Thursday, June 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m. ET

Penguin Random House, 1745 Broadway (between 55th & 56th Streets), Cerf-Lane Room, NYC

$20 for WMG members and partner organizations; $25 for non-members; $10 for active Scholars

Join Women’s Media Group for a bold, interactive program that brings leadership principles off the page and into practice. Elaine Meryl Brown and Rhonda Joy McLean, co-authors of The Next Little Black Book of Success, will be joined by Penguin Random House associate publisher Porscha Burke in a conversation expertly moderated by Tiffany Dufu.

A follow-up to the widely influential The Little Black Book of Success, this new work reframes leadership for today’s landscape—centering ownership, intention, and bold decision-making. This program will go beyond discussion: attendees will participate in guided exercises drawn directly from the book, designed to help assess your current path, sharpen your voice, and activate your next move.

Come ready to connect and challenge assumptions, and leave with clarity and conviction.

Meet the speakers:

Elaine Meryl Brown is a Daytime Emmy Award-winning writer, executive producer, and former HBO media executive. During her tenure at HBO and Showtime, she led the creation and promotion of original programming and launched digital platforms to engage targeted audiences. A multi-hyphenate creative, she has received more than 40 industry awards and produced impactful campaigns, including the global AIDS: Get Tested initiative featuring Queen Latifah and Jamie Foxx and the launch campaign for Def Comedy Jam. Elaine is the author of two novels, Lemon City and Playing by the Rules, and co-author of the bestselling The Little Black Book of Success: Laws of Leadership for Black Women and its companion workbook, the forthcoming The Next Little Black Book of Success. A member of the Producers Guild of America and Women’s Media Group, Elaine continues to write and develop new creative projects.

Porscha Burke is associate publisher of Storehouse Voices, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group at Penguin Random House. Over her more than twenty years in publishing, she’s supported executives, acquired and edited works by Dr. Maya Angelou, Jon Meacham, Candice Benbow, Bryant Terry, Kathy Iandoli, Queen Afua, Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr. and Christopher Benson, Connie Briscoe and Milton Washington, David E. Talbert, and Arian Simone, and spearheaded new editions of The Autobiography of Malcolm X and The Black Book, originally edited by Toni Morrison. A Queens, New York native and University of Virginia graduate, Porscha received her MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Goucher College, where she currently teaches.

Rhonda Joy McLean is President and CEO of RJMLEADS LLC, a New York City-based leadership consulting and career advancement firm. She is the former Deputy General Counsel of Time Inc., where she spent nearly 20 years advising major brands including TIME, Fortune, Sports Illustrated, People, and ESSENCE. Today, she works with global organizations, academic institutions, and senior executives to advance leadership development and career growth. McLean is the co-author of The Little Black Book of Success: Laws of Leadership for Black Women and a contributing author to Sacred Sistering. Her upcoming book, The Next Little Black Book of Success, will be published by Random House in 2026. A Yale Law School graduate, McLean has received numerous honors for her leadership, public service, and commitment to advancing women and underserved communities.

Meet the moderator:

Tiffany Dufu is president of the Tory Burch Foundation, which advances women’s economic power by supporting entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses. She is the author of the bestselling book Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less, praised by Gloria Steinem as “important, path-breaking, intimate and brave,” and her writing has appeared in O, ESSENCE, and The New York Times. Named to Entrepreneur’s 100 Powerful Women and Fast Company’s League of Extraordinary Women, Tiffany has raised more than $25 million for women and girls. She is the founder of The Cru, a peer coaching platform acquired by Luminary in 2023, and previously served on the launch team of Lean In and as Chief Leadership Officer of Levo. Earlier in her career, she was president of The White House Project. Tiffany serves on several nonprofit and academic boards and lives in New York City with her family.

Refunds available up to 48 hours before the event. No refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of the event.

Wednesday, June 10, 6 p.m. ET

Motek, 928 Broadway, NYC

WMG members only; FREE (attendees pay for their own food and beverages)

There’s something for everyone to enjoy about children’s books, whether you work in publishing or are simply a lifelong fan. WMG member Susan Knopf is hosting this intimate gathering at Motek in the Flatiron District to celebrate the amazing coming-together of words and art in our favorite stories, from beloved classics like Charlotte’s Web to new standouts just waiting to be discovered.

WMG’s Small Group Socials are a long-standing tradition and remain one of our most popular program series. This is a wonderful way to facilitate meaningful connections among members. If you have any specific questions, please reach out to the host directly. All member contact information can be found in the Member Directory.

Thursday, June 11, 12-1 p.m. ET

WMG members only; FREE (Zoom)

Set aside an hour to focus on the project you've been meaning to tackle. Whether you're working on a book, article, screenplay, newsletter, or creative idea, this WMG Small Group Social provides dedicated writing and creative time alongside fellow members. No preparation is required—just bring your project and join us for a supportive virtual write-in facilitated by WMG Co-President Jacqueline Cripps.

WMG’s Small Group Socials are a long-standing tradition and remain one of our most popular program series. This is a wonderful way to facilitate meaningful connections among members. If you have any specific questions, please reach out to the host directly. All member contact information can be found in the Member Directory.

Tuesday, June 23, 6:30 p.m. ET

The Greats of Craft, 983 1st Avenue, NYC

WMG members only; FREE (attendees pay for their own food and beverages)

Join WMG member Yelena Dzhanova for an evening of thoughtful conversation on career growth, leadership, and building momentum in media. This stimulating Small Group Social will bring together women across digital spaces to share lessons, challenges, and strategies for navigating evolving industries, all while enjoying delicious food and drinks at a Midtown eatery.

WMG’s Small Group Socials are a long-standing tradition and remain one of our most popular program series. This is a wonderful way to facilitate meaningful connections among members. If you have any specific questions, please reach out to the host directly. All member contact information can be found in the Member Directory.

Thursday, July 9, 6:30 p.m. ET

Metro North Restaurant, 378 Alexander Street, Princeton, NJ

WMG members only; FREE (attendees pay for their own food and beverages)

WMG member Kellie Rendina invites fellow women leaders across publishing, publicity, and communications for an evening designed to spark fresh ideas and enduring professional relationships. Inspired by Princeton’s culture of curiosity and excellence, this Social is equal parts intellectually energizing and personally welcoming. Guests are welcome to share a recent book, podcast, article, film, or cultural conversation that influenced or inspired them.

WMG’s Small Group Socials are a long-standing tradition and remain one of our most popular program series. This is a wonderful way to facilitate meaningful connections among members. If you have any specific questions, please reach out to the host directly. All member contact information can be found in the Member Directory.