gabrielle Douglas, singer Toni Braxton, "Dancing With the Stars" sensation Amy Purdy, "Orange Is the New Black" actress Diane Guerrero, and Cleveland survivor Michelle Knight, the first young woman kidnapped and brutalized by Ariel Castro. She has co-authored 10 books and six NYT best sellers. More about Michelle: michelleburford.com.

About the Moderator: 

Kelly Hoey is the author of Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships In A Hyper-Connected World (her first book, though she is bravely embarking on her second).  More about Kelly: jkellyhoey.co.

About Shakespeare & Co: 

Shakespeare & Co. is an iconic Manhattan bookstore founded in 1983. Its store at 939 Lexington Avenue, adjacent to the Hunter College campus, has been a staple on the Upper East Side for over 20 years. Shakespeare & Co second location in New York is at 2020 Broadway (between 69th and 70th Streets) and they also are located at 1632 Walnut Street (between South 16th and South 17th Streets) in downtown Philadelphia.

Wednesday, September 15th, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members & non-members

According to Forbes, influencer marketing spend is projected to hit $15 billion in 2022 a rise from $8 billion in 2019.

 

Influencers are reaching more consumers than ever. Importantly, influencers have credibility with their followers and are successfully building awareness & sales for brand and retail partners.

 

Why are marketers so excited about influencer marketing? Because influencers are successfully driving action both online and increasing foot traffic in-store.

 

During this 1 hour webinar, you'll learn:

 

• How to effectively leverage influencers to drive impact for your brand/business.

• A how-to guide to ensure influencer marketing campaign success.

• How to Measure Campaign Success & deliver ROI.

About the Speaker:

WMG member Aliza Freud is the founder & CEO of SheSpeaks and award-winning influencer marketing company that works with some of the world's most respected brands. Aliza is also the host of top rated podcast, SheSpeaks: How She Does It which is dedicated to telling women's stories.

Wednesday, August 4th, 5:00-6:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members & non-members

The bestselling author of American Housewife and Southern Lady Code returns with a viciously funny, deeply felt collection of essays on friendship among grown-ass women. Bring Your Baggage and Don’t Pack Light reads like the best cocktail party of your life. Plan to join us on August 4, as we gather (virtually) with Helen Ellis for a happy hour filled with questions, conversation and likely, more than a few laughs. 

Bring Your Baggage and Don’t Pack Light is twelve gloriously comic and moving essays! Helen dishes on married middle-age sex, sobs with a theater full of women as a psychic exorcises their sorrows, gets twenty shots of stomach bile to the neck to get rid of her double chin, and gathers up the courage to ask, “Are you there, Menopause? It’s Me, Helen.”

Kirkus calls it “Darkly hilarious” and Martha Stewart Living says it’s “an uproarious joyride, best enjoyed with a souvenir cup of white wine.” Come find out for yourself on August 4 from 5:00pm to 6:00pm Eastern at this Zoom event moderated by WMG board member, Kelly Hoey.

The WMG Programming Committee is thrilled to be collaborating with Shakespeare & Co. for this Happy Hour with Helen. Purchase your copy of Bring Your Baggage and Don’t Pack Light here. 

About the Author: 

Helen Ellis is the author of Southern Lady Code, American Housewife and Eating the Cheshire Cat. Raised in Alabama, she lives with her husband in New York City. You can find her on Twitter @WhatIDoAllDay and Instagram @HelenEllisAuthor.

About the Moderator: 

Kelly Hoey is the author of Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships In A Hyper-Connected World. Raised in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Kelly has called NYC home since 1998. You can find her on Twitter @jkhoey and Instagram @jkellyhoey.

About Shakespeare & Co: 

Shakespeare & Co. is an iconic Manhattan bookstore founded in 1983. Its store at 939 Lexington Avenue, adjacent to the Hunter College campus, has been a staple on the Upper East Side for over 20 years. Shakespeare & Co second location in New York is at 2020 Broadway (between 69th and 70th Streets) and they also are located at 1632 Walnut Street (between South 16th and South 17th Streets) in downtown Philadelphia.

Tuesday, July 27th, 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only

Have you missed the exchange of ideas, industry information, pop culture recommendations, random conversations about topical events, and general camaraderie that used to happen in the “before times” at the water cooler, in front of the restroom sink, and in the lively chatter before the start of a WMG event? As we optimistically look forward to more in-person communication, we could all use a little TLC, so come Talk, Listen, and Connect! Join WMG board member Jennifer Perry for an hour of chit-chat about whatever you want to discuss the day we meet, with an emphasis on current media events and media buzz. Maybe it’s the virtual nature of book fairs or the newest best sellers or the rise of TikTok as a marketing platform for books. Or perhaps you've been following how media companies are responding in different ways to the need to increase diverse voices. Or you can't wait to share thoughts about book-based TV series. Jennifer will have a short list of suggested topics to jumpstart the meet-up, and welcomes and encourages your ideas, too.jennifer's area of special interest is Publishing, but members from all areas of media are very encouraged to attend. No homework necessary: just a willingness to share ideas and opinions about anything you’d like to discuss with a group. Our very own WMG brand of TLC!

About Jennifer

WMG Board member Jennifer Perry is focused on reaching all kids and families with meaningful literacy opportunities. She has created educational resources as a publisher, museum educator, Sesame Street brand ambassador, and consultant for child-focused media companies and non-profits. Currently, she is Director of Audiobooks at Barnes & Noble. She is a frequent speaker on ways to reach and teach kids with effective, engaging, and empowering digital experiences.

Wednesday, July 21st, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only

A fun and informal way for new members to virtually connect and really get to know each other. It's a wonderful way to meet meet other talented, high-energy women, all ready to assist one another in our professional endeavors.

This social is open to anyone who joined WMG between July 2020 and now and will be hosted by WMG Co-President Kathy Sandler.

Email us at info@womensmediagroup.org with any questions.

Wednesday, June 23rd, 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only

A fun and informal way for new members to virtually connect and really get to know each other. It's a wonderful way to meet meet other talented, high-energy women, all ready to assist one another in our professional endeavors.

This social is open to anyone who joined WMG between June 2020 and now and will be hosted by WMG Co-President Julie Blattberg.

Email us at info@womensmediagroup.org with any questions.

Tuesday, June 1st, 5:30-6:30 PM ET

Free for WMG members, $15 for non-members

Attendees will learn to:

• Identify negotiating opportunities
  
• Recognize how you undermine yourself
  
• Prepare for negotiations great and small
  
• Develop a repertoire of options
  
• Deal with resistance
  
• Advocate for yourself

Foremost authority in the fields of negotiation leadership and gender, Deborah M. Kolb is the Deloitte Ellen Gabriel Professor for Women in Leadership (Emerita) and co-founder of the Ford Foundation–funded Center for Gender in Organizations at Simmons College School of Management. 

Wednesday, May 26th, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only

A fun and informal way for new members to virtually connect and really get to know each other. It's a wonderful way to meet meet other talented, high-energy women, all ready to assist one another in our professional endeavors.

This social is open to anyone who joined WMG between March 2020 and now and will be hosted by WMG Co-President Kathy Sandler.

Email us at info@womensmediagroup.org with any questions.

Thursday, May 20, 6:00-8:00 PM ET

Free for WMG members and non-members

Courtesy of Hallmark Channel and screenwriter Sarah Montana, join WMG for a front-row viewing of Sarah’s “Love to the Rescue,” featuring Nikki Deloach (“North Shore,” “Love and Other Drugs”) and Michael Rady (“Sleeper Cell,” “ER”). Two single parents come head to head when their kids want to adopt the same dog. Agreeing to co-foster, free-spirited Kate and type-A Eric must work together to find the dog's forever home. Stay for the exclusive Q & A!

Tuesday, April 13th, 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET

$15 for WMG members, $25 for non-members

Shameless humor and wild wit are guaranteed when Women’s Media Group celebrates Annabelle Gurwitch's new book, You're Leaving When? (HBO special forthcoming). The author will tell all with fearless performance artist and fellow comedian Sandra Tsing Loh, who deemed Annabelle's new book "A cheering midlife romp!"

You're Leaving When? is for anybody who thought they had a semblance of security but wound up with a fragile economy and a blankie. Gurwitch offers stories of resilience, adaptability, low-rent redemption, and the kindness of strangers. Even in a muted Zoom.

Purchase the book here. 

Annabelle Gurwitch was a star performer at WMG’s inaugural Female Authors of Comedy Night. She is an actress, activist, and the author of I See You Made an Effort (a New York Times bestseller and Thurber Prize finalist); Wherever You Go, There They Are, You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up (with Jeff Kahn); and Fired! (also a Showtime Comedy Special). She is currently adapting You're Leaving When? for HBO with Bill Maher executive producing. Gurwitch was the longtime co-host of Dinner and a Movie on TBS and a regular commentator on NPR. She's written for The New Yorker, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal and Hadassah amongst other publications. Her acting credits include Seinfeld, Boston Legal, Dexter, and Melvin Goes to Dinner. She performs on the Moth Mainstage, Caroline’s on Broadway, and at arts centers around the country. Gurwitch thought she'd be empty nesting by now; instead, she lives in LA with her cat and child—a college graduate of the COVID class of 2020. She co-hosts the Tiny Victories podcast on the Maximum Fun Podcast Network, which Vulture called a “bright spot of light and laughter in 2020.”

Sandra Tsing Loh is a writer and performer. Her work has been heard on NPR’s Morning Edition and This American Life, and is currently the host of "The Loh Down on Science" podcast on NPR. Her book, The Madwoman in the Volvo, was a New York Times Notable Book of 2014. Her latest book, The Madwoman and the Roomba, came out in June 2020. Loh lives in Pasadena, California.

Wednesday, April 7th, 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only

A fun and informal way for new members to virtually connect and really get to know each other. It's a wonderful way to meet meet other talented, high-energy women, all ready to assist one another in our professional endeavors.

This social is open to anyone who joined WMG between March 2020 and now and will be hosted by WMG Co-President Julie Blattberg.

Email us at info@womensmediagroup.org with any questions.

Wednesday, March 31st, 6:00-7:00 PM ET

Free for WMG members and BAWIP members only

Join the WMG Book Club on March 31 as we deliciously dive into Mango and Peppercorns: A Memoir of Food, an Unlikely Family, and the American Dream, a culinary memoir (with recipes) and story of resilience, friendship, family, and food from the acclaimed chefs behind the award-winning Hy Vong Vietnamese restaurant in Miami. We will be joined for this event by the book’s collaborator (and WMG member) Elisa Ung and Lyn Nguyen, one of the book’s authors three authors. 

Mango and Peppercorns is uniquely told from the perspective of three women - a Vietnamese refugee, her American hostess, and the refugee's daughter (Lyn Nguyen), who was conceived in a refugee camp and went on to become the CEO of an AI firm. 

No quizzes just fun conversation! All WMG members are invited to attend to connect and converse with other book lovers. 

Elisa Ung is an award-winning writer, editor, book collaborator, and ghostwriter with more than two decades of professional storytelling experience. She was previously a food critic and columnist at The (Bergen) Record and Northjersey.com, and a news reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Lyn Nguyen, the daughter of Vietnamese refugee and acclaimed chef Tung Nguyen, earned degrees from Harvard and Cornell, and is the CEO and cofounder of Liquid Analytics, an artificial intelligence innovation firm.

WMG board member Kelly Hoey is a networking expert and author of Author of “Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships In A Hyper-Connected World” (Tarcher Perigee). 

Find Mango and Peppercorns at your favorite local book shop: https://bookshop.org/

About WMG Book Club

The WMG is for those who love books, are equally curious about the stories behind the books and want a person not an algorithm to randomly suggest their next read. 

Books are selected quite randomly based on your submissions. What book(s) should we learn about, read next, discuss, and gather around next? Submit your suggestions directly to host Kelly Hoey at kelly@jkellyhoey.co who randomly selects a new book each month from WMG member submissions, the next book(s) we’ll be gathering around.

Wednesday, March 17th, 6:00-7:00 PM ET

Free for WMG members and BAWIP members only

Come one, come all to the WMG Book Club on Wednesday, March 17th at 6:00 p.m. ET, featuring WMG member, Candi S. Cross, author of Come Hope or High Water: Escaping Addiction to Save Family Farms in the Western Corn Belt, our latest book club selection. As a ghostwriter and editor, Candi has co-developed 140+ books; however this new book features her name exclusively on the cover. 

Come Hope or High Water is the authorized biography of Steve Knuth, CEO of AgWest Commodities. It is a recovery story about a man of many missions – from staying sober to saving the family farm in rural Nebraska. Fingers crossed that Steve will be joining us for WMG Book Club (so we can delve further into what makes for successful writing collaborations, beyond having a riveting story to tell). 

No quizzes, just fun conversation! All WMG members and BAWIP members are invited to attend to connect and converse with other book lovers. 

A pro writer since the 3rd grade when she won the state title in a national essay contest, WMG member (and board member) Candi S. Cross has a unique combination of skills that matches the needs of aspiring authors with a tale to tell. Candi’s clients range from execs and entertainers to doctors and attorneys, and hail from as far away as China, England, Japan, and Germany. She is committed to helping diverse individuals with contemporary stories to tell—no theme is too provocative, no message too controversial unless it propagates harm toward others.

WMG board member Kelly Hoey is a networking expert and author of Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships In A Hyper-Connected World (TarcherPerigee). 

Find Come Hope or High Water at your favorite local book shop: https://bookshop.org/

About WMG Book Club

The WMG Book Club is for members who love books, are equally curious about the stories behind the books, and want a person not an algorithm to randomly suggest their next read. 

What book(s) should we learn about, read, discuss, and gather around next? Submit your suggestions directly to host Kelly Hoey at kelly@jkellyhoey.co, who randomly selects a new book each month from WMG member submissions.

Wednesday, March 10th, 12:00-12:30 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only

Please come to the WMG 2021 Annual Business Meeting on March 10th from 12:00-12:30 p.m. ET via Zoom. 

Spend 30 minutes with Co-Presidents Julie Blattberg and Kathy Sandler, and members of the board, in an abbreviated virtual meeting to:

• Vote in the new board
• Welcome new members
• Review highlights of the past year
• Talk about opportunities to volunteer

We value your time and participation, and hope to see you there!

Wednesday, March 10th at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Free for members only

Though separated by about 3,000 miles and 3 time zones, the Bay Area Women in Publishing has much in common with WMG. BAWiP connects and supports current and aspiring colleagues who identify as women or non-binary, helping them to build professional networks in and beyond the Bay Area, and advance their career goals while building community and a more equitable environment in publishing. Sounds good, right?

Make yourself a postprandial cup of tea or digestivo, and join our colleagues on the West coast while they’re in happy hour mode. 

This networking opportunity will feature ice breakers, small-group breakout rooms, and ways to expand your professional circles.

Friday, February 26th, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members only

A fun and informal way for new members to virtually connect and really get to know each other. It's a wonderful way to meet meet other talented, high-energy women, all ready to assist one another in our professional endeavors.

This social is open to anyone who joined WMG between March 2020 and now and will be hosted by WMG Co-President Kathy Sandler.

Email us at info@womensmediagroup.org with any questions.

Thursday, February 25th, 6:00-7:00 PM ET

Free for WMG members and BAWIP members only 

Join WMG Book Club on February 25th to celebrate fierce, trailblazing women authors including WMG member Lauren Marino herself, author of our latest book club selection Bookish Broads: Women Who Wrote Themselves into History (Abrams). 

Lauren’s new book features more than sixty brilliant and bookish broads, cleverly illuminating the greats as well as the literary powerhouses that history has wrongfully overlooked. 

Jump online with book club host Kelly Hoey and Lauren to celebrate the perspective of women writers and their impact on literature.  

All WMG members and BAWIP members are invited to attend to connect and converse with other book lovers. No quizzes, just fun conversation

WMG member Lauren Marino is a writer and executive editor at Hachette Books. She is the author of What Would Dolly Do? How to Be a Diamond in a Rhinestone World and Jackie and Cassini: A Fashion Love Affair and has collaborated with celebrities, doctors, entrepreneurs, psychologists, and experts on their books.

WMG board member Kelly Hoey is a networking expert and author of Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships In A Hyper-Connected World (TarcherPerigee). 

Find Bookish Broads at your favorite local book shop: https://bookshop.org/

About WMG Book Club

The WMG Book Club is for those who love books, are equally curious about the stories behind the books and want a person, not an algorithm, to randomly suggest their next read. 

Books are selected quite randomly based on your submissions. What book(s) should we learn about, read next, discuss, and gather around next? Submit your suggestions directly to host Kelly Hoey at kelly@jkellyhoey.co who randomly selects a new book each month from WMG member submissions, the next book(s) we’ll be gathering around.

Wednesday, January 6th, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. EST

Free for WMG members only

Ready to send off stress-aplenty 2020? Join WMG for a one-of-a-kind virtual party to kick off 2021 with flair! This past year was chockfull of challenges, but we pulled through together to host 30+ virtual events and welcome 60+ new members. Come celebrate with us, get to know your new fellow members, and reconnect with old friends. We’ll have guided breakout rooms with festive themes for intimate networking, contests for Best Zoom Décor and Most Creative Cocktail or Mocktail, and we’ll be naming a Belle of the Ball. So, feel free to dress to impress…without having to leave the comfort of your home!

Thursday, December 10th, 7:00-8:00 PM ET

Free for WMG members only

The inaugural selection for the WMG Book Club is WMG member Marlene Adelstein’s debut novel, Sophie Last Seen. A USA Today bestseller, Sophie Last Seen has been hailed by reviewers as “a gripping tale of heartbreak and eternal hope” and “a multi-layered mystery, impossible to put down.” 

Gather online with book club host Kelly Hoey and Marlene on Thursday, December 10 at 7pm EST to hear the author speak about her book, the inspiration for the story and her path to publication of her debut novel.

All WMG members are invited to attend to connect and converse with other book lovers. No quizzes, just fun conversation!  

WMG member Marlene Adelstein is a freelance book editor specializing in novels, memoirs, and screenplays. A former film development executive, Marlene has had personal essays published in Longreads, Manifest-Station, Talking Writing, and Rewireme and has been awarded residencies at Yaddo, MacDowell, The Wurlitzer Foundation and other artist colonies. She is currently working on a new novel and a memoir in essays. 

WMG board member Kelly Hoey is a networking expert and author of Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships In A Hyper-Connected World (TarcherPerigee). 

Find Sophie Last Seen at your favorite local book shop: https://bookshop.org/

About WMG Book Club

The WMG is for those who love books, are equally curious about the stories behind the books and want a person not an algorithm to randomly suggest their next read. 

What book(s) should we read, discuss, and gather around next? Submit your suggestions directly to host Kelly Hoey at kelly@jkellyhoey.co who randomly selects a new book from WMG member submissions.

Tuesday, December 8th, 12:00-1:00 PM ET

Free for members & non-members

Take your virtual presence to the next level!

 

In this fun and fully participatory workshop, award-winning actress and communications expert and coach, Annie Meisels, will share fresh, unique ways to forge genuine connections, build trusting relationships, and create community in a virtual setting. As we all continue to adjust to holding meetings, giving presentations and interconnecting online, sharpening our communication skills is essential in order to thrive!  Join Annie and the WMG as we learn and put into practice these new tools and techniques taught through her lens as an actress and coach.

Annie Meisels is a master communicator. Having polished her skills over 25 years of stage, screen, and voice experience as an award-winning actor, Annie now brings this expertise to the working world. She works with companies and organizations, teaching highly skilled professionals how to seriously up their communication and presentation game. For more information and to book private coaching sessions with Annie, please visit her website.

Wednesday, December 2nd, 6:00-7:00 PM ET

Free for WMG members only

A fun and informal way for new members to virtually connect and really get to know each other. It's a wonderful way to meet meet other talented, high-energy women, all ready to assist one another in our professional endeavors.

This social is open to anyone who joined WMG between March 2020 and now and will be hosted by WMG Co-Presidents Julie Blattberg and Kathy Sandler.

Email us at info@womensmediagroup.org with any questions.

Wednesday, November 11 at 8:00 p.m. EST

Free for members only

Though separated by about 3,000 miles and 3 time zones, the Bay Area Women in Publishing has much in common with WMG. BAWiP connects and supports current and aspiring colleagues who identify as women or non-binary, helping them to build professional networks in and beyond the Bay Area, and advance their career goals while building community and a more equitable environment in publishing. Sounds good, right?

Make yourself a postprandial cup of tea or digestivo, and join our colleagues on the West coast while they’re in happy hour mode. 

This networking opportunity will revolve around the theme of “Celebrate Yourself,” and will feature ice breakers, small-group breakout rooms, and ways to expand your professional circles.

Wednesday, October 14 at 12:00 p.m. EST

Free to attend for members. Guests welcome!

Are you shy in front of a camera or hate most of your pictures? Time to take a new headshot and can't find the right angle? Then this action-packed session is for you!

 

During this virtual session, you’ll learn:

• Liza’s insider tips for taking the best photo that values your assets and minimizes any flaw…every time
  
• The philosophy behind “body mapping,” which has helped dozens of professionals take great shots and improve their self-esteem
  
• Accelerate your confidence by being your own practice photographer and studying your pics
  

Speaker bio:

Liza Andrews is a self-development coach, photographer and the creator of the PictureCure Methods. Her education and experience involve human resources, psychology and photography.  She started her career in the corporate world, working with recruiting and training programs. With the advent of social media, having a strong professional presence online became mandatory, and Liza brought her expertise in portraiture to the table. Her methods contemplated not only the moves to look good on camera, but also, the psychological aspects that make people feel shy and self-conscious about their image. Liza has taught her own method on “How to Become Photogenic” in Europe, South America, and the United States, and she has helped people with physical limitations and depression improve their self-esteem using photography. Liza was interviewed by Globo TV about her volunteer work with cancer survivors, and Bold TV New York about the importance of one’s profile photos to get the best jobs.

Thursday, October 8 at 6:00 p.m. EST (Martini Glass-in-Hand Time!)

$10 for members. $15 for non-members.

***The first 75 to register will receive a free copy of Candace’s book, Is There Still Sex in the City?

Keep calm—there is still Sex in the City! According to Candace Bushnell. Through her books and television series, Candace's work has influenced and defined two generations of women. There’s no better time than the wacky year of 2020 to hear what she has to say about all things sex, dating, friendship, and fierce feminism in a New York minute! The first 75 people who sign up will receive a copy of her book, Is There Still Sex in the City? (Grove Press). 

Candace Bushnell is the critically acclaimed, international best-selling author of ten books, including Is There Still Sex in the City, Sex and the City, Summer and the City, The Carrie Diaries, One Fifth Avenue, Lipstick Jungle, Trading Up, Killing Monica and Four Blondes. Sex and the City, published in 1996, was the basis for the HBO hit series and two subsequent blockbuster movies. Lipstick Jungle became a popular television series on NBC, as did The Carrie Diaries on the CW. “Is There Still Sex in the City” is currently in development as a TV series with Paramount. Bushnell’s new book, Rules for Being a Girl, is out now.

Thursday, October 1, 12:00 p.m. EST

Free to attend for members. Guests welcome!

U.S. payrolls grew by 4.8 million in June, according to the Labor Department, but the totality of damage to the economy as a result of the pandemic may not be known until well into 2021. As the coronavirus continues to rage throughout the world, where do you stand as an employee, employer or entrepreneur? Is your resume current and ready to go if you need to make a move or simply desire a change in your career and livelihood?   

During this virtual session, you’ll learn:

• Lesley’s insider tips on resume writing in the 21st century 
• New techniques to target your industry and others that could use your skills and are hiring
• The mindset for making a career move with confidence during these uncertain times  

Lesley Yvonne Hunter is president of Resume Makeover and Lesley Yvonne LLC. Lesley is a licensed Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and copywriter and member of PARW/CC (Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches). Her resume writing experience is vast as she has reconstructed and given resume makeovers to various clients cross-industry from recent college graduates to high-level executives. Some of the clients Lesley has worked for have applied for and obtained jobs in the fields of accounting, management, sales, entertainment, law, design, education, writing, administration, government and others. In her free time, she may be playing piano as she is a classically trained pianist since age 4. She is also a lover of languages and is fluent in French and Italian and has basic proficiency in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.

Wednesday, September 23 at 12:00 p.m. EST

Free to attend for members. Guests welcome!

Join this panel discussion where successful women in media share how they transferred their traditional media skills to work for brands. We will discuss the lingo that they had to learn, how to decifier foreign-sounding job descriptions, how to convince hiring managers that the candidate they are looking for in a competitive landscape, and more.   

Moderator:

 

Chandra Turner, founder of the Talent Fairy

Panelists:

Kara Corridan, Global Communications Manager, Prudential Financial

Angie Lee, Global Head of Brand and Marketing, Samsung NEXT

Tracy Perez, Editorial Director of Digital Content Strategy, IT Cosmetics, L'Oréal

Tuesday, September 15, 12:00 p.m. EST

Free to attend for members. Guests welcome!

The world is in crisis mode as a result of the coronavirus, and women in particular are more overwhelmed, stressed and exhausted…all the time. But in spite of stress, you can learn how to read the signs that your body is sending, make better choices in time and food/drink consumption without feeling guilty or desperate, and optimize your wellbeing. 

During this virtual session, you’ll learn:

• Sharon’s insider tips for knowing exactly what is on your plate and loving the results  
• New techniques for connecting to what your body is saying and getting to the root of symptoms, understanding the connection and what it means for you and your lifestyle, and taking action, trusting yourself and transforming your life  

Sharon Holand Gelfand, a functional diagnostic nutritionist, coach and speaker, transforms the lives of health minded professional women who are stressed out and overwhelmed by getting to the root of their most common health complaints through target testing, not guessing. She incorporates the results with their symptoms and flexible food choices to find the missing pieces of their health puzzle so they can reclaim their health and their lives. Sharon is also the creator of The G.U.T. Method®, a 3-step system to empower you to take back control of your health and the basis for her new book, The G.U.T. Method: Secrets Beyond Your Plate for Healthier, More Energetic Living.

Wednesday, August 19th, 12 p.m. EST

Free members-only event

Former New York Times Op-Ed editor Trish Hall wants to help you get your point across.

Join us on August 19th at 12 p.m. EST via Zoom for a conversation between Hall and WMG member Lydia Denworth, Contributing Editor at Scientific American and author of Friendship: The Evolution, Biology, and Extraordinary Power of Life’s Fundamental Bond. Hall will share her illuminating insights on the techniques and psychology of persuasive writing and answers your questions, while divulging stories of editing everyone from Nobel Prize winners and global strongmen (Vladimir Putin) to first-time pundits (Angelina Jolie). Some of the topics she’ll discuss:    

• The most crucial element of persuasive writing (and communicating)
• How to startle and surprise your audience
• Why some of the smartest people and ideas don’t gain traction
• How to make someone like what you’re writing (or saying)

Hall spent years immersed in argument, passion, and trendsetting ideas―but also in tangled sentences, migraine-inducing jargon, and dull-as-dishwater writing. In her talk and Q&A, she’ll highlight what works, what doesn’t, and how to effectively communicate above the digital noise. Of her clear, concise, and beguiling book, Writing to Persuade (which Publishers Weekly calls “profound”), bestselling author Adam Grant says, “She turns drivel into prose and rambling thoughts into elegant arguments. At long last, she’s revealing her secret sauce.”

July 28th from 12-1pm EDT

Free members-only event

Join us for a special financial planning series with Molly Townsend, a Certified Financial Planner at UBS, specifically designed to help women learn how to take control of their financial futures and navigate turbulent economic times.  This is exclusive to WMG members.

Molly will cover:

·        Why women must break the cycle of financial abdication

·        Insights from women on obstacles they've faced taking control of their wealth

·        How to start the conversation around your finances and your future

Bio:

Molly Townsend is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER with the Zelniker Dorfman Group at UBS. She began her financial services career in 2008 in her hometown of Chicago before moving to NYC in 2015 to join the Zelniker Dorfman Group. Leading the team's financial planning process, Molly works closely with a broad range of multigenerational clients to gain an understanding of their priorities and help them articulate their goals. Analyzing clients' retirement, education, tax, philanthropy and wealth transfer opportunities, she prides herself on her ability to connect individually with clients and talk about the things that matter most to them.

Molly manages the team's 401(k) plan practice, and specializes in insurance, annuities, Social Security, pension income and 529 plans. On any day, she may discuss the risks of a highly concentrated position with an executive, help a widowed client navigate Social Security and survivor benefits, or work with a family to explore lending options for a vacation home. With all the ways her clients turn to her for advice and guidance, Molly prides herself on helping them live their lives to the fullest. Visit the team website here.

Tuesday, July 7, 12 p.m. EST

Free to attend for members & guests

The U.S. unemployment rate is skyrocketing, the stock market is uncertain, and the gig economy is currently at a standstill. In these tumultuous times, it’s so easy to wake up and go to sleep feeling overwhelmed, overworked, and like you are always trying to catch up. Join us for an empowering masterclass on how to reclaim your time and energy with bestselling author and life strategist, Sheri Riley. Guests welcome!

During this virtual session, you’ll learn:

• Sheri’s 5 keys to achieving inner peace and increased productivity during unprecedented change
• Practical solutions to help you pause, reflect, and focus on what matters
• Tools for making more intentional and productive choices that will lead to less stress, better clarity and a more fulfilling life

Sheri Riley is an entrepreneur, founding partner of the global John Maxwell Team, and award-winning author of Exponential Living®: Stop Spending 100% of Your Time on 10% of Who You Are (Penguin Random House), which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. After 20 years of creating marketing strategies for Usher, TLC, Toni Braxton, Converse, the NBA, and Turner, to name a few, she now serves as an Empowerment Speaker and Life Strategist to clients around the world. She understands that personal development is the anchor to professional growth, increased productivity, and enhanced leadership skills.

Registration is closed.

Join WMG on Wednesdays in June from 4-5pm for exclusive, interactive Do & Dream networking sessions with Build Your Dream Network author (and WMG board member) Kelly Hoey!  

Kelly has been lauded by Forbes (“1 of 5 Women Changing the World of VC/Entrepreneurship”), Fast Company (“1 of the 25 Smartest Women On Twitter”), Business Insider (“1 of the 100 Most Influential Tech Women On Twitter”) and Inc. (1 of “10 Most Well-Connected People in New York City's Startup Scene”). Empowering A Billion Women By 2020 included her on their list of the “100 Most Influential Global Leaders Empowering Women Worldwide”. Not bad for a former lawyer (and no, not a career path she ever dreamed of).  

In these Do & Dream hangouts, Kelly is happy to offer up her practical strategies on connecting for success or sharing how she’s finally learned to dream bigger with her own career ambitions. 

Perfect for WMG members who depend on their networks for business prospects and/or are seeking new career opportunities, these fun sessions will address what’s top of mind for you, whether that’s:

1. How to leverage the networking tools you have to strengthen relationships

2. Ways to enhance or make new connections

3. How to approach a career transition or job search

4. Tips for networking during digital events 

5. Strategies for new business development

Registration is closed.

Thursday, June 11, 2:00 p.m. EST  

Remote work and video meetings are here to stay. Presenting well on camera can make all the difference for your business. Join us for a 30-minute masterclass with Emmy Award-winning TV producer and bestselling productivity author, Paula Rizzo. Guests welcome! 

During this virtual session you’ll learn: 

• Ways to get your ideas across succinctly and powerfully during video meetings 
• How to look better on camera 
• Best tools and technology to amplify your message during video meetings

with Q & A 

Paula Rizzo is an Emmy-award winning TV producer, bestselling author, media trainer and strategist. She trains authors and experts to perform better on camera and produce their own videos. She is the author of Listful Thinking: Using Lists to be More Productive, Highly Successful and Less Stressed and her most recent book, Listful Living: A List-Making Journey to a Less Stressed You. Paula is a frequent speaker and media contributor. Go to PaulaRizzo.com for more info. 

Registration is closed.

May 14, 12:00-12:45 p.m. EST

Registration is closed.

Wednesday, April 15, 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Free for WMG members and friends & family of members

— Interactive, conducted via Zoom with breakout discussion groups and 2-3 worksheets

Intro: Awareness of what's changed — connecting participants to what's different (for now)

Part 1: Your brain on insecurity and uncertainty — Brief lesson on the ripple effect of stress

Part 2: Audit and strategy building: What can you control at home and at work?

Part 3: Your new normal: designing new habits for routine, communication, connection and trust

Wrap Up: Your action plan in the New Normal

Stacey Staaterman is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC, PCC, ELI-MP) that provides one-on-one coaching, group coaching and leadership development programs focused on career management, transition, emotional intelligence, executive presence, and interpersonal dynamics in the workplace.   

Stacey helps individuals and organizations with challenges related to executive presence, engagement, communications, public speaking, team cohesion, professional development, sales, marketing, and collaboration. Stacey has been a featured leadership and career strategy expert in The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Forbes, Bustle.com, Access Intelligence, MINOnline.com and Men’s Health.

Registration is closed.

Wednesday, April 8th at 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Free for WMG members

— Interactive, conducted via Zoom with breakout discussion groups and 2-3 worksheets

Intro: Where are you now? Over-reacting? Under reacting? Or Adapting?

Part 1: Thoughts, Feelings, Actions => Results | All begins with a trigger

Part 2: View of two types of energy: Building Energy and Contracting Energy — when to leverage each for desired results

Part 3: Cultivating your choices and options: adapting during disruption

Wrap Up: When stress strikes again, self-leadership and resiliency action steps

Stacey Staaterman is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC, PCC, ELI-MP) that provides one-on-one coaching, group coaching and leadership development programs focused on career management, transition, emotional intelligence, executive presence, and interpersonal dynamics in the workplace.

Stacey helps individuals and organizations with challenges related to executive presence, engagement, communications, public speaking, team cohesion, professional development, sales, marketing, and collaboration. Stacey has been a featured leadership and career strategy expert in The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Forbes, Bustle.com, Access Intelligence, MINOnline.com and Men’s Health.

Crisis Leadership Adaptive Strategies Workshop Handout

Registration is closed.

Tuesday, April 7, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Free for WMG members

Leading change is an essential leadership capability, especially during these

unprecedented times. Leaders play a critical role in dealing with this crisis across your organization, within their teams, and with their families.

Leading through change is not easy under regular business circumstances, let alone during a crisis. As change experts we know that living in a VUCA world, characterized by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity is the backdrop for what motivates strategic change and the need for leadership agility. COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is testing leaders’ agility on multiple levels.

On Tuesday, April 7, 2:00-3:00 p.m., WLH Consulting is offering, “Rx for

Leading During Difficult Times,” a virtual learning webinar, hosted by Dr. Wendy L. Heckelman, noted author and change expert. This webinar provides practical frameworks and tips to help leaders, at all levels, “change and thrive.” Specifically, this webinar develops and strengthens leaders’ change capabilities by focusing on:

AGILITY: Introduces the basic principles of change agility and demonstrates how an agile leader is better equipped to handle challenging, unpredictable situations

CHANGE LEADERSHIP: Reinforces the critical behaviors leaders need during a crisis and how to effectively manage

EXECUTION: Provides practical steps and a framework to build leaders’ confidence and competence in guiding the business, supporting their team(s), and coaching individuals when executing change.

Wendy L. Heckelman, Ph.D. president and founder of WLH Consulting, Inc., is the author of the newly released book, Change and Thrive. She has advised and consulted on hundreds of major change initiatives in the United States, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. In nearly 30 years of working with Fortune 100 clients, Wendy has helped leaders and individuals prepare for and thrive during turbulent and transformative change.

Registration is closed.

Important update:

Given the state of the city, and erring on the side of caution, we are postponing WMG March and April events, including our Annual Business Meeting that had been scheduled for 3/24, until we can safely gather again as a community. All members who've already registered for our luncheon at Barbetta will have refunds issued shortly. 

As one key agenda item for the Annual Business Meeting is to vote in the board of directors for 2020–21, we’ll instead move to a proxy vote to be conducted online. You can expect to see an email from WMG on 3/24 to cast your vote on the slate recommended by the nominating committee.

We're evaluating options for taking some of our programming online, so stay tuned for further announcements and opportunities to connect....

If you have specific concerns, please email us at info@womensmediagroup.com. 

Important update:

Given the state of the city, and erring on the side of caution, we are postponing this event until we can safely gather again as a community. All members who've already registered for our comedy night have been issued refunds.

We're evaluating options for taking some of our programming online, so stay tuned for further announcements and opportunities to connect....

If you have specific concerns, please email us at info@womensmediagroup.com.