By Thea Wood | Founder
Dear Herizon Music Family,
Herizon Music’s board of directors has voted on major changes for the organization in 2023. As you are a loyal advocate of our mission, we want to share with you those changes and what they mean before the general public.
As of June 29, 2023, Herizon Music will no longer be a nonprofit entity. Our vision for how to uplift women in music on a national scale was met with a number of challenges that nonprofits face, including but not limited to:
— Expensive registration and legal fees for every state in which we want to do business
— A grant system that awarded less than 2% of all monies to nonprofits serving women/girls in 2022
— Federal restrictions on earning money from advertising and affiliate programs that can help pay for projects like our podcast, newsletter, and educational programs
In spite of these restrictions, we’ve accomplished SO MUCH in the past four years! See the below graphic for 2022 highlights.
So what does this mean for the rest of 2023?
I will continue to host the podcast as a stand-alone production. The name will change from Backstage Chats With Women in Music to Herizon Music with a catchy tagline TBD. This allows us to keep our social media handles/followers and continue its brand equity momentum. It also makes room for a variety of show formats — not just interviews. Exposés, educational segments, live streaming, and more are all on the table!
Our 2023 rising star Amethyst Jonquille will continue to receive her award benefits as she “wows” fans with her artistic and fanbase growth. We’ve hired Jeska Forsyth for a professional styling and photo shoot - can’t wait to see the new pics!
We are planning the next Austin, TX music maker meetup with Wendy Colonna scheduled as the guest speaker. Date and venue TBA. Other educational programming is also in the works!
You will continue to receive the newsletter, which is morphing into more of an educational and industry news format. We’ve tested it with positive results.
This summer will be a time of reflection and strategic planning for me. My personal mission remains the same: empowering women in music for merit-based success. Stay tuned for updates.
There are some superstars I’d like to thank for going above and beyond in supporting Herizon Music since 2019:
— Board of Directors: Mary Beth Appleton, Christy Greeneisen, Joy Lakin, Grace Lanni, and Amanda Meyer. I thank you all for your service, sage advice, and dedication.
— Advisors Michael Smith, Wendy Colonna, and Kelley Glover. You’re all rockstars.
— Mikella Chrisman for giving 110% during her time as executive director.
— Bianca Garcia, social media guru and intern manager extraordinaire.
— Nicole B. Tate, who made our annual Tate-Makeba Rising Star Award and event possible. You’re a fierce advocate for women in the arts, and I’m blessed to call you Soul Sister.
— Penny Jo Pullus of Texchromosome, Jamie Bahr of Girls Rock Austin, Lurleen Ladd’s WaveMakers, and Karrie Keyes of soundgirls.org who have served not only as partners but also mentors. You continue to inspire me with your unwavering dedication to the cause.
— Search Plus International, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, GivingOutLoud, Kendra Scott, Gibson Brands, Antone’s Home of the Blues, and icons like Joan Jett, Carole King, Kathy Valentine, Linda Perry, Melissa Etheridge, Daryl Hall & John Oates, and Reba McEntire. These industry leaders are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable music industry.
Of course, it’s your past and continued support of women in music that makes my heart sing. Thank you for your patronage and your enthusiasm. I’d like to conclude this announcement with HMF’s stated values, as they will remain intact as we transition to the next chapter:
Music is The Great Uniter
Uplifting others brings joy
Sharing stories incites change
Investing in women is wise
Collaboration beats competition
Thank you for joining our band of dreamers, rule breakers, and rockstars!
Stay tuned…
Thea Wood, Herizon Music
Links:
By Thea Wood | President/CEO
By Thea Wood | President
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