Pollstar & VenuesNow's Women Of Live 2022

Pollstar is proud to announce its 2022 Women Of Live Honorees, featuring dynamic executives in roles throughout the live industry, including managers like 10 Q Management’s Lydia Asrat, production pros like Tina Farris Tours’ Tina Farris, talent buyers like C3 Presents’ Margaret Galton, and agents like WME partner Cristina Baxter, along with folks working in ticketing, promotion, licensing, brand partnerships and entertainment law.

We are continuously inspired by these leaders in the business and women forging their own path, from cover honoree Lesley Olenik, Live Nation’s SVP, Global Touring – who has promoted tours for groundbreaking artists like Billie Eilish, Lizzo and Janelle Monáe – to Heather Lowery, President and CEO of Femme It Forward, who recently launched a mentorship program pairing 200 young women of color mentees with leading female executives and entrepreneurs. And then there’s Blues N Roots festival co-owner/producers Tracy Lane and Shay Jasper, who booked 2021’s event with a 100% women-led or non-binary lineup.

Besides their love for live music, a common theme throughout these women’s stories is their passion for lifting others up.

Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress, once famously said, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”

These women have not only claimed their own seats in the business, but they’re bringing along chairs for others and providing opportunities for the next generation.

“When it comes to finding success as a woman, particularly a woman in the music industry, our strength comes from each other,” said Grace Blake, programming director for City Winery NYC, Pier 57 and Hudson Valley.

“We have certainly come a long way in the many leadership roles women now have, however we still have work to be done,” Blake continued. “And we’ll only get there if we come together and pay it forward. My favorite African proverb speaks to where we are and where we’ve yet to travel. ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. ’”

“When it comes to finding success as a woman in the music industry, our strength comes from each other.”
Grace Blake, Programming Director for City Winery NYC, Pier 57 and Hudson Valley.

Women Of Live Honorees

August-Perna, Lucy
Director, Global Sustainability; Live Nation

Bartch, Shannon
Regional Leader of Sports Recreation and Entertainment

Bedier, Kim
GM, ocV!BE/Honda Center

Castillo Butcher, Christy
SVP Programming, SoFi Stadium / Hollywood Park

Conde, Mary
Senior Vice President, Another Planet Entertainment

Davis, Katie
VP of Operations, Aramark

Garnett, Shura
SVP Convention Centers, OVG360

Hunter, Jenn
Senior director of DEI, Portland Trail Blazers

Peguero, Candace
Vice President, Operations; Entertainment and Sports Arena / Events DC

Lash, Jaclyn
VP, Special Events; petco Park

Leifer, Rebecca
Assistant GM, Forest Hills Stadium

Lincoln, Geni
Gm and SVP of Live Events, Forum

McWilliams, Jacqie Commissioner, CIAA

Pandolfo, Katie
General Manager, Dignity Health Sports Park; LA Galaxy

Schloessman, Kathryn
President & CEO; LA Sports and Entertainment Commission

Sosa, Sherri
President, Venue Nation

Click here to see VenuesNow’s Women Of Live Honorees