WMBA Celebrates 25th Anniversary At 2024 Wonder Woman Awards

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Pictured (L–R): Nikki Deaton, Kelsey Roche, Lisa Smoot, Aimee Graham, Rachel Rodriguez, Rachel Mangan and Katie Sundra. Photo: Nick Tavares/NTP Photography

The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) recently celebrated its 25th anniversary during its 2024 Wonder Woman Award ceremony.

Held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, the annual year-end gala honored members and alumni who are dedicated to WMBA’s mission of working to empower female perspective and foster community within the music business.

The 2024 Wonder Woman Award, the night’s top honor, went to RR Productions’ Rachel Rodriguez. The Wonder Woman title is bestowed upon a member who exemplifies the organization both publicly and behind the scenes while expanding WMBA’s reach and strengthening its foundation.

Additionally, the museum’s Katie Sundra was recognized with Rookie of the Year Award, and Big Loud’s Lisa Smoot took home the Unsung Hero Award.

CAMP 615 and 24 Entertainment’s Nikki Deaton was presented with the On the Rise Award, which is given to an up-and-coming industry talent who is quickly climbing to the top, while Lewis Brisbois’ Rachel Mangan earned the Extra Mile Award, which recognizes a member who has gone above and beyond to ensure the success of the WMBA mission over the past year.

FBMM’s Kelsey Roche was named as this year’s Spirit Award recipient for representing the WMBA ethos both within the organization and through community outreach, and the museum’s Aimee Graham was honored with the President’s Alumni Award, which is presented to a former member who has continued to excel in WMBA fundraising, advocacy, recruiting and mentorship.

“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,” shares Amery Fridenstine, WMBA Board Chairwoman. “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.”

Liza Anderson
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