Pictured above: WIFT-T Media Leadership Program, Class of 2020 with co-directors of the Arts, Media & Entertainment Management Program at the Schulich School of Business, York University: Joyce Zemans, C.M., and Trina McQueen, O.C.

We're proud to announce the selected participants of our 2020 Media Leadership Program (MLP)!

The MLP is presented biennially with support from presenting partner, Bell Media. Developed in collaboration with faculty at the Schulich School of Business at York University, the program focuses on leadership skills development, strategic thinking, and innovation strategies for those aspiring to C-suite roles, or who wish to enhance the competitiveness of their media business.

Geared towards working professionals, this program provides MBA-level learning combined with industry-focused insights and best practices.

“There have been incredible strides in the past few years to achieve gender parity in our industry, most visibly being an increase in opportunities for women in creative roles. What we need to complement these initiatives is more women in executive management, equipped with the entrepreneurial and leadership skills to advance our industry and inspire the next generation. We’re grateful to present this executive-level program once again in collaboration with the Schulich School of Business, and our presenting partner, Bell Media.”

— Karen Bruce, Executive Director, WIFT-T

“Schulich’s MBA Program in Arts, Media and Entertainment shares a common purpose with WIFT-T: to make sure creative enterprises flourish in Canada. This year’s MLP is full of talented people who can make that happen, and we’re proud to give them new tools for success.”

— Trina McQueen, O.C., Bell Media Professor of Media Management; Co-Director, Arts, Media and Entertainment Program, Schulich School of Business

The 2020 WIFT-T Media Leadership Program participants are: ‍

• Shanaaz Berment, manager, special programs, Brunico Communications
• Sarah Carney, senior manager, planning and operations, digital publishing, CBC
• Laura Friedmann, freelance producer, filmmaker, and photographer
• Anne Harrop, director, legal counsel, technology, Corus Entertainment
• Kathryn Hughes, creative content operations and services, Netflix
• Nora Keely, vice-president, production, Brown Bag Films
• P.J. Marcellino, founder, producer, Anatomy of Restlessness Films
• Kelsey McLaren, director, regulatory, CMPA
• Sara McLaren, director, publicity, Bell Media
• Emily Mills, founder, producer, How She Hustles
• Ryan Reaney, producer-in-residence, Productivity Media
• Sarah Saucier, office operations manager, Dark Slope Studios
• Lara Shaw, director, content, RTR Media Inc.
• Mary-Anne Taylor, head of content distribution – Canada, Roku Inc.

The Media Leadership Program covers a range of executive-level topics including: business communications, finance management, business accounting, marketing, organizational behaviour, human resources management, and strategic and innovative leadership.

2020 instructors include: Trina McQueen, O.C., Bell Media Professor of Media Management, and co-director of the Arts, Media and Entertainment Program, Schulich School of Business; Dr. Alan C. Middleton, distinguished adjunct professor of marketing and executive director, Schulich Executive Education Centre (SEEC); Glain Roberts-McCabe, founder, president, The Roundtable; Stephen Friedman, executive coach, and instructor, SEEC (organization studies); Dr. Wissam Al-Hussaini, instructor, SEEC (strategic leadership, general management)and director, Custom Mini-MBA Program, Schulich School of Business; Beppino Pasquali, CPA, CA, SEEC; Diana Kawarsky, MA, CCP, president, The Soft Skills Group, and instructor, SEEC (business communications); and Lee-Anne McLear, co-director, Schulich’s Centre of Excellence in Innovation Management, SEEC.

Participants will also attend the Digital Media at the Crossroads (DM@X) conference in Toronto, February 7-8.

Those who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate of completion award from the Schulich School of Business at York University.