Advisory Board

We are proud to announce the members of our newly formed Advisory Board. Comprised of a dynamic group of leaders, its members represent a broad range of roles in the music industry. The group will serve to advise and guide the WiMN, contributing times, ideas, and resources to aid its growth and outreach.

 Mindi Abair – Grammy-nominated saxophone player and singer/songwriter

Two-time GRAMMY nominee Mindi Abair has made her mark as one of the most recognizable saxophonists in the U.S. You may know her as the saxophonist on American Idol, or the only saxophonist to tour with rock legends Aerosmith since 1973. You may have seen her on stage with Bruce Springsteen for a historic night at the Beacon Theater, or tuned in as she joined Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra on the Late Show with David Letterman, sat in with The Roots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, caught her recent appearances at The Grand Ole Opry, or recognized her as Al Pacino’s sax player in the movie Danny Collins.

Her eight solo CDs have garnered ten #1 radio hits, seven top 5 spots and two #1 spots on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz album chart. Abair received a 2014 GRAMMY® nomination in the Best Pop Instrumental Album category for Summer Horns, a #1 recording with her friends Dave Koz, Gerald Albright and Richard Elliot, and more recently received a 2015 GRAMMY® nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for her solo CD Wild Heart featuring friends Gregg Allman, Joe Perry, Trombone Shorty, Booker T. Jones, Keb’ Mo’, and Max Weinberg.

She authored the book How To Play Madison Square Garden – A Guide to Stage Performance and serves as a National Trustee for The Recording Academy. The artists she’s toured with and/or recorded with are a testament to her talent: Aerosmith, Gregg Allman, Keb’ Mo’, Joe Perry, Bobby Rush, Lalah Hathaway, Duran Duran, Adam Sandler, Lee Ritenour, The Backstreet Boys, Booker T. Jones, Jimmy Webb, Mandy Moore, Max Weinberg, Bill Champlin, David Pack, Mocean Worker, The Ides of March, Rick Braun, Teena Marie, Bobby Lyle, Jonathan Butler, and Peter White.

Brian Berman – Head of Marketing, National Veterinary Associates

Brian Berman is the Head of Marketing for the National Veterinary Associates. In the past he was Vice President of Retail Marketing for Guitar Center, the largest musical instrument retailer in the United States. Responsible for the overall promotional strategy of Guitar Center in addition to Broad Scale media, Public Relations, Marketing Partnerships, Experiential and Local Marketing, Branding and Content. Brian has spearheaded several large initiatives for Guitar Center responsible for innovative musician development strategies including the marketing for Guitar Center Lessons, Repairs and Rentals.

Previously, Brian has held several executive level marketing positions within the multi-unit, franchise restaurant space and has been responsible for the opening of more than 300 restaurants around the world. Additionally, Brian has developed marketing strategies responsible for driving sales, traffic and awareness across all mediums including traditional, guerilla, local, digital and social marketing. Brian has also been responsible for spearheading social responsibility efforts responsible for driving significant contributions across multiple causes and efforts.

Brian holds a BS in Marketing from California State University, Chico and an MBA in Marketing from California Lutheran University. A constant supporter of musicians’ services as Brian spent his childhood playing instruments ranging from woodwind and brass to marching percussion and is currently working diligently on learning popular Disney songs on the ukulele to entertain his wife and three young daughters.

Janet Billig Rich – Founder, Manage This Media

Janet started her journey in the world of musical entertainment in the rock clubs of NYC. Along the way she has worked as an artist manager, record company executive, music supervisor and theater producer. Initially at Caroline Records, first as a publicist, she then segued into A&R working with artists including the Smashing Pumpkins, Hole and White Zombie. She made the move to artist management partnering with Gold Mountain Entertainment where she was at ground zero of the tidal wave of alternative music in the 90’s managing all her favorite bands, including The Lemonheads, Hole, Nirvana, The Breeders, Walt Mink, Lisa Loeb and Dinosaur Jr.

After a brief detour to Atlantic Records, where she was one of the youngest senior executives, she launched Manage This! and has never looked back….She has partnered with amazing folks along the way and co-produced unscripted television for the E! Network, a multi-year groundbreaking Bluegrass tour based on the music from the film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, a documentary on the reunion tour of the seminal band The Pixies entitled loudQUIETloud and a number theater projects involving a wide range of musical styles.

Among some of her most recent projects are the Tony-nominated Broadway musical Rock Of Ages, the kids-themed musical Camp Kappawanna and the musical theater/cabaret hybrid show For The Record: The Series. Additionally, other ventures include The Lisa Loeb Eyewear Collection with Lisa Loeb now featured at Costco, music supervision & clearance of numerous independent, documentary films (I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead and Step) and national TV commercials for brands such as The North Face and Muscle Milk.

Dawn Birr – Commercial Manager, Audio Recording, Sennheiser Electronics Corporation

Dawn Birr began her career in the audio industry in 2000, joining Sennheiser fresh out of college. She started as a temporary receptionist and began to learn her way around and through the company. Shortly afterwards she moved into Customer Service and began learning how the customers and company worked. Thanks to a nurturing company culture and strong role models who encouraged her to learn as much as possible whenever possible, Dawn was promoted over the years to Neumann Product Manager, Professional RF Product Manager, VP of Sales for U.S. Installed Sound, Global Commercial Manager for Audio Recording, and most recently as Channel Manager for the Americas for Sennheiser Business Solutions. Dawn completed her MBA in 2006 and is a proud Advisory Board Member for the Women’s International Music Network and member of Soundgirls.org


Monique Boyer – Director, Artist Relations | PRO Membership, M.A.C Cosmetics

Being an avid music fan, Monique Boyer moved to Hollywood in 1991 with a dream of working in the music business. After an education in record engineering and working in radio promotion, she discovered another passion: makeup artistry. Luckily, her work these days for M·A·C Cosmetics allows her to experience the best of both industries. As the trendsetting brand’s Director of Artist Relations and M·A·C Pro Membership, she provides product support and education in the areas of music, editorial, theatre, performing arts, and television.

For the past ten years, Monique has directed makeup support for many of the biggest names in music including Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Marilyn Manson, Sia, Missy Elliot, Steven Tyler, Janet Jackson, The Cure, Gwen Stefani, Tori Amos, Motley Crue, Heart, Kelly Clarkson, and Wynonna Judd. She’s seen the music industry from every angle through her work to support music television (including shows like American Idol, The Voice and Nashville), music festivals, and an extensive array of awards shows and ceremonies, including the Grammy Awards, the MTV Video Music Awards, MusiCares Person of the Year, ASCAP’s Women Behind the Music, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Monique is thrilled not only to be immersed in the world of music, but to work with and honor the extraordinary women who have helped build it.

Rob Christie – Republic Records Studio Director

Rob Christie is a two-time Grammy Award winning Music Producer and the Founder – President of A&R for Robo Records (an independent production company & record label, distributed by Universal/Fontana, based in Los Angeles, CA). He currently manages the studio for Republic Records in Los Angeles. He is an L.A. native and graduate of Cal State Northridge, with a degree in Music. While he is a classically trained musician, he has a true passion and appreciation for all the recorded arts. Rob handled production and A&R at EMI-CAPITOL RECORDS in Hollywood for 15 years. He has produced front-line and catalog projects for The Beatles, The Frank Sinatra estate, The Beach Boys, Joss Stone, Tina Turner, Dave Koz, Richie Sambora (of Bon Jovi), the legendary Les Paul…and many more.

Rob is a former radio show host/producer for CBS radio in Los Angeles. He is currently living in Manhattan Beach, California, where he formed Robo Records & Waterfront Entertainment Group, LLC in 2008. Recently, Rob has produced Top-40 projects for country superstar Martina McBride, guitar superstar Orianthi…and catalog projects for The John Lennon estate, Ringo Starr, plus the acclaimed Dean Martin “Forever Cool” (featuring swinging new recordings with Kevin Spacey, Chris Botti, Joss Stone, Robbie Williams, Big Bad Voodooo Daddy and more). Rob is a member of NARAS and committee member for The Grammys.

Rob is the first Male recipient of a She Rocks Award…The Champion Award at NAMM 2016.

Lisa Foxx – On Air Personality, MYfm Los Angeles, iHeartRadio

Lisa Foxx is an on-air radio personality who can be heard on 104.3 MYfm in Los Angeles and their sister station, Star 101.3 in San Francisco, on the iHeartRadio network. For the past 25 years, she’s been the voice of many top stations up and down the California coast, starting in college, and rising to fame in the 90’s in LA where she and Ryan Seacrest tore up the afternoon airwaves on Star 98.7. When not in the studio or freelancing in talent/booking and music supervising, Lisa can be found at one of the restaurants on Sunset Blvd in which she’s a partner, at a Dodgers or Kings game, exercising, doing charity work, and listening to a very eclectic mix of her favorite music, including Maroon 5, U2, Journey, 80’s hair bands, Hall & Oates, Katy Perry and many others.

Karrie Keyes – Monitor Engineer/Pearl Jam/Eddie Vedder and co-founder Soundgirls.org

Hailing from Los Angeles, Karrie has spent the last 25 plus years as the monitor engineer for Pearl Jam and Eddie Vedder. Karrie started out doing sound for punk bands in Los Angeles in 1986 under the tutelage of Dave Rat of Rat Sound, where she spent twenty years helping to establish the company. She was able to gain an immense amount of hands-on experience and technical knowledge at Rat, which eventually led to her becoming the monitor engineer for The Red Hot Chili Peppers from 1990-2000. She first met and started working with Pearl Jam who opened for RHCP on their 1991-1992 Blood Sugar Sex Magic Tour. She has worked with Sonic Youth, Fugazi, and Neil Young.

Ursula Kneller – Director of Global Strategic Operations at Universal Music Group

Ursula Kneller is the Director of Global Strategic Operations at Universal Music Group. In the role, she interfaces with all departments within Def Jam Recordings, Republic Records, Island Records, Capitol Music Group, UMG Nashville and Interscope/Geffen/A&M to capture metadata, assets and rights and recommends ways Universal can fully monetize their repertoire. She also provides tactical direction as to new profit opportunities and underserved revenue streams for example; YouTube, PPL and Sound Exchange. Ursula also holds the title of Director of Commercial Development at Capitol Studios where she heads up all ancillary business in an effort to increase nontraditional revenue.

After graduating from the Musician’s Institute in 2010 with a degree in Vocal Studies and Music Business, Ursula began her career at EMI Music Publishing working in recording studio administration. She was promoted into Marketing and Promotions where she developed strategic project rollout and re-launch plans for a roster of writers and producers, including Jacques Brautbar (Phantom Planet), Skyler Stonestreet (Chainsmokers, Dua Lipa) and Tim Anderson (Banks, Ima Robot).  

In 2012, during the acquisition of EMI by Universal Music Group, Ursula joined Capitol Records helping to ink multi-year brand partnerships with Masters of Maple and Ultimate Ears while spearheading marketing, merchandise, events and digital efforts.  In 2016, she led ideation and planning surrounding legendary Capitol Studios’ 60th Anniversary Festival, a two day event that included sold-out studio tours, live vinyl cutting demos and an on-site vinyl fair. That same year, she was the recipient of the communicator award for her involvement in the re-design of Capitol Studios’ website.

Tara Low – Founder, Editor in Chief at Guitar Girl Magazine

Tara Low is the Founder and Editor in Chief of the popular female-oriented Guitar Girl Magazine. Tara started her journey back in 2009 when she launched her online retail music store known as Guitar It Up for Girls, which catered to young and adult women. Along with the retail focus, she had a blog that featured up-and-coming artists and all things happening with women in the music world. The success of that blog led to the development and roll-out of the digital and ultimate print magazine known today as Guitar Girl Magazine.

Tara has been featured on The Brassy Broad podcast, as well as having the honor of being the first female guest on Taylor Guitars’ podcast. She has also been featured by The Women’s International Music Network in their Front & Center column, as well as Musicians for Equal Opportunity for Women, Rockin’ Moms, Sweet Startups, Lady Boss Blogger, Fox News Atlanta, and VoyageATL. Tara has also been an avid supporter of organizations supporting the development of females in music. Her contributions have included a scholarship at MI for female guitarists, sponsoring students for Girls Rock Camps, and instrument gifting to charitable organizations.

Tara has been sought after for reviews and endorsements of the books out on music and personal development. These books include Leo Fender: The Quiet Giant Heard Around the World – Phyllis Fender and Dr. Randall Bell, Everyone Has a Book Inside Them – Ann Marie Sabbath, and The Man Who Carried Cash – Julie Chadwick, just to mention a few. She successfully raised four children and has always been heavily involved in music. During her school years, Tara played violin and cello and was an accomplished dancer who used to perform across the country. Her husband Ted, a business professional and guitar enthusiast helped to instill a passion for music into the lives of their children.

Beth Marlis – Vice President, Musicians Institute

Beth Marlis currently serves as Vice President and senior faculty member at Musicians Institute (since 1987). She is also the Executive Director of The Musicians Foundation.

With over 30 years as a professional musician, her accomplishments also include serving as a clinician, interviewer, panelist, moderator and best-selling author of two music instructional books. She is proud to serve on boards of directors, advisory councils and committees for Little Kids Rock, Notes for Notes, Japan House, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Hollywood Heritage and The Recording Academy. In 2015-16 she was Chairman of the Board for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

Beth was honored to receive the She Rocks Champion Award in 2014.

Heather Dembert Rafter – Principal, RafterMarsh US

Heather Dembert Rafter has been providing legal and business development services to the audio, music technology and digital media industry for over twenty-five years. As the principal counsel at RafterMarsh US, she leads the RM team in providing a wide variety of services to small and medium-sized companies. For fourteen years, she was the lead counsel for Digidesign, the audio division of Avid Technology.

Heather and RafterMarsh US supports pro bono a number of causes, including work for the American Bar Association, where Heather served as chair of the Section of Science and Technology Law and is serving, as an ABA presidential appointee, the Fund for Justice and Education. They also support entities focused on advancing women in music and sound, including Soundgirls.org, and by sponsoring the annual women’s luncheon at SF MusicTech Summit.

Divinity Roxx – Bassist and songwriter

Inspirational and genuine, Divinity Roxx has made the leap from sidewoman for the one and only Beyonce, to frontwoman of her own genre-bursting, honest, and compelling musical journey. Her career as a bass-player skyrocketed after attending a bass camp led by the legendary Victor Wooten where she was invited to tour with him merely three months after the bass camp. After touring with Victor for 5 years, she auditioned for Beyoncé and was selected as a band member and assistant Musical Director. Divinity also acted as the Musical Director for K-Pop sensation 2NE1.

Despite these appearances with so many legendary and iconic figures, it is in her solo performance where Divinity shines the brightest. Her ability to simultaneously play bass guitar while fronting her own band captivates audiences around the world. Her 2016 release ImPossible received critical acclaim as the ultimate mashup of hip hop, rock and funk.

Paula Salvatore – VP/Client Relations and Marketing, Universal Music Group

Paula Salvatore has been an anchor of excellence in the L.A. recording world for many years. As the former Senior Director and Manager of Capitol Studios for over 30 years, and currently the Vice President of Client Relations and Marketing at Universal Music Group, Paula has been an integral part of recordings for top line artists such as James Taylor and Tony Bennett and has worked alongside Grammy legend Al Schmitt with artists including Paul McCartney, Diana Krall, Natalie Cole, Barbra Streisand, Sinatra and others.

With the opening of the new Studio A in 1990, Paula helped establish Capitol Studios as a leading facility for Film & TV Scoring projects, with Capitol hosting renowned composers such as Dave Grusin, James Newton Howard, Michael Giacchino, and Tom Newman. The Studio A & B adjoining rooms are amongst the most unique and popular rooms for orchestra sessions, live shows and events and film locations. Hosting the pre-records and live broadcast of the annual Academy Awards have set the standard for excellence.

Paula established her management career working at Kendun Studios with the likes of Quincy Jones and George Benson, and numerous R & B legends. Moving to Sound City in the 80’s, she worked with artists such as Tom Petty, Pat Benatar Rick Springfield and Fleetwood Mac. During the rock era of this decade, she worked with both heavy metal and “hair” bands from Dio and Guns & Roses to Warrant and Poison.

Musician, producer and now director, Dave Grohl of the FooFighters and once drummer for Nirvana, released his critically acclaimed documentary, Sound City, in which Paula is featured. She also co-wrote and performed the end title theme, entitled “Sound City”. The studio business has been Paula’s life journey and she is held in the highest esteem amongst her colleagues. Many successful engineers have come up through the ranks under her guidance and Paula’s commitment and loyalty has earned her the respect of her renowned clientele.

Brad Tolinski – Editorial Director of Special Projects, Centennial Publishing

Brad Tolinski is the Editorial Director of Special Projects for Centennial Publishing in New York City. Previously the editor-in-chief of Guitar World Magazine for 25 years, he is the author of Light & Shade: Conversations with Jimmy Page (Crown) and Play It Loud: An Epic History of the Style, Sound and Revolution of the Electric Guitar (Doubleday) with Alan DiPerna. In 2015 he and partner Laura B. Whitmore launched BackStory Events, a series of live-streamed interviews with iconic musicians delivered on sites like AOL.com, twitch.tv, Parade.com and others. In 2017 Brad produced the critically-acclaimed She Rocks, Vol 1 compliation for Favored Nations Entertainment, and is currently working on a follow up to that ground breaking collection of female guitarists. Brad has interviewed hundreds of musicians and continues to write feature articles for Guitar World and other publications on a regular basis.

Karen Webb – Founder, PR Squared Public Relations

In 2008, Karen launched PR Squared Public Relations, a full service boutique agency specializing in consumer lifestyle and entertainment brands. Prior to founding her company, she was Vice President of a premier boutique public relations agency in Beverly Hills where she spearheaded media relations and influencer campaigns for a wide range of fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands.

Before a successful career in publicity, Karen worked in the face-paced world of marketing and broadcasting, developing multiplatform campaigns for some of the country’s most recognized brands. She would create a fully integrated, customized marketing package, which often included traditional and emerging media, sales-driven promotions along with various entertainment elements.

Her over 20 years experience includes work with Viacom (in conjunction with the NFL’s Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens and University of Maryland athletics) where she secured partnerships with prominent national brands like Bank of America, Constellation Energy, State Farm, Legg Mason, and Toyota. During her career, she has worked with a wide range of talent from top rated athletes to actors and musicians. For over a year, while still working with a roster of clients, she has overseen the day-to-day publicity for Capitol Studios, the legendary recording studios located inside the iconic Capitol Records Tower in Hollywood, California.

Christine Taunton – Founder & Co-owner, Sweet Taunts Music

Founder & Co-owner of Sweet Taunts Music, which provides backline rental services for local events and bands, such as Lighting, Audio Equipment, amp’s, Keyboards, and more.  Sweet Taunt Music was recently commissioned to produce an anti-bullying song titled “Don’t Have Time to Hate” which is currently being used in various high school awareness programs. https://open.spotify.com/album/DontHaveTimeToHate.

She currently serves as a Music Industry Instructor for University of the Pacific Summer High School Institute Program.  Not only did she earn her BA Degree in Music, emphasis of Music MMGT at Pacific, she regularly performs and fronts her band called The Sweet Taunts.

In addition, she independently manages booking, marketing, social media, to local musicians, sound management, and coordinates special music related events for non-profit organizations, such as Women’s International Music Network (WiMN), FOH Production Manager for The She Rocks Awards, and more. She is the assistant manager of Mystic Moon Productions, a Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, for which her job consists of all production activities, bookings, stage design, lighting, website, social media, and actively performing in the band, portraying Christine McVie.

Christine spent 10 years working in Sales, IT, Artist Relations for Gallien-Krueger, one of the world’s leading music products firms in bass amplification. She also coordinated the company’s efforts at each year’s Winter NAMM Show. The largest international music products trade show.