The Country Music Association Announces New Class of Women's Leadership Academy

The Country Music Association, the leading trade association supporting the Country Music industry, proudly announces the newest class of participants for its Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA)—a cornerstone of CMA’s year-round commitment to fostering leadership and community across the business.

Now entering its fourth year, the program is more than a professional development initiative, it is an active, evolving network of women shaping the future of the music business. The experience began with an opening reception yesterday, August 3 at Gold Pacific Studios. The first official session kicks off today, August 4, with CMA Board Chairman Jennie Smythe delivering opening remarks. The 12-week, cohort-based program will guide 14 high-performing, high-potential women through a dynamic journey of weekly group coaching, peer connection, and hands-on leadership training. In addition to learning alongside executive coaches and industry mentors, participants gain access to a growing network of program alumni who continue to support one another long after the program ends.

“The Women's Leadership Academy has grown into a powerful reflection of the women who make this industry stronger every day,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy. “It’s not just about 12 weeks of programming; it’s about lifelong impact. I’m incredibly proud of the energy and intention behind this program and can’t wait to see how this new class builds on the momentum of the women who came before them. Together, they’re shaping the future of our business.”

The new class of CMA’s Women’s Leadership Academy includes:

Jackie Augustus (Lead, Country & Folk, Artist Partnerships, Spotify)
Shaina Botwin (Vice President, Boom Music Group | Co-Manager, Sasha Alex Sloan)
Sara Foster (TV and Live Event Producer)
Melissa Goldberg (Vice President, Digital & Social, CMT)
Morgan Kenney (Country Music Agent, WME)
Anna Kolander (Senior Manager & Head of A&R, Activist Artists Management)
Olivia Laster (Head of Artist & Label Relations, Sticks Management)
Rakiyah Marshall (Founder & CEO, Back Blocks Music)
Morgan Mills (Chief Marketing Officer, CmdShft)
Courtney Pender (Vice President, People Experience, Sony Music Publishing)
Karen Schillinger (Agent, Creative Artists Agency)
Chandler Nicole Sherrill (Senior Director, Creative, Electric Feel Entertainment)
Shana Melissa Saunders (Product Manager, Business Development, Music Corporation of America)
Christina Wiltshire (Senior Director, A&R, Warner Chappell Music)

WLA participants will start by setting intentional personal and professional goals, which will serve as a foundation throughout the program. Cohort members will take part in facilitated group sessions led by executive coaches Lisa Gamble of Gamble Coaching & Consulting LLC and Nicole Provonchee of Bright Blue Consulting—both recognized for their commitment to advancing women leaders and their deep expertise in leadership development. The curriculum is designed to build practical leadership skills while fostering personal growth, covering topics such as personal branding, career advancement, conflict management, negotiation, self-advocacy, influence, and confidence—equipping participants to lead with greater clarity, impact, and resilience.