Women's Media Group |
Who We AreWomen's Media Group is a New York City-based nonprofit association of women who have achieved prominence in the many fields of media. Our members—drawn primarily from print and digital book, magazine, and newspaper publishing; film and television; and online and other digital media—meet to collaborate with, learn from, inform, and support one another. The organization is also dedicated to mentoring young women interested in pursuing media careers. |
Upcoming Events
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.
$25 for WMG members only (full price Armory Show tickets are $55!) 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.
 
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. An impressive group of panelists to be finalized soon.
PAST EVENTS
Tuesday, July 19, 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET 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.
 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.
Free for WMG members only Join this informational session to share your ideas for WMG communications including our weekly email newsletter, social media outreach, relationships with press, and more. We are always looking to learn about new ways to reach women in media and volunteers to help coordinate our many different communications efforts. There are many ways to get involved in communications, from single projects to an ongoing basis and everything in-between – explore ways that work best for you! Hosted by Communications Chair Brittany Fuller
Free for WMG members only Join us on a morning walk through one of New York’s most underrated landmarks, Green-Wood Cemetery, in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighborhood. The living cemetery is a celebration of New York’s natural beauty, art, history, and of course, its people. Opening nearly two centuries ago, its 478 acres of hills, valleys, glacial ponds and paths are home to grand public monuments, stunning family shrines, private mausoleums, and even catacombs that serve as the final resting places of notable New Yorkers including politicians, artists, athletes and inventors. This walk will be hosted by WMG member Elizabeth Barker.
Free for WMG members, $15 for non-members Join us for a virtual event on making and marketing a podcast. Featuring Bridget Armstrong, host of Pop Cultured at The Skimm, Lauren Passell, founder of Tink Media, and moderated by audio journalist, podcast showrunner, and WMG member Golda Arthur. Sign up to learn what it takes to make a successful podcast, how to find and connect with your listeners, and how to overcome some of the most common challenges podcasters face. Meet the speakers:
Proceeds from this program will benefit the Women’s Media Group Educational Foundation.
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.
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:
Proceeds from this program will benefit the Women’s Media Group Educational Foundation. Meet the speakers:
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:
|
Shannon DeVito 
Kristen McLean 
Bridget Armstrong is the senior producer and host of Pop Cultured with theSkimm. She currently lives in Washington DC. Prior to joining theSkimm Bridget was a lead producer at Vox Media where her producer credits included Switched on Pop, Land of The Giants; The Netflix Effect, Go For Broke and Function with Anil Dash. Bridget started her career in public radio. She was a news producer at WYPR, the NPR affiliate in Baltimore and a production assistant for NPR’s Tell Me More. 
Lauren Passell is founder of Tink Media. She is also the curator of 
Lara Hodgson, 
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. 
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, 
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 
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 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 
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..png)
LaNelle Freeman is part owner of the Texas Haunters Convention. 
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. 
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.
Minda Harts is the CEO of The Memo LLC and an award- winning and best-selling author of 
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 
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.
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.
Linda Saint Marc
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: 
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 
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 |
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
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)
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.
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 Educational Foundation.
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 Educational Foundation.
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.
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 Educational Foundation.
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!)
Join friends and colleagues for an exciting and engaging evening of career building, personal development, and networking.
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:
- Balance work and life and wellness
- Expand your self-awareness to unlock next-level success
- Be the author of your own life with storytelling and communication
- Elevate your authority through thought-leadership content
- Know when to start a side hustle and when to take it full-time
In small groups, you’ll get to work with and learn from:
- Sara Bliss: New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and brand advisor; author of Take the Leap: Change Your Career Change Your Life; Forbes contributor
- Jodi Brockington: Lifestyle coach, fusing career, health, and fitness; master connector and strategic stalker; creator of Conscious Connections; and contributor to several books, including Sister to Sister: A Guide for African American Girls
- Deborah Burns: Founder of Skirting the Rules and author of Saturday's Child: A Daughter's Memoir; former Chief Innovation Officer for Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S.; Chief Brand Officer of Elle Decor/Met Home
- Jane Pollak: Certified Professional Co-Active Coach serving women entrepreneurs; author of Too Much of Not Enough
- Stacey Staaterman: Certified Professional Coach (leadership and career); founder of Renovate Your Career, career expert featured in the Wall Street Journal, Bumble, and Forbes
Wednesday, June 12, 2019 • 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Registration Closed
Women's Media Group (WMG) FUNdraiser:
Women Authors of Comedy Night
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:
- Phoebe Robinson (Author of "Everything's Trash, But It's Okay" and co-host of "2 Dope Queens" podcast and HBO series)
- Blythe Roberson (Author of "How to Date Men When You Hate Men")
- Annabelle Gurwitch (Author of "Wherever You Go, There They Are")
- Sarah Cooper (Author of "How to Be Successful Without Hurting Men's Feelings")
- Lane Moore (Author of "How to Be Alone")
- Farnoosh Torabi (Author of "When She Makes More")
- Dorie Clark (Author of "Entrepreneurial You")
- Terri Trespicio (Emcee)
Wednesday, May 15, 2019 • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Registration Closed
WMG + CharityBuzz: Bidding is Now Open
(but not for long)
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.
- When: April 26, 2019
- Discount: Early bird pricing available until 3/29 for WMG members with code WMG
- Event website: https://bisg.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1132659
BEYOND THE BOOK:
How Authors, Publishers and Agents are Developing New Revenue Streams
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 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.
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
Jill Abramson in conversation with Lesley Stahl
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
Conquer Your Inner Critic, Stop Making Excuses, and Make It Happen! A Plan for the New You.
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
How to Join the Resistance
Are you upset about the way things are and want to know how you can do something, even while you have a full-time job? Have you ever dreamed about turning a mission-based passion project into an organization with scale? Are you ready to launch something meaningful in order to make a difference in your community?
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
Gretchen Rubin in conversation with Jenny Blake
Gretchen Rubin is one of today's most influential and thought-provoking observers of happiness and human nature. She's the author of blockbuster New York Times bestsellers The Four Tendencies, Better Than Before, and The Happiness Project and host of the popular podcast Happier. Did you know that she was once a member of WMG? Well, she's back to share her wisdom with you! Gretchen will be in conversation with career and business strategist Jenny Blake, author of the award-winning book Pivot and host of the Pivot podcast. To learn more about what this dynamic discussion will focus on. Registration Closed
WMG Spins the Wheel of Wisdom
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. Read More...
WMG's 2018 Fellowship Recipients
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. Read More...
Terri Trespicio Master Class
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. Read More...
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
-
August 16, 2022 6:00 PM • Zoom
-
August 24, 2022 5:30 PM • Zoom
-
September 09, 2022 12:30 PM • Javits Center in NYC
-
September 15, 2022 6:00 PM • Zoom
Member Discounts
Press Releases
-
May 11, 2022 5:29 PM
-
April 01, 2020 1:57 PM
-
January 14, 2020 7:21 PM