American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) was founded in 1951 and is the longest established professional organization dedicated to advancing women in media and entertainment.
Recently renamed to the Alliance for Women in Media, our mission is to advance the impact of women in the media and allied fields by educating, advocating, and acting as a resource to our members, the industry, and the public.
The Minnesota Affiliate of AWM offers various programs and events that provide opportunities for social networking, peer support and career development on a local level.
Letter from the President: Tasha Coats
Welcome to the Alliance for Women in Media, Minnesota!
Over the years I have been asked why I love this business, and I always say it is because it always changes! I am honored to be the president of our local Alliance for Women in Media affiliate and to work directly with 17 board members who represent some of the brightest women in our field. What is our field? With our name change a few years ago we embrace everything related to communications and marketing. It covers financials, production, talent, broadcast, print, out of home, place based, agency planners and buyers, producers and writers – all facets of the creative needed to put out the messages and communicate. Whether it is on the screen on your desk, the wall in your parking ramp, and virtually everything in between! The Alliance for Women in Media celebrated their 60th anniversary nationally in 2011 and the first full year serving as advocates for the advancement of women on all facets of the media industry right here in Minnesota! Whether you work in broadcast, print, out of home, digital, agency or marketer we are the community for you to belong. I have been very fortunate to have my term as president during this evolution. This organization serves both men and women that work together to support women in media.
Locally, our board of directors has 17 of women covering many facets of media who volunteer their time to work on meeting our primary objectives:
- Continue to provide programming that is informative and enlightening to media and marketing professionals
- Grow our mentorship program to connect the newcomers to the very seasoned professionals in the market
- Celebrate the recognition of the Top 25 in Media through our AWM Diamond Awards
- Support community efforts of other non-profits whose purpose is to serve and improve the well being of women
- Provide networking opportunities that have a positive impact on you both professionally and personally
This year is full of exciting changes that positively affect our local chapter. The most obvious is that in membership as the local membership is still $60 for a year and all those funds stay locally now to allow us to positively impact programming and other offerings. Please contact Beth Mushel to join today!
At the same time we encourage you to become a member of our national organization. They have two membership levels on the national side: Community and Voting. With their Community membership, there is no cost and you will continue to receive their newsletters and other important communications. With the Voting membership there is a cost and you will have full voting rights along with all the communication information. Go to allwomeninmedia.org for more information.
There are many levels within AWM-MN you can be involved. We encourage you to get involved by attending our programs, networking events, serving as a mentor, serving on a committee or even pursuing a position on the Board. Our goal is to open up a whole new network of friends who can enrich your vocation in the media and enhance your role as a media and marketing professional. We hope you will join us.
Wishing everyone a great year,
Tasha Coats AWM Minnesota Affiliate President
