FAQs


What is the 50 Women Can Change the World in Media & Entertainment program?

Click here for a full review of our program and initiative.


What is Take The Lead?

Mission

Take The Lead prepares, develops, inspires and propels women to take their fair and equal share of leadership positions across all sectors by 2025. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, co-founded in 2014, by author, activist, and feminist icon, Gloria Feldt, and Amy Litzenberger, a former investment banker with extensive experience in strategic planning and funding of start-up and emerging growth companies.   

Here’s why our program works:

  • It’s comprehensive.

  • It cracks the code holding women back by transforming their relationship with power and advancing in leadership.

  • It’s collaborative with other programs.

  • It teaches women how to change systems as well as how to succeed in the world as it is.

  • It puts a stake in the ground to reach gender parity in leadership across all sectors by 2025, and counts up to progress.

  • It focuses on solutions, not problems.


Can I nominate myself?

Yes! Take the lead and show up for yourself. Click here to apply.  


Can I nominate more than one woman?

Of course, we encourage you to nominate as many qualified women as you’d like. Click here to nominate a woman. We ask that you let her know she’s been nominated, and we will follow up with her to complete a nominee application.


How do I nominate a woman to participate?

Our nomination process is simple and should take you no longer than 10 minutes to complete. Click here to nominate a woman (or more).

We are looking for women in the media and entertainment industry who have exemplified leadership, commitment, professional dedication, and creativity throughout their career. From seasoned professionals to buzz-worthy newcomers, we know women benefit from sharing insight across the spectrum of experience. Maybe it's a colleague. Maybe it’s a friend. Maybe it's you. Apply yourself or nominate someone.


What are the dates for the on-site program?

Launch Reception (optional):  Thursday, February 1st at NeueHouse

February 10th thru 11th - Two-Day Immersion (in-person) *Optional overnight

March 10th - One-Day Immersion (in-person)

April 14th - One-Day Immersion (in-person)

May 12th - One-Day Immersion (in-person) + Partners for Parity Gala

*Additionally, we will host two online webinars and two (optional) panel discussions during the four-month program. These dates are TBD.


Where is the on-site program taking place?

The on-site immersion portion of the program is taking place at several venues within the Los Angeles vicinity. More information coming soon.


Can I still participate if I can’t attend all the on-site programs dates?

Participation is essential to the success of the program. The initiative is made possible by women who have invested in you to take the lead for both your personal and professional life. By agreeing to participate in the cohort you’re making a commitment to the selected group of women and yourself to be part of this program. That said, we understand that things happen. Please contact us should you have a conflict with any of the dates.


What is the cost to participate in the program?

Our founding partner and presenting sponsor, Women Connect4Good, has generously provided seed funding for this $5,000 per person program, and we are matching that funding with other champions taking the lead for gender parity. Participants are asked to pay what they can, a contribution of $500 is suggested. Together we will ensure every woman with the desire to participate can. Your support allows Take The Lead to pay it forward to support more women leaders like you. Please contact us with any questions.


How can I participate as a partner, sponsor or champion?

Collaboration is the key to building a sustainable path to gender parity. We are eager to connect with individuals and institutions who share our vision. If you would like to serve as a Champion to help support this program through resource connections, outreach, fundraising and networking, or serve as a sponsor or partner please contact Brooke Newberry at brookenewberry@taketheleadwomen.com.


How can I donate to this program?

This initiative was founded by women and designed for women. Dr. Nancy O’Reilly, the president of Women Connect4Good, is our founding partner and presenting sponsor. She and her organization have generously provided seed money for this project, but there is still more work to do. We invite you to support us as we expand our reach.

Click here to donate. 

Take The Lead is a 501(c)3 tax exempt nonprofit organization. Your contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.To make a donation or to become a sponsor, contact brookenewberry@takethleadwomen.com.


What’s included in the program?

The 50 Women Can Change The World Leadership Program was developed with a goal of closing the gender gap in leadership in the media and entertainment industry by 2025. The program is part leadership-training/part-movement-building. It is based on Take The Lead’s core curriculum, the "9 Leadership Power Tools to Advance Your Career" training program, that teaches women how to lead themselves, their careers, their organizations, and their industries with a new definition of power. We are shifting from an outdated, oppressive “Power Over” model to an expansive, positive and innovative “Power To.” model. Originated by legendary social justice activist, Gloria Feldt, the 9 Leadership Power Tools are proven to accelerate women into leadership.

Within the program are opportunities for the cohorts to co-create and find support through a cross-section of special guest speakers, panelists, and other industry influencers. Topics to be covered include:

  • Asking for what you want (funding and financing)

  • Legal insight for women in the industry

  • Tools to navigate difficult people and situations within the industry

  • Industry game changers (women and men who are taking the lead to support women-led and women-based content.)

  • Self-care and personal development

Through partnerships with like-minded organizations, the initiative also includes off-site opportunities to engage with other women at customized programs, salons, panels, screenings and other events connected with gender parity and amplifying women's voices.  

Click here for more information.


What is the selection process to determine the 50 Women cohort?

Once our nomination process closes on December 10th, 2017. Our review committee and advisory committee will select the candidates based on the following criteria:

  • an ambitious woman committed to gender parity in media & entertainment

  • a woman with a game-changing attitude and mentality

  • a minimum of 5 years experience in the industry with demonstrated accomplishments

  • a track record of self-awareness, openness to feedback, and a shared commitment to helping others succeed while making a positive impact on society

We are looking to build a meaningful collaboration of diverse women across the industry, including production, executive, management, and independent creatives.


I’m not able to participate in the 50 Women cohort. How can I still engage in this program?

There are multiple ways to engage in this initiative. 1) If you’d like to participate in a future cohort, sign-up from our home page and we’ll notify you when we announce our next program. 2) Engage as a champion and spread the word. 3) Nominate another woman. 4) Collaborate with us on a like-minded project. 5) Connect with us to discuss opportunities to participate as a guest speaker, panelist, or mentor. 6) Donate to support a woman’s participation in the program.  7) Have other ideas? Connect with us!


What are the requirements to be eligible to participate?

The ideal candidate is:

  • an ambitious women committed to gender parity in media & entertainment
  • a woman with a game-changing attitude and mentality
  • a minimum of 5 years experience in the industry with demonstrated accomplishments
  • a track record of self-awareness, openness to feedback, and a shared commitment to helping others succeed while making a positive impact on society

We are looking to build a meaningful collaboration of diverse women across the industry, including production, executive, management, and independent creatives.


Who are the program leads and instructors?

Click here to learn more about the program instructors.  The program also includes guest speaker and panelists.


Are travel expenses and lodging covered during the on-site immersion program?

Participation in the program does not include travel expenses or lodging. Please connect with our team for suggestions for local hotels should you be staying overnight.  


Are volunteer or internship opportunities available?

Yes, our program integrates both volunteers and internship opportunities. Please contact Brooke Newberry for more information. brookenewberry@taketheleadwomen.com.


Are meals included and how about dietary restrictions?

The event includes healthy and delicious catered meals and snacks.


Press & Media: I would like to cover this event or interview a 50 Women participant, the team leads, keynote speaker or presenter. Who should I contact to to arrange an interview?  

For press inquiries please contact brookenewberry@taketheleadwomen.com. 


I’d like to participate as a guest speaker or panelist. Who should I contact?

Please contact, Elisa Parker at elisa@seejanedo.com.


How do I sponsor 50 Women Can Change the World in Media & Entertainment?

We’d love your support! We have several sponsorship levels available for businesses and individuals. Please contact elisa@seejanedo.com for a sponsorship packet and exhibitor information.


What is the dress code?

For the program, there is no specific dress code for the event. Dress comfortably.

For the launch event, cocktail attire is recommended.