New York, NY —March 12, 2026— Women’s Media Group (WMG) is pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of the WMG Rise Fund, a member-only benefit that offers financial support for professional development opportunities that enhance members’ careers in meaningful and transformative ways.

Funded by the Women’s Media Group Educational Foundation, the Rise Fund awards grants every year to support projects, training, coaching, travel, and research that grow members’ leadership, creativity, and influence in the media industry. “The Rise Fund reflects Women’s Media Group’s deep commitment to helping our members grow, adapt, and lead in a rapidly evolving media landscape,” said Jane Wesman, co-president of Women’s Media Group. “By supporting professional development, we’re investing not only in individual careers but also in the collective strength, creativity, and influence of our community.”

Begun in 2023 with an allocation of $2,500, the Rise Fund has grown in scope, with almost $7,500 being disbursed this year. “Building on the organization’s scholarship fund for young women just beginning to pursue their careers in media, the Rise Fund both reinforces and expands Women’s Media Group’s over 50-year-old mission to support its members at every stage of their careers,” said Jennifer A. Perry, the fund’s committee chair since its inception.

2026 Rise Fund Recipients

Lina AbiRafeh, a global humanitarian aid worker and women’s rights activist with over 30 years of experience, is shaping the next chapter of her feminist leadership. Combining advocacy, writing, public scholarship, speaking, and creative production, she seeks to reach broader audiences through storytelling, publishing, and podcasting. Lina received a $2,000 Rise Fund grant for one-on-one career coaching to support this transition and to develop a strategic plan for her advisory firm, Better4Women.

Sara Ader, a self-employed writer and editor specializing in financial news and research, is branching into long-form fiction as she navigates the changing freelance landscape influenced by AI. She is currently working on a fictionalized account of a relative who was a renowned jewelry designer and sculptor in 1930s–40s New York City. Sara received a $500 grant to travel from her home near Boston to Manhattan for immersive research, including exploring neighborhoods central to the story and viewing the artist’s work in New York museums.

Kelley Allen, an experienced publishing business strategist with an MBA, is applying her expertise to the nonprofit sector by developing a business plan for an innovative platform that links digital reading to measurable social impact. She received a $515 Rise Fund grant to improve her project management skills through a one-year membership in the Project Management Institute and enrollment in PMI’s Project Management Basics course.

Georgia McBride, a WMG Board member and self-employed book publisher and literary agent who has handled over 600 global rights deals, is expanding her company’s efforts into film and television licensing. She received a $1,800 Rise Fund grant to collaborate with an experienced media consultant, who will help refine her short- and long-term goals, support strategic growth, and advise on content sales opportunities across various platforms.

Sofia Perez is an award-winning journalist with extensive experience in covering climate initiatives and sustainable development. She collaborates with nonprofits and independent organizations committed to environmental progress. Sofia received a $1,615 grant to participate in the 12-week Climatebase Fellowship, an intensive climate-focused program designed to expand her impact and improve her storytelling to promote climate literacy.

Precious Williams, CEO of Perfect Pitch Group, author, public speaker, and media personality, helps companies and nonprofits develop training programs that boost employee confidence and increase funding success. She received a $950 Rise Fund grant to create The 40 Year + Glow Up Experience Playbook, a resource that shares her career insights and inspires women to confidently redefine their second act with clarity and boldness.

Investing in Women’s Professional Growth

Applications for the 2027 Rise Fund will open in the fall. Eligibility is limited to current Women’s Media Group members.

For more information about the Rise Fund and Women’s Media Group, please visit https://womensmediagroup.org/.