Women have always been forces to be reckoned with in the hip-hop community. As their leadership contributions are increasingly recognized, A3C, the essential hip-hop community conference held annually in Atlanta, strives to amplify their voices and give woman space to share their invaluable perspectives.
This commitment sparked A3C's Women In Charge programming. It connects, inspires, and educates women in the music industry through events, panels, and sessions led by hip-hop’s most influential and innovative women. Women In Charge will take place on Thursday, October 4th at the Loudermilk Center and is presented by Toyota.
The dynamic women involved in Women in Charge play every possible role in the music business, from label heads to self-made media moguls, from journalists to lawyers. They include (in alphabetical order): Asya Shein (Fusicology, President), Dia Simms (Combs Enterprises, President), Dina Marto (Twelve Music & Studios, Owner & Founder), Ethiopia Habtemariam (Motown Records, President), Janee Bolden (BOSSIP, Managing Editor), Keisha Lance Bottoms (Mayor of Atlanta), Lola Plaku (Lola Media Group, CEO + Owner), Malita the Mogul (Mogul Mentality, Founder + CEO), Nicole Bilzerian (Interscope Geffen A&M, SVP Head of Urban Marketing), Nicole Wyskoarko (Interscope Geffen A&M, EVP Urban Operations), Phylicia Fant (Warner Bros Records, SVP Media + Special Projects), Uwonda Carter Scott (The Carter Law Firm, Attorney + Owner) and Whitney-Gayle Benta (Spotify, Head of Talent Relations).
The Mayor’s Brunch
The Mayor’s Brunch (Loudermilk Center Toyota Ballroom; 10am - 12pm) will feature an intimate one-on-one conversation with Mayor Bottoms and Rembert Browne, one of America's most respected culture writers and Atlanta native. Their conversation will cover many topics including Bottoms’ journey from Frederick Douglass High School, the true culture of Atlanta, the balance of growing a city and making it open to all, while wanting to retain the essence near and dear to those “made in Atlanta.”
Featured Panel
Women leaders and trailblazers in the music industry discuss the challenges and achievements on their journey to create and build their individual brand and careers. The panel features Dina Marto, Whitney-Gayle Benta, Dia Simms, Nicole Wyskoarko, Phylicia Fant and Janee Bolden.
Mentorship Sessions
Mentorship sessions enable attendees to gain insight and advice from one-on-one conversations with industry experts Nicole Bilzerian, Nicole Wyskoarko, Uwonda Carter Scott, and Malita the Mogul.
Girl Connected hosted by Lola Plaku
A mentorship program that pairs aspiring female professionals with some of Plaku’s successful industry colleagues to help them learn the ins and outs of the business.
Meet the Founder: Fusicology's Asya Shein
Learn from Asya Shein's 15+ years in the music industry. Fusicology is a hub for progressive culture and lifestyle events, aggregating local and national event listings, relevant news, and music. Fusicology serves as a multi-faceted marketing entity for influencers that live and breathe music, fashion, style, and subculture.
An Evening With Ethiopia Habtemariam
This closing event will acknowledge the work and impact Habtemariam has made in music. After a 30-minute conversation hosted by Janee Bolden, Habtemariam will take audience questions. A mixer and meet-and-greet will follow, featuring all the women participating in the Women In Charge programming. This will be a special evening to connect with some of the most influential women in music.