The 4th Annual AWM Connects mentorship program was held in December 2024. The program combined mentees with mentors for a general session followed by one-on-one conversations. The participants enjoyed the opportunity to meet and discuss issues pertinent to women in media including career advancement advice, expanding experience opportunities and more. Each mentee also received one free year of membership with AWM and will be connected throughout the year.
The 5th Annual AWM Connects program is being planned for December 2025. Please email amy.burton@allwomeninmedia.org with questions.
AWM Connects is an exciting virtual mentoring program that will connect young/new professionals with senior level executives throughout television, radio, and digital media.
The experience connects mentees and mentors in the one-time group event which includes breakout sessions for more in-depth conversation. Individuals are connected after the event based on interest and experience for an opportunity to talk one-on-one. In addition, each mentee will receive a complimentary AWM membership.
Mentors for past AWM Connects programs have been members of the AWM and AWM Foundation Board of Directors as well as high-level executives specifically selected to match up with the mentees that apply for the program.
If you or your company is interested in supporting this unique mentorship program, please contact becky.brooks@allwomeninmedia.org.
Praise for the AWM Connects program from Mentees:
“A piece of advice that I received in AWM Connects was that our skills are multi-purposeful. We have the ability to use our skills not only in radio, but in tv, social media, marketing, public relations, brand management, etc.. When we are let go/are looking for work, we have options. We are not limited. We are learning in an industry that provides us the tools to be multifaceted. This also allows us to connect with our audience in a variety of ways.”
Kira Kathleen, Creator and Host of Finding My Perfect Awkward Podcast
2024 AWM Connects Participant
“I’ve already built a connection with many of the women from this program, and I’ve been able to reach out to my mentors at any time, and they’ve been so gracious with giving me feedback. I’m so grateful that I decided to take part in this mentorship. I feel that as an on-air personality, I’ve already grown, and I am looking at things in a new light based on the advice of my mentors.”
Alexandra Ali, On-Air Personality, CMG Long Island/106.1
2024 AWM Connects Participant
“My motivation to join the AWM Connects program stems from a strategic intent to expand my network of accomplished women in media. After attending a Gracies Luncheon, I was inspired by the remarkable women I encountered, recognizing the immense knowledge-sharing potential within this community. I aspire to integrate my experiences and skills into Cabana Media’s vision, leveraging the invaluable learnings cultivated through the AWM Connects program.”
Ana Sarmiento Wandt, CEO, Cabana Publishing, Inc.
2023 AWM Connects Participant
“As a reporter for the past 19 years, I’m trying to navigate the next step in my career and looked to AWM for advice. During the Connects program, I received a suggestion from an AWM board member that I used. It worked! I was able to make some progress. I’m looking forward to connecting further with my assigned AWM mentor.”
Kristin Thorne, Investigative Reporter, WABC
2023 AWM Connects Participant
“I applied to the AWM Connects Program in hopes of connecting and learning from a supportive community of like-minded women within the media industry and I was met with passion and dedication from an incredibly welcoming group. My mentor has truly been an inspiration and has provided me with valuable insight on how to advance my career along with advice tailored to further my skill set.”
Marie Kittler, Video Producer, StudioNorth
2022 AWM Connects Participant
““During our program kick-off, someone shared the advice that you’re never going to get anything if you don’t give, and I’ve been thinking about that quite a bit. Although it was virtual, it was so easy to open up to other women during the program kick-off and I look forward to connecting with my assigned mentor very soon!”
Erin Dunlap, Chief of Staff, Central Revenue Organization, Audacy
2022 AWM Connects Participant