Schulich ExecEd redesigns certificate program for women leaders in media
In conjunction with Women in Film and Television (WIFT), Schulich ExecEd introduced the revamped media leadership certificate program, which strives to uplift and empower women in the film and television industry by creating connections between peers.
Schulich ExecEd, Schulich faculty and WIFT have assembled a team of veteran leadership, business and management professionals to inspire students – particularly women – to develop into top leaders in their organizations. Industry experts and Schulich MBA faculty Trina McQueen and Lisa de Wilde worked with industry practitioners to create bespoke curricula for the program’s newest entrants, who began their certificates in March.
“The media leadership program has had a 20-year history of success,” said McQueen. “The combination of superb professors, long-time industry leaders, and students who are already successful is a heady mix, and their work will enrich Canadian media.”
McQueen and de Wilde share a personal and professional passion for helping women who are both aspiring and already established in their industry to grow their careers and achieve professional goals.
“I am excited to work with this incredibly impressive cohort of women,” de Wilde said. “Over the next three months we will add some new powerful business tools to their toolkits, helping them to realize their creative dreams — and we will have some fun!”
WIFT represents the collective interests of women in the film and television industry. Their mission is to build and advance the careers of members by providing professional development and mentorship in collaboration with industry partners.
“With Canada’s own Sarah Polley recently winning an Oscar for best adapted screenplay for the movie ‘Women Talking’; Kathryn Bigelow, one of the most successful movie directors in the U.S.; as well Shondra Rhymes, writer, producer and showrunner of some of the most popular TV show; there’s no shortage of female talents and role models in all aspects of TV and film,” said Schulich ExecEd Executive Director Rami Mayer.
“This program, which we at Schulich ExecEd are so proud to deliver in partnership with WIFT, will help complement the sheer capability these women clearly possess with the necessary business acumen, peer support and mentorship to help build the self-belief and determination that is so key for women aspiring for success in this industry,” Rami said.