Date/Time
Date(s) - 01/22/2026
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Category(ies)
Thursday, January 22, 2026 12pm – 1pm Hilton California Ballroom A
The music industry is built by people with bold ideas, relentless drive, and the courage to carve their own path. But behind every success story is a journey — one filled with lessons, risks, turning points, and moments of reinvention.
This year at NAMM, we invite you to join us for She Rocks It: Women in Music Share Career Insights, a powerful panel presented by the Women’s International Music Network (WiMN). This session brings together trailblazing women from across the industry to share the real stories behind their careers — the challenges they’ve faced, the opportunities they’ve seized, and the choices that shaped who they are today.
Whether you’re a student exploring your future in music, an emerging professional searching for guidance, or a seasoned creator looking for perspective and inspiration, this conversation will leave you motivated and equipped with practical strategies to help shape your own career journey.
Meet Our Moderator
Laura B. Whitmore – Founder of the Women’s International Music Network and creator of the She Rocks Awards, Laura B. Whitmore is a longtime music industry leader dedicated to uplifting women across all areas of the business. Across her career as a marketing executive, journalist, event producer, guitarist, and advocate, she has built platforms that amplify female voices and foster community. Laura currently leads marketing for Positive Grid and regularly moderates conversations at major industry events.
Meet the Panelists
Amberly Crouse-Knox (BMG)- A driving force in the world of music licensing, Amberly Crouse-Knox serves as Senior Vice President of Sync Services & Partnerships for North America and LATAM at BMG. Rising from her early days at boutique library X-Ray Dog Music, she has become one of the most respected voices in sync, pushing forward innovation and artist access in film, TV, advertising, and digital media. After BMG’s major 2025 restructuring, she was appointed to lead its new global Sync Services division for the Americas — a testament to her expertise and leadership. A 2018 She Rocks Award honoree and longtime Clio Music juror, Amberly offers invaluable insight into building a career at the intersection of creativity, commerce, and connection.
Amanda Palmer- Singer, songwriter, playwright, director, author, and cultural provocateur, Amanda Palmer has built a career defined by authenticity, courage, and community. First known as half of The Dresden Dolls, her solo work has broken artistic boundaries, including Theatre Is Evil, the most funded original music project in Kickstarter history. Her TED Talk, The Art of Asking, has been viewed over 20 million times, later expanding into her New York Times best-selling memoir. Through Patreon, Amanda has pioneered a new model for artist-supported, community-funded creativity. Her most recent solo album, There Will Be No Intermission, confronts life, loss, and human experience with raw power. Returning to the U.S. after several years living in Aotearoa/New Zealand, she is now reinvigorating The Dresden Dolls and writing a new memoir — continuing her lifelong commitment to storytelling and artistic freedom.
Hannah Bliss (Focusrite Group US)- As Vice President of Marketing for Focusrite Group US, Hannah Bliss brings a strategic, community-centered approach to music technology. Her work spans digital experiences, creator-focused campaigns, content strategy, and large-scale events that make audio and recording technology more accessible to artists at every level. With a background in both music tech and broader creative industries, Hannah excels at bridging the gap between creators and the tools that empower them. Beyond her executive role, she serves on the board of We Make Noise, expanding access to music education for women and gender minorities — and helping build a more inclusive future for music production and technology.
Why You Should Join Us
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Hear candid stories of how women across the industry built meaningful, sustainable careers.
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Learn from leaders in performance, publishing, marketing, sync, art, and creative entrepreneurship.
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Gain actionable strategies for navigating an industry that is constantly evolving.
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Discover new pathways and possibilities — from tech to touring to creative independence.
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Connect with role models who are shaping the future of music.
Whether you’re dreaming of your first internship or building your next big career move, She Rocks It: Women in Music Share Career Insights will inspire you to chart your own course with confidence, clarity, and creativity.
