Alfred Music will contribute support to female leaders in the music products industry as they are combining their energies and resources to establish The Smart Women in Music (SWIM) Fund, a fund designed to foster and support female industry professionals at various stages of their careers.
The fund, led by Robin Walenta, Crystal Morris, President and CEO of Gator Cases, and DeDe Heid, Executive Vice President of Heid Music, aims to support women in the industry in three key areas: offering mentoring, learning and professional development opportunities at The NAMM Show and Summer NAMM; job shadowing of female leaders at industry events; and in-company residencies. In 2019, The SWIM Fund will include a two-day SWIM symposium at NAMM’s offices for 12-16 women to expand their professional development and leadership skills; additional details of the symposium to come. The fund was announced at the end of May at the National Association of School Music Dealers annual conference in Hollywood, Florida.
Julie Takashima, Alfred Music’s Human Resources Business Partner said, “I believe history has shown us that an informed, concerned, mobilized, and well-educated community is often essential to great social change. By fostering and supporting women who demonstrate ambition, The NAMM Foundation/The SWIM Fund is empowering women to reach their potential for high level positions within the industry in support of/creating a social change.”
“I love the NAMM Smart Women in Music Fund initiative,” said Ron Manus, Chief Business Development Officer. “It is great that we are trying to get more diversity and women into our industry. If you look at the brilliant woman we already have in our industry, they shine so bright! Alfred Music is thrilled to be a strong supporter and contributor and we look forward to continuing our support for the Smart Women in Music Fund.”
Takashima said “Organizations like NAMM understand the importance of women’s contributions to our industry and take action. By supporting this foundation, Alfred Music stays true to its passion to “help the world experience the joy of making music.”
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