 Many people ask me why I started #WomenCrush Music. I could tell you about an epiphany, about realizing my destiny to advocate for women’s equality--but the truth is much simpler and more personal. Although I knew the music industry badly needed a space for women to connect with one another, in reality #WCM originated from my desire to make friends in an unfamiliar city. When I moved from NYC to Portland, I didn't know where to find my tribe, so I found a way to bring my tribe to me. I just wanted to connect with new people and future collaborators. I least expected to embark on this incredible journey of developing #WCM into an international nonprofit organization, but it turned out that all along, I was finding my calling. It feels like my whole life has led up to this point, but I know that #WCM is not important to only me anymore. #WomenCrush Music is bigger than me now; it is a movement and a force for good in our industry and our world.
Over the past year and a half, we have appeared in national outlets like Lenny Letter, and we have partnered with international companies like SoFar Sounds. We have TRIPLED in size and have hosted nearly 100 events across the USA and Canada with the help of thirty very dedicated VOLUNTEERS. Collectively, we have given hundreds, perhaps thousands, of rising women songwriters opportunities to meet someone who can help further their careers. #WCM has done a lot this year, but we have so much more on the horizon. Our priorities for 2019 are to secure compensation for our artists and speakers and pay our staff for their dedication; we also plan to expand our programs to more cities in North and Latin America. If my journey has taught me one thing, it is to never underestimate the combination of ambition and teamwork. This is why I intend in the future to establish a #WCM Headquarters: a safe environment for artists and industry members to connect and create. Our first crowdfunding campaign is officially over, and though we did not meet our 10K goal, we did raise 3K with the help of 57 generous donors! That’s an incredible start for us to keep crushing it and take steps towards our larger vision. These funds will be used for our 501c3 application and #WCM merch/marketing materials. The rest will be put toward costs for 2019 until our next fundraising effort. I am profoundly grateful for all of the support we’ve received--your generosity reminds me that anything is possible for this organization. On behalf of the whole #WomenCrush Music team, I thank you for all of your support - know that your time and generosity will help us continue connecting, educating, and inspiring women songwriters. Our mission advances as strongly as ever into the future, and we hope your support will too. And if you’re interested in making a donation at this time or any other, you are welcome to email me directly at ashley@womencrushmusic.com. Let’s keep crushin’ it! Xoxo Ashley Kervabon-Stoyanov Founder & Executive Directress
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