Women's Media Group |
Who We AreWomen’s Media Group is a New York-based nonprofit association of women who have achieved prominence in the many fields of media. Our members, drawn from book, magazine, and newspaper publishing; film, television, online and other digital media, meet, collaborate, inform and support one another as well as mentoring young women interested in publishing careers. |
Please email us at info@womensmediagroup.org with any suggestions or concerns.
Dates range from April 13th to May 12th WMG's "small group dinners" are always a hit. We usually gather in restaurants and living rooms to catch up and connect with members, but our gatherings have temporarily taken on a virtual form, and now have themes! Gatherings are limited to 6 people, so sign up fast.
PAST EVENTS
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.
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:
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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:
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).
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 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
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 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:
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 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:
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
She puts speakers onto big stages, and now, you’ll enjoy an insider’s view of a few of her techniques. Join us for this exclusive session with Tricia!
Participants will learn:
1. The difference between a TEDx and a keynote
2. Why context is paramount in having global impact
3. How to open and close strong
4. What you should never do from stage
5. How to always be captivating
with Q & A
Perfect for members who want to be better presenters/speakers, and members who work with speakers (agents, media strategists, publicists/marketers). Guests welcome.
International award-winning director and Executive Producer of Speakers Who Dare, Tricia Brouk, knows the art of the big talk. In less than 3 years she has put over 45 speakers onto more than 15 TEDx stages and 14 of them are on the TED.com main stage. She designs speaker platforms for thought-leaders all over the world, and mentors her community of speakers with over three decades of expertise in theatrical performance. 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)
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 2: View of two types of energy: Building Energy and Contracting Energy — when to leverage each for desired results
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.
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.
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Raise a glass with friends and colleagues at the WMG Annual Holiday Party! Dress to impress and enjoy decadent hors d’oeuvres, delicious wine, and sumptuous sweets in the glorious salon room upstairs at the very chic Norwood Club. And in the spirit of giving back to the community, please bring a book or two for our kids’ book drive. We’ll be collecting new books for local nonprofits that serve local families with babies, toddlers, young readers, and teens. Please note that this is a members-only event. When: Monday December 2, 2019, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Location: Norwood Club, 241 W 14th St Price: Free! We hope to see you there! Registration is closed.
Tuesday, November 12, 2019 WMG is pleased to have Afiya Addison the Education Lead, The B2B Institute @ LinkedIn, present all you ever wanted to know about LinkedIn, arguably the most import platform for your professional life.
You’ll learn: How to optimize your personal profile Best practices for brand pages The art of engaging content Effective advertising solutions What LinkedIn analytics can teach you about your campaign
As this is a midday program, you’re welcome to bring your own lunch. Water and cold drinks served.
11/12/19 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
LinkedIn office in the Empire State Building 20 W 34th St.
Registration closes 11/6/19 at noon. Please arrive no later than 12:00 to get through ESB security.
WMG members and their guests are welcome.
All proceeds from this event will benefit the WMG Education Fund.
WMG members: $10 Guests: $10 Registration is closed.
Thursday, October 24th 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM There’s No Crying in Newsrooms is “a commanding critique of the current state of women in media boosted by constructive advice applicable to workplaces other than newsrooms. A crucial resource for women leaders in any field. ” —Booklist Kristin Grady Gilger and Julia Wallace, who were calling in news stories while in labor and parking babies under their desks, never imagined that 40 years later young women entering the business would face many of the same battles they did – only with far less willingness to put up and shut up. WMG is pleased to have Kristin and Julia share the findings from their book and talk about what it takes to succeed in media or any other male-dominated organization. Penguin Random House 1745 Broadway Maya Angelou Auditorium 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM Light refreshments will be served. WMG members and their guests are welcome. All profits from this event will benefit the WMG Education Fund. Registration is closed.
Ease yourself into the weekend with friends and colleagues at Café Serai at the Rubin Museum! The Rubin presents art that traverses Asia’s diverse cultures, regions, and narratives. Its special exhibitions celebrate art forms that range from ancient to contemporary, including photography and multimedia, while its permanent collection galleries are focused primarily on art from the Himalayan region. WMG members and their guests will enjoy complimentary wine and appetizers with their registration, converse against the backbeat of DJ David Ellenbogen, and explore the museum’s exhibits to their hearts' content. This informal mixer is a great opportunity to introduce other outstanding women in your orbit to WMG, so give some thought to your contacts—and have them join us, too. We hope to see you there! WMG members: $20 Guests: $20 Registration is closed.
As the world unites in mourning the passing of Toni Morrison, WMG is pleased to bring our community together for a screening of Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am, the highly acclaimed documentary directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders.
Professor Yvette Christiansë, Professor of Africana Studies & English Lit at Barnard College, and author of Toni Morrison: An Ethical Poetics will introduce the film.
Location: Penguin Random House Maya Angelou Auditorium 1745 Broadway 6:00 - 6:30 Wine and cheese 6:30 - 6:40 Introduction 6:40 - 8:40 Screening WMG members and their guests are welcome. All profits from this event will benefit the WMG Education Fund. WMG members: $20 Guests: $20 Registration is closed. Toni Morrison: THE PIECES I AM, a Magnolia Pictures release. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.
The first round’s on us! Raise a glass with friends and colleagues at the luxurious Two E Bar at the Pierre Hotel, a room befitting the occasion of our gathering. We rock. You clicked and we heard — socializing and networking is a top priority, so please come out, come out, from wherever you work! With emphasis on the “happy” part of “happy hour,” enjoy wine, beer, specialty cocktails, premium spirits, soft drinks and snacks in a gorgeous setting, and get to know other successful women in media. We hope to see you there! This event is for members only. Registration is closed.
Rise-Up Roulette: Speed Coaching for Happiness and Profit (Personally and Professionally!)
The program will begin with an hour of networking, snacks, and sips. The main event features "speed coaching” (it’s like “speed dating, but 10,000% better!). We’ve assembled a lineup of career and lifestyle experts to help you re-energize, re-focus, and revive your professional life. You’ll learn how to:
In small groups, you’ll get to work with and learn from:
Wednesday, June 12, 2019 • 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Humor + Cocktails (or Mocktails) + Friends = Fun! We all need a good laugh right about now, so come out and have lots of them as 8 amazing authors/comedians take the stage for a rare WMG evening event in support of our fellowship/scholarship program. The night starts with a networking cocktail hour that includes 2 drinks and delicious passed hors d'oeuvres. Then we'll sit back in a room to ourselves and enjoy tons of fresh comedy from this super lit line-up:
Wednesday, May 15, 2019 • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
WMG + CharityBuzz: Bidding is Now Open Every year WMG aims to grow networking and knowledge opportunities for our membership, as well as the scholarship, fellowship, and mentorship opportunities for young women of diverse backgrounds who aspire to become the next generation of publishing and media leaders. We are thrilled to announce we have partnered with online auction powerhouse CharityBuzz on a fundraising campaign to support WMG's scholarship and fellowship programs. WMG members Kris Puopolo (Executive Editor, Doubleday) and Jennifer Weltz (President, Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency) are graciously donating their time and expertise to create TWO once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that are up for auction: We are so grateful to Kris and Jennifer - and we would appreciate your help in spreading the word! Do you know an aspiring author looking for expert feedback? A media expert with an interest in writing a book? This may be their golden opportunity to connect with publishing luminaries - if they act fast! Our auctions CLOSE on Tuesday, April 2. Lunches will be awarded to the highest bidder - and proceeds directly support to our scholarship and fellowship programs that are critical to ensuring our media and publishing industries are a representative, vital force in our society. If you'd like to promote on your social platforms, here's a handy link to our CharityBuzz page: https://www.charitybuzz.com/support/4858
BISG Annual Meeting on Innovating Across the Supply Chain The book industry community comes together at BISG's Annual Meeting to listen to expert panelists, hear Q&A sessions, honor deserving candidates with recognition and awards, have networking opportunities, and to celebrate another year of the Book Industry Study Group! WMG member Julie Blattberg will be moderating a panel called "The Innovative Workforce" and WMG member Charlotte Abbott will be presenting an award.
BEYOND THE BOOK:
Podcasts, online courses, webinars, partnerships, and innovative events are leading the way to new revenue streams and increased brand awareness for top authors, publishers, and agents. This panel will explore how they’re delivering value to their audiences and expanding their platform by developing new models for paid content in a world saturated with free information. Registration Closed
WMG's 2019 New Member & Annual Business Luncheon! Meet New WMG Members, Mingle with Friends, and Celebrate Our Wonderful Woman of the Year at WMG's spring lunch at Upper Story on Monday, March 25th at 12:30 PM. This year WMG's Woman of the Year is Jill Sansone, longtime publishing colleague and former WMG president. If you came to a WMG small dinner in the past ten years, you have Jill to thank! Think about all the connections and friends you've made because of these gatherings and Jill's work in putting them together. Please come and share our tribute to her! Register Today!
Jill has been a WMG member since 1987 and was WMG President from 2006 through 2008, during which the group recruited some 45 new members, a near record at the time. Her robust Program Committee offered a roster of impressive speakers: Katrina vanden Heuvel, Francine Prose, Ruby Dee, Jennifer Weiner, Carolyn Reidy, and Nora Ephron. At the end of her WMG tenure as President, Jill founded our Small Dinners Program: members hosting meals in more intimate settings to provide a great way to network and support one another. After retiring in 2013, Jill has done some consulting, but mostly spends time pursuing things she couldn't do while drowning in manuscripts and raising 3 children. She lives in Hoboken, NJ, with her husband, Peter Warner, a writer and retired President of illustrated book publisher Thames & Hudson. Registration Closed
We are honored to welcome Jill Abramson, author of the eye-opening and important new book, Merchants of Truth, and preeminent broadcast journalist Lesley Stahl, to Talks@WMG for a conversation you won’t want to miss! Abramson, who made history as the first woman to hold the title of executive editor of the New York Times, will offer us a scintillating insider’s look at the precarious state of the news business. Simon & Schuster has also generously provided lunch attendees a copy of Merchants of Truth. SOLD OUT
WMG Master Class
Join us for a high-impact Master Class that will empower you and accelerate your goals! A power lunch and coaching session with professional development leaders Susan Brady, author of Mastering Your Inner Critic, and Sally Helgesen, author of How Women Rise, as they teach you how to conquer self-doubt, stay energized, and get what you want. Registration Closed
Gretchen Rubin in Conversation with Jenny Blake
At the last gathering of the Women’s Media Group at Upper Story restaurant in Manhattan, Gretchen Rubin, author of many bestselling books, including The Happiness Project and the forthcoming Outer Order, Inner Calm: Declutter and Organize to Make More Room for Happiness (Harmony / Random House, March 2019), and host of the top-ranking podcast “Happier with Gretchen Rubin,” answered questions from Jenny Blake, career and business strategist, international speaker, and author of Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One. Read More...
WMG Master Class
Women’s Media Group is pleased to invite you to an evening Master Class with stellar speakers. Come meet and learn from some powerful and purposeful change-makers who will share their stories, vision, and how they made it happen. Registration Closed
WMG Spins the Wheel of Wisdom
WMG's 2018 Fellowship Recipients
Terri Trespicio Master Class
Women’s Media Group Focuses on Trends in Audiobooks Women’s Media Group hosted a panel, ‘Leveraging Trends in Audiobook Publishing’ featuring audiobook leaders and pioneers including: Beth Anderson, Audible EVP and Publisher; Nita Basu, Senior Marketing and Publicity Coordinator, Hachette Audio; Amanda D’Acierno, President and Publisher, Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group; and Mary Beth Roche, President and Publisher, Macmillan Audio; moderated by Robin Whitten of AudioFile magazine. Read More... | Upcoming Events
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Although we are not able to gather in person, WMG leadership is working on ways to continue meaningful connections and informational events.
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.
Though separated by about 3,000 miles and 3 time zones, the Bay Area Women in Publishing has much in common with WMG. 
Candace Bushnell is the critically acclaimed, international best-selling author of ten books, including 
Tuesday, September 15, 12:00 p.m. EST
Jill Sansone's 38-year career in book publishing started in 1975 at the Book-of-the-Month Club where she held several positions from Book Production Assistant to Acquisitions Director. She left the company after 18 years to become Associate Director of Subsidiary Rights at G.P. Putnam & Sons. Two years later, she joined Hyperion, the publishing imprint owned by the Walt Disney Company, to become Director of Subsidiary Rights, overseeing both the juvenile and adult departments. While there, she founded Hyperion Audiobooks and initiated the development of the publisher's ebook program.
Nowhere else would you get unprecedented advice on six life matters in the span of two hours but WMG’s “Rise Up Roulette.” On Wednesday, October 10, all brains were ablaze and ears perked up for answers to questions on top talent recruitment, personal branding, meaningful transitions, crowdfunding, transforming passions into cash, attitude overhauls, and much more.
The Women’s Media Group announced the recipients of its 2018 Fellowship, created to support young women of color who are interested in publishing careers. Tahmena Hussain a graduate from The City College of New York and Aurora Soriano an English Literature major and Theatre minor at the City College of New York were honored during our June 14th luncheon. 
On Friday, May 11 at Random House Terri Trespicio gave a terrific master class on Why Every Author Needs a TEDx Talk...and What It Takes to Get One.