Marking a major milestone in its advocacy of women in the music industry, the Nashville-based Women’s Music Business Association hosted its 25th Anniversary Celebration and 2024 Wonder Woman Awards ceremony on Monday, December 2.
Held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the annual year-end gala honored key members and alumni dedicated to the WMBA mission, working to empower female perspective and foster community within the music business. Created and led by women, the membership organization has now spent 25 years on critical efforts to help women in music thrive – and as always, its Wonder Woman Awards highlighted those making the biggest difference.
The 2024 Wonder Woman Award winners include:
Katie Sundra, External Affairs Senior Information Manager (Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum) – Rookie of the Year Award, acknowledged for surpassing first-year member expectations to become a vocal and highly effective WMBA member.
Lisa Smoot, Director of Secondary Promotion (Big Loud) – Unsung Hero Award, for her work behind the scenes to advance the WMBA cause in countless ways.
Nikki Deaton, Executive Assistant (Robert Deaton/C.A.M.P. 615/24 Entertainment) – On the Rise Award, recognizing an up-and-coming industry talent who is climbing ever faster toward the top.
Rachel Mangan, Associate Attorney (Lewis Brisbois) – Extra Mile Award, given to a member who has gone above and beyond to make the WMBA mission a success in the past year.
Kelsey Roche, Account Executive (FBMM) – Spirit Award, in honor of a member who enthusiastically represents the WMBA ethos, both within the organization and through community outreach.
and Aimee Graham, Public Programs Manager (Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum) – President’s Alumni Award, for a former member who has continued to excel in WMBA fundraising, advocacy, recruiting, and mentorship.
Finally, the nights top honor went to Rachel Rodriguez, Artist, Songwriter and CEO at RR Productions. In earning the 2024 Wonder Woman Award, Rodriguez was held up as a true champion of the WMBA cause, who has tirelessly given her time and energy in the past year. Exemplifying the organization both publicly and behind the scenes, the Wonder Woman expands WMBA’s reach, and strengthens its foundation for years to come.
"This year's WMBA Wonder Woman Awards was an extraordinary event acknowledging not only our members and their accomplishments, but also celebrating our 25th year of doing so," said Amery Fridenstine, Chairwoman of the Board. "Recognizing the influence of these incredible women in the industry alongside our current members and alumni in such an iconic space as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum made our 25th that much more special! The WMBA’s celebrated history of support, education, impact and excellence, is the culmination of the hard work and dedication our membership and alumni have contributed to the music industry as well as shown each other. I’m looking forward to the next 25 years and to see how this legacy continues to grow."
Sponsors of this year’s WMBA Wonder Woman Awards included Curb Records, the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA), FBMM, and Outback Presents.
Additional 2024 sponsors include City National Bank, Neon Coast, Pinnacle Bank, and AEC.
Further support was provided by Buchalter, Moo TV, Back Blocks, The Kinkead Entertainment Agency, Global Songwriters Connection, Sweet Talk Publicity, PRI, Inc., Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, Monarch Publicity, and Country Radio Broadcasters.
To apply to join the Women’s Music Business Association or gather more information, please visit www.wmbanashville.org or reach out to [email protected].
