The Independent Media Agencies of Australia (IMAA), has launched its second Female Leaders of Tomorrow programme.
The 2024-2025 programme will see a new group of up-and-coming women in the independent media agency industry matched with senior media experts for mentoring, leadership training and advice.
Applications are open from today to women who are IMAA members, with a minimum five years’ experience in any independent media agency discipline.
The selected mentees will participate in a six-month structured mentoring programme, including online and face-to-face sessions, along with training and meet-ups, designed to create a support network between senior staff and their mentees.
This year’s programme will run nationally, with mentoring opportunities available for participants in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.
More than 20 mentors will be announced in the coming weeks who will join the following industry leaders that have already signed onto the programme: Natalie Harvey, CEO, Mamamia, Antonell Doyle, commercial director at NOVA Entertainment Perth and Brisbane, Belinda Gruebner, chief marketing officer Moose Toys and Kirrily Hirst, director of sales – agency & direct at GoTransit Media Group.
IMAA chair, Jacquie Alley, said: “The Female Leaders of Tomorrow programme is one of the IMAA’s key initiatives to future-proof the Australian independent media industry. We have a wealth of emerging female talent across the indie sector, who are already making their mark on the industry, and we want to nurture this next generation.
“Last year’s programme was a huge success and we’ve seen the tangible flow-on effect, with many participants rising through the ranks and feeling more confident to take on bigger roles and challenges.
“The second intake of our programme is the next step in driving real industry change, bridging the gap in the representation of women, particularly in senior roles, and the substantial gender pay gap. We can’t wait to see the value this initiative offers to the next round of participants.”
Applications will be open until 27 September, with this year’s programme set to kick off with networking events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth during October and November.