For Immediate Release Kim Spence, AWRT SoCal Chapter Public Relations Director 310.463.4201 Laura Behrman, AWRT SoCal Chapter President 818-569-3148

AWRT SoCal Announces Record Enrollments
For Speed Mentoring Event

In a Down Economy, Enrollments Soar at AWRT's Career Development and Networking Event

February 25, 2009

Burbank, CA (February 26, 2009) -- The Southern California Chapter of American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT SoCal) announce record enrollments for its Speed Mentoring event, being held Saturday, February 28, 9am - noon at Disney's East Dining Room in the ABC Building in Burbank.

Registrations for Speed Mentoring jumped 88% above expectations as news about an uncertain economy and volatile job market dominates daily headlines. "In this market, it's not just about 'what' you know," states Julie Kertes, event producer, Southern California Chapter, American Women in Radio & Television. "It's also 'who' you know that can make a difference. Networking is a crucial element for career success."

The AWRT is the longest established professional association dedicated to advancing women in media and entertainment. A distinguished panel of 41 mentors are available at this event -- one-on-one --for career advice and encouragement. Modeled after the "speed dating" concept, attendees will have five minutes with each mentor before moving on to the next.

"This is an ideal opportunity if someone is considering changing careers and exploring radio, TV or other media outlets," explains Laura Behrman, president, Southern California Chapter, American Women in Radio & Television. "We have assembled a blue ribbon panel of professionals who are donating their time to provide career advice and job hunting tips."

Attendees will learn about different jobs in the media and entertainment industry, how these professionals got their start, and how to hone their networking skills.

American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) is a non-profit professional organization of women and men who work in the electronic media and allied fields. There is a nationwide membership of over 3,000 individuals.

Blue Ribbon Panel of Mentors

• Laura Behrman, Promotion Director, Radio Disney
• Valerie Blackburn, Market Controller, CBS Radio Group
• Samm Brown, Film/TV Composer, Record Producer, Songwriter, Arranger, Conductor and Radio Talk Show Host
• Josh Calapini, Director, Disney ABC-Television Group-Network Media
• Toni Cassalas, President of Children in Film
• Rob Christie, Record Producer and Founder of Robo Records
• Stacey Cohen, Owner, Cohen Creative
• Kat Corbett, 106.7 KROQ DJ - Middays
• Kim Costello, Manager, Learning and Development for the Disney ABC Television Group
• Bonnie Gallanter, Muse Artist Management, President, Muse Entertainment
• Barbara Grimm, Director of Sales Development for Radio Disney AM 1110
• Missy Haffley, Account Executive - Outdoor Advertising
• Debra Hurd, KCBS/KCAL Engineering Operations Manager
• Jennifer Jayn, Hypnotherapist
• Haley Jones, Assistant Program Director/Music Director for 100.3 The Sound
• Christian Kennedy, Editor-in-Chief, Head of Production
• Linda Koss, Visionary of South Bay Woman Magazine/Host of South Bay Woman Magazine Internet Radio show
• Shira Lazar, On-air personality/blogger
• Tracie Lewis, Programmer, Film Independent
• Sharon Liggins, Executive Director, Program Publicity - ABC Studios
• Marcela Luevanos, On-air Personality
• Risa Matsuki, Director, National Radio Promotion for Myspace Records
• Lydia Matus, Account Executive for Adlink
• Cyndee Maxwell, Editorial Director/Associate Publisher for Radio & Records
• Linda McKenzie, Founder, General Manager of HealthyLife.net Radio Network
• Stacy Milner, Vice President, Executive Temps Entertainment Employment Agency
• Ted Milner, President, Executive Temps Entertainment Employment Agency
• Michael Nankin, Writer/Producer/Director
• Katrina Nelson: V, COO for Blackarazzi Entertainment Group, LLC
• Nicole Devereux, On-air Personality, 100.3 The Sound
• John Paley, VP/GM 760 KIRN-AM
• Angela Perelli-Ebbott, Radio Consultant, The Randy Lane Company
• Kathy Perez, News Director, FOX 11
• Shannon Rosenberg, Account Executive for XM Radio
• Kim Spence, Associate Director of Marketing, Film Independent - Home of the Spirit Awards & Los Angeles Film Festival
• Elizabeth Stevens, Freelance Producer for CNN Los Angeles
• Karen Trachtenberg, Writer
• Talaya Trigueros, Mid-day On Air Host, KTWV Smooth Jazz 94.7 "THE Wave"
• Tara Veneruso, Award-winning Director and Editor
• John Vogel, Director/Producer, Emerging Media Producer for Liberation Media
• Panney Wei, TV-Radio Host-Motivational Speaker-Writer-Hypnotherapist

For more information about the Southern California Chapter of AWRT, please visit www.awrtsocal.org, email info@awrtsocal.org or call (323) 904-4105.

About American Women in Radio & Television, Southern California Chapter:
The Southern California Chapter of American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT SoCal) is a non-profit membership organization for women and men who work in the electronic media and allied fields in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and Ventura counties. The Southern California Chapter of AWRT offers numerous local benefits to its members, including networking events, educational programs, community outreach, and career counseling. AWRT SoCal works to improve the quality of electronic media; promote the entry, development and advancement of women in the field; foster communication and idea exchange; and give back to the community it serves. (www.awrtsocal.org)

About AWRT SoCal Genii Awards:
For over 50 years, AWRT's Southern California Chapter has presented the highest honor AWRT SoCal bestows in the name of Chapter Founder, Jeanne Gray McDonald.

Genii honorees are recognized for their pioneering efforts, dedicated leadership, commitment to quality and excellence, and their community contributions. Saluting the notable achievements of excellence by individuals in the broadcasting industry, the Genii Awards benefit AWRT SoCal's scholarship fund, and educational programs.

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