Wednesday, October 20th, 7:00-8:00 p.m. ET
Free for WMG members and non-members
Biases, micro-aggressions, and workplace inequities: how can we heal from these traumas and how do we interrupt the cycle that prevents everyone from excelling? What are the strategies we can use to put painful career disappointments behind, and in doing so, thrive? What are the ways organizations and individuals can take responsibility for driving true change, based on equity and belonging?
We’re addressing these critical questions around the imbalance in career opportunity (and its impact) with authors, Minda Harts (Right Within: How to Heal from Racial Trauma in the Workplace) and Melinda Briana Epler (How to Be an Ally: Actions You Can Take for a Stronger, Happier Workplace).
The WMG Programming Committee is thrilled to partner with Shakespeare & Co. for this important conversation with Minda and Melinda. Order your copies of the books we’re discussing here.
About Minda Harts:
Minda Harts is the CEO of The Memo LLC and an award- winning and best-selling author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need To Know To Secure A Seat At The Table. Minda is a Professor at NYU Wagner and hosts a live weekly podcast called Secure The Seat. In 2020, Minda was named the #1 Top Voice for Equity in the workplace by Linkedin. She is an Aspen Ideas Festival Scholar and has been featured on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Fast Company, The NY Times, and Time Magazine. Minda frequently speaks at companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Nike, and Bloomberg on topics such as Managing Diverse Teams, Courageous Leadership, and Advancing women of color in the workplace. Right Within: How to Heal from Racial Trauma in the Workplace is the essential self-help book for women of color to heal—and thrive—in the workplace.
About Melinda Briana Epler:
Melinda Briana Epler has over 25 years of experience developing business innovation and inclusion strategies for startups, Fortune 500 companies, and global NGOs. As CEO of Change Catalyst, she works with the tech industry to solve diversity and inclusion issues. Her popular TED talk “3 Ways to Be a Better Ally in the Workplace” reached one million views in the first 24 days of its release. She is also host of the popular podcast series “Leading with Empathy and Allyship.” In How to Be an Ally: Actions You Can Take for a Stronger, Happier Workplace, Melinda show how through the power of allyship, each of us can create an equitable, innovative workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and able to thrive
About The Moderator:
WMG Board Member, Kelly Hoey is the author of Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships In A Hyper-Connected World, a modern guide on how to build the powerful, real relationships you need to succeed in our digital world. She has been lauded from Forbes (“1 of 5 Women Changing the World of VC/Entrepreneurship”) and included on EBW 2020’s list of the “100 Most Influential Global Leaders Empowering Women Worldwide”.
About Shakespeare & Co:
Shakespeare & Co. is an iconic Manhattan bookstore founded in 1983. Its store at 939 Lexington Avenue, adjacent to the Hunter College campus, has been a staple on the Upper East Side for over 20 years. Shakespeare & Co second location in New York is at 2020 Broadway (between 69th and 70th Streets) and they also are located at 1632 Walnut Street (between South 16th and South 17th Streets) in downtown Philadelphia.
Tuesday, October 26th, 6:00-7:30 p.m. ET
Halloween how-to featuring celeb makeup artist, propmaker, costumer and set decorator Stacia Gorsuch!
Come for Stacia’s ghoulish demo and stay for spirited book chat, cocktails and costume review. This event is virtual—dress up and drink up.
Moderator Kelly Hoey will be joined by Jan Knuth, the owner of Grey House Haunts, a professional haunted house in Central Nebraska, and LaNelle Freeman, co-owner of Texas Haunters Convention. With the summer release of their book, Not Afraid to Slay, Jan and WMG’s own Candi Cross have appeared at Midwest Haunters, Texas Haunters Convention, and on numerous podcasts. Next stop: WMG’s Zoom room as Jan opens up her house for the season. Best costume and spirited cocktail will be selected and praised!
About Stacia Gorsuch:
Stacia applies her mad makeup, fabrication and set design skills to feature films, music videos and events across the country. She is based in Las Vegas. Check out her work here.
About Candi S. Cross:
Candi S. Cross dressed as Raggedy Ann on her first wild Halloween night out as a toddler. She is the founder of You Talk I Write, a modern ghostwriting agency. She has co-developed approximately 150 books with authors worldwide.
About LaNelle Freeman:
LaNelle Freeman is part owner of the Texas Haunters Convention. The Texas Haunters Convention is a two day Halloween convention targeting Halloween and cosplay fans. It is geared towards haunt owners, industry professionals, home haunters, families, trick or treaters, and just anyone who loves the Halloween season.
About Jan Knuth:
Jan Knuth became fascinated with Halloween as a child and acted on that passion in 2007 when she started a home haunt, which ran through 2013. She then went on to become the sole owner and director of Grey House Haunts, a Halloween haunted house, in 2014. In 2019, with the goal of helping the haunt industry continue to grow and thrive, Jan joined the board of the Chamber of Haunters as 2nd vice-chair. Not Afraid to Slay is her debut as an author.
About the Moderator:
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Kelly Hoey recalls her Halloween costumes always included rubber boots and a raincoat - and that a paper mache space helmet wasn't the smartest costume design. Kelly is the author of Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships In A Hyper-Connected World wherein she addresses the frightening topic of networking.
Monday, November 8th, 6:30-7:30 p.m. ET
Free for WMG members, $15 for non-members
Are you a writer looking for tips on pitching story ideas to global or niche digital outlets? Are you a publicist who wants to improve on the success rate of engagement for your press releases? Are you a brand-builder keen to understand how digital media is or is not like pitching to traditional news outlets?
Learn about the process and best practices from industry experts.
Zahara Hill (Moderator), Deputy Editor at Blavity Inc.
Meena Ganesan, Senior Editor at FiveThirtyEight
Anna Halkidis, Features Editor at Parents.com
Diane Di Constanzo, Editorial Director of Millie magazine
You’ll hear about:
Friday, November 12th, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET
Free for WMG members only
A fun and informal way for new members to virtually connect and really get to know each other. It's a wonderful way to meet meet other talented, high-energy women, all ready to assist one another in our professional endeavors.
This social is open to anyone who joined WMG between November 2020 and now and will be hosted by WMG Co-President Kathy Sandler.
Email us at info@womensmediagroup.org with any questions.
Tuesday, November 16th, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET
Have you missed the exchange of ideas, industry information, random conversations about topical events, and general camaraderie that used to happen in the “before times” at the water cooler, in front of the restroom sink, and in the lively chatter before the start of a WMG event? As we optimistically look forward to more in-person communication, we could all use a little TLC, so come Talk, Listen, and Connect!
Join WMG member Sally Ekus for an hour of chit-chat about whatever you want to discuss the day we meet, with an emphasis on meaningful connections to benefit those in this virtual room. Sally's area of expertise is cookbook representation, so you can be sure there will be a chance to tip one another off to your favorite recipes that are getting you through each day.
Plus, who is looking for a bit more laughter in their lives too? In her personal life Sally also does improv comedy and enjoys bringing a bit of fun to the day to day. She will lead the group in a few fun prompts to help lift our spirits and offer a change of pace to zoom fatigue. Come to network, stay to laugh!
About WMG Member Sally Ekus:
Sally Ekus is the co-owner and a Literary Agent at The Lisa Ekus Group, a full service agency specializing in cookbook representation. She also sits on the board of Happier Valley Comedy and during pre-pandemic times, is a Main Stage cast member in both an adult and children's improv troupe. She has a deep appreciation for tacos.
We are pleased to introduce Member Talks. Member Talks are an opportunity for any WMG member to contribute to the professional development, enjoyment and personal interactions of WMG members.
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