The Association for Women in Sports Media (AWSM) is the newest student organization at C&IS. The group focuses on assisting aspiring female, sports media professionals in networking and learning from women in the sports media industry, and provides an avenue for internship and scholarship opportunities.
“The sports media industry is predominantly male,” said Caleigh Newberry, president of AWSM. “It’s important for women to have a presence in sports media to provide a unique perspective and insight. Women broaden the audience and contribute to a different view of the market.”
So far, the group has begun fundraising for the opportunity to attend the national organization’s convention. Newberry and AWSM faculty advisor, Dr. Coral Marshall, talk with board members of AWSM each month to create networking opportunities for C&IS students who get involved. AWSM also works with ESPN-U to write stories focused on female athletes.
Newberry wants to ensure that AWSM members have access to career development opportunities that give them confidence and connections when they enter the workforce upon graduation.
“It’s to our advantage as younger women in the industry to learn about specific hurdles for women in sports media from those who have been there and done that,” said Newberry.
Founded in 1987, the Association for Women in Sports Media serves as a support network and advocacy group for women who work in sports writing, editing, broadcast and production, and public and media relations. The volunteer-lead organization works to promote and increase diversity in sports media through our internship/scholarship program, which has placed more than 100 female college students in paid internships since 1990, as well as through mentoring links and career-enhancement initiatives. To learn more about AWSM national, visit their website.
The UA chapter of AWSM meets in Reese Phifer 104C the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. To learn more about the UA chapter of the AWSM, send them an email.
