Rise AV has launched its inaugural initiative to empower and support women in AV.
The advocacy organisation, dedicated to gender diversity and professional development in AV, Live and residential technology, announces its UK Mentoring Programme Agenda.
Starting in May 2025, the six-month initiative will support women to with up to six years of experience as well as those at the start of their career journey.
The programme features scheduled masterclasses, networking events and responsive content shaped by industry feedback from the Rise AV Advisory Board.
Mentees will be paired with an industry mentor for at least 12 hours of personalised guidance.
They can also attend regular in-person and online sessions covering career mapping, personal branding, confidence building, resilience, assertiveness and other key topics.
Free-of-charge, this mentoring initiative is made possible by the support of industry organisations who share a commitment to upskilling the workforce.
Rachael Hamilton, managing director of Rise AV, said: "The AV industry is facing a critical skills shortage, a lack of gender diversity, and barriers to career progression—threatening its future growth.
“By preparing women for leadership roles and succession planning, we create a more sustainable and dynamic workforce.”
Rachael Hamilton
Epson is the headline sponsor of the initiative.
The AV User Group is the silver sponsor, while bronze sponsors include Unicol, Faye Bennett Consultancy Services, The LTSMG and Peerless-AV.
Hamilton added: “We can’t do this alone and support in the form of sponsors are vital in shaping a stronger future for AV.”
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