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\n\tThe Latin music landscape is undergoing a bigger transformation where women are not only stepping into the spotlight, but also reshaping the industry through leadership, innovation and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. This was demonstrated by top female executives and industry members at the Wonder Women of Latin Music panel, which kicked off the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) on Wednesday (July 10) morning in New York.<\/p>\n
\n\tModerated by\u00a0Billboard<\/em>\u2018s\u00a0<\/strong>Griselda Flores, the eight wonder women of Latin music took the mics at the InterContinental Hotel on Wednesday (July 10) for a candid conversation on why female solidarity and representation is crucial in the music industry. \u201cHaving female leadership has been crucial for my professional development, because we understand each other and know the challenges we face, such as the glass ceiling,\u201d said Celia Saez of The Orchard.<\/p>\n \n\tBelow, the best and most memorable quotes from the Wonder Women of Latin Music panel:<\/p>\n \n\tKemelly Figueroa-Mouriz of Loud And Live on diversity initiatives: <\/strong>\u201cI have a lot of experience in mentorship. I think that has forced me to go outside of my circle and find the solution to allocating voices. Going outside and seeking them has been so amazing \u2014 seeing that support, and receiving that support. I think it\u2019s important to see that not only are we all here together to have the conversation but also to celebrate. This generation coming in, it\u2019s important to seek and establish relationships, nurture these student-mentor connections.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tYasmin Muller of Spotify on artist development: <\/strong>\u201cI\u2019ve been involved in curation and programming, and a big part of our job is to discover new artists and help them gain exposure. We\u2019re always asking, \u2018Why are we passionate about this artist, and why should you give them a chance?\u2019 However, I often consider the [flip] side: finding an artist with talent and working with them in a meaningful way, utilizing my experience. Working with artists is incredibly challenging; it\u2019s a job that never stops and requires constant thought. But it would be fascinating to apply all my experience to support a talent I truly believe in, particularly women in challenging industries.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tFabi Kulick of Live Nation on career resilience:<\/strong> \u201cYou should never be afraid to lift yourself up and start from scratch. This industry might look glamorous and indeed, it is fun. You get to support artists, work with talented people, and meet incredible professionals who often become friends. However, I\u2019ve experienced my share of downturns where I\u2019ve had to start over, even with 12 years of experience. At that time, I made an entry-level decision to join a major label. I knew that once I demonstrated my work ethic and experience, I would grow. And here I am today, eight years later.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tGriselda Flores of Billboard <\/em>on supporting the next generation: <\/strong>\u201cThe process is crucial because it teaches you what you want and don\u2019t want in your career, including what\u2019s non-negotiable and what you\u2019re willing to accept. I always advise taking whatever job you can get, because you gain so much experience from it. It\u2019s all part of the process of reaching your goals. An important piece of advice I received, and always think about, is not just to push the door open but to hold it open. Don\u2019t let it shut behind you; hold it for those who are coming next.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tRoc\u00edo Guerrero of Amazon Music on the influence of mentorship: <\/strong>\u201cI feel like I have learned from so many people \u2014 peers, managers, mentors, team members \u2014 and honestly, from every conversation I have, there\u2019s always something to learn. I do want to especially acknowledge my mom. She\u2019s a music professor who not only introduced me to the magic of music but also taught me from a very early age that it is indeed possible to be a good mother while having a rewarding career. This has made me confident in the possibility of achieving both.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tIsabel Paz of The Latin Recording Academy on gender collaboration: <\/strong>\u201cThe most beautiful thing is that men and women can work together. When it comes to working with women, instead of competing, let\u2019s add up!\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tGabriela Urquiza of GlamRock Agency reflects on gender challenges in the past: <\/strong>\u201cIn 1993, there were not many women working in the industry. I started working in a company, which was up to date for its time, and I was lucky to have bosses who did not make gender distinctions. Even though it was quite a macho industry at the time, these bosses always gave me a place and support, standing out regardless of the prevailing machismo.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tCelia Saez of The Orchard on female leadership:<\/strong> \u201cI was fortunate enough to start my career in a company led by women in 1996 who encouraged female leadership, and where the top management positions were held by women. Fortunately, I had female colleagues who shared the same vision \u2014 and, although I have now been here for 12 years, I have always found myself in female-dominated environments. This has been crucial for my professional development, because we understand each other and know the challenges we face, such as the glass ceiling. For me, always being surrounded by women has been a great help. While there have been very influential men in my career, I want to emphasize the impact of this female dynamic.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tCelebrating its 25th anniversary, the 2024 edition of the Latin Alternative Music Conference includes a Q&A with Fonseca, moderated by Billboard<\/em>\u2018s Leila Cobo; a Q&A with Residente, moderated by Rolling Stone<\/em>\u2018s Julyssa Lopez, panels on the Business of Songwriting, Publicity and Social Media, New Releases and Catalogs, Bridging Music and Money, and a talk on 25 Years of LAMC: Latin Music\u2019s Past, Present & Future. To see the full LAMC guide, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n