TORONTO, ON – May 17, 2023 – Women in Music Canada (WIMC) is thrilled to announce their Board of Directors, as well as their newly-appointed Executive Committee. The 2023 / 2024 Directors are Liana White (American Federation of Musicians), Dana Beeler (Music Nova Scotia / WIMC Atlantic Chapter Director), Jamelia Campbell (CARAS / ADVANCE), Kristy Fletcher (CARAS / MusiCounts), Maddy Oliver (Canadian Live Music Association), Savannah Wellman (Tiny Kingdom / WIMC BC Chapter Co-Director), and Trisha Carter (CIMA), along with newly-appointed members who officially joined this week: Nicole Auger (International Indigenous Music Summit), Samantha Chong (Sony Music Canada), Noreen Hamid, and Alec Martin.
 
The 2023 Executive Committee has also been announced, with White stepping into the role of Chair after having previously served as Secretary. Carter will step into the role of Vice-Chair and Fletcher will be taking on the role of Secretary, while the Treasurer seat will be filled in the coming months.  
 
The announcement of the new Board also marks the departure of Founder, Samantha Slattery, who officially exits her role as Board Chair. Slattery founded Women in Music Canada in 2014, bringing her vast experience in the live music sector and a passion to make positive change in the equitable landscape of the industry. She held the role of Executive Director since the inception of the organization, alongside her many other professional endeavours. In her two decades in the industry, Slattery has worked in production, operations and for the past decade in business affairs roles internationally, including with Festival Republic, (Live Nation), AEG Live / Goldenvoice / Coachella Music & Arts Festival, and Republic Live, as well as her management role at Nettwerk Management’s UK office and most recently with the JUNO Awards. With WIMC, she has built a membership community of over 2000, spearheaded multiple research projects, lead the building of the WIMC Directory, created the Allies in Action program with JUNOs and so much more. Her leadership and vision will live on for years to come as the catalyst to this important work. Slattery will remain WIMC Board Chair Emeritus indefinitely.

"It is with immense pride and grateful heart that I depart [from Women in Music Canada],” says Slattery. “What began as a humble dream has blossomed into a powerful force for change, thanks to the unwavering support of the music industry, our invaluable funders, and the founding board members who believed in our vision from the start. I am forever indebted to these incredible individuals for their unwavering dedication and guidance. As I pass the baton, I am filled with gratitude for the transformative impact we've made together and eagerly anticipate the bright future that lies ahead with Robyn [Stewart] at the helm.”

“It is with incredible gratitude that we announce the departure from the Women in Music Canada Board our founder, Board Chairperson, and past Executive Director, Samantha Slattery,” says Executive Director, Robyn Stewart. “Sam founded Women in Music Canada in 2014 as a powerful initiative to make change in this wildly inequitable industry. Through programming, advocacy, and important conversation she has led the organization forward in what at times is an uphill battle. Her wisdom, grace and attitude has built this community. On a personal note, I have watched her work for years and could not be more honoured to be entrusted with the next steps of the organization. Sam has become like family to me over the last year and I could not find the words to describe how much I value your expertise and support. I wish you the best of everything in the years to come as you focus on other passions in the industry."
 
“Samantha’s vast experience led her to realize that Canadian women needed a distinct association, solely dedicated to supporting and promoting their careers in the music industry,” adds White. “Since founding Women in Music Canada, many women have been inspired to form Provincial Chapters of Women in Music across Canada. Along with these many Canadian women, I applaud Samantha for her years of sacrifice to build Women in Music to help sound our voices and advance our careers. It has been both an honour and my humble pleasure to have served as a Board Member under Samantha’s steadfast Leadership for so many years. This is not a farewell, as we will continue to work alongside Samantha in her continued endeavours in our industry.”
 
Read the Women in Music Canada Board of Directors bios here.

About Women in Music Canada