CMA Names New Class of Women's Leadership Academy

The Country Music Association has revealed the new class for its Women’s Leadership Academy, selecting 15 high-performing, high-potential female leaders in country music to participate in the program.

What is it? Currently in its second year, the Women's Leadership Academy is an interactive group coaching experience that aims to give participants an expanded network, a roadmap for career growth and improved leadership abilities. This year's program began on July 10 and will take place over 15 weeks with an initial one-on-one coaching session, seven educational sessions as a group and group coaching sessions twice a month.

Participants will be coached by executive coaches Diane Watson, PCC, and Cory Colton, PCC, BCC, and will receive insight on topics including self-awareness, confidence building, communicating effectively, building a personal brand, networking successfully, imposter syndrome, establishing boundaries, managing conflict and stress and leveraging influence. 

What they're saying: "After our inaugural year last year, we were blown away at the conversation, community and genuine connection that was born from this program," CMA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy Tiffany Kerns shared. "We were reminded that true leadership starts with developing a system of support across our business, and through the incredible women in this program, that’s exactly what we’ve seen happen. There was no doubt that we would continue this program, and I am thrilled to welcome this year’s impressive class of women."

Who's included? This year's participants were chosen after an extensive application process and include Charlotte Burke Bass, Vice President of Nashville Operations at The Oriel Company, Meg Kehoe, Head of Media at Sony Music Nashville, Heather Vassar, Vice President at EMPIRE and more. See the full list of this year's class here.