More and more Christian women working in the field of media and entertainment are discovering the Christian Women in Media Association (CWIMA) as a venue to share their experiences and insights with other kindred souls. The rapidly growing organization provides networking, professional enrichment and spiritual encouragement for all Christian women involved in media. Formerly known as Women in Christian Media, CWIMA is headed by president and founder Suellen Roberts, who is herself a TV producer, TV station general manager and senior vice president of a 25-station broadcasting corporation.
"Christian Women in Media brings women in television, radio, film, the Internet, publishing, arts and entertainment together and gives them a place to connect in purpose and vision," says Roberts, a former Gucci executive who founded CWIMA in 2002. Bringing to mind the strength and courage of Esther in the Bible, CWIMA's theme is "For Such a Time as This," an apt description of the constantly changing and oftentimes challenging situations Christian women find themselves in.
"We are in the culture of media and we are making an impact in so many levels. We want to bring spiritual refreshment to Christian women in media and help each other through seminars, educational seminars, mentoring and more. We'd like to give to those women who are coming up in their respective fields," explains Roberts.
CWIMA's networking aspect, which Roberts refer to as 'divine appointments', takes the form of quarterly professional enrichment dinner events known as 'Regional Connections". These 'connections' happen in five regions — Southwest (Dallas), Southeast (Nashville), Northeast (New York City), Midwest (Chicago), and West Coast (Los Angeles). Christian women speakers who have made an impact in the media share their experiences and bond with participants.
Kathleen Cooke, who co-founded Cooke Pictures with husband, media guru Phil Cooke, recently became the regional director of the West Coast/Los Angeles Regional Connection. The former commercial actress, casting director and interviewer also directed the Biola Media Conference, the US' largest national conference for Christian media professionals working in the mainstream media.
Among CWIMA's honorary members are well-known media and entertainment personalities such as radio broadcaster and producer Kay Arthur; Campus Crusade for Christ co-founder Vonette Bright; singer, author, speaker and Christian radio broadcast producer June Hunt; Christian broadcaster and Daystar Television Network co-founder, vice president and executive producer Joni Lamb; and television personality Terry Meeuwsen, who is a familiar face on 'The 700 Club'.
CWIMA recently held its 1st Annual National Music Showcase in Nashville and is preparing for its 7th Annual National Conference to be held Feb. 15, 16 and 17, 2012 also in Nashville. To learn more about CWIMA, visit www.cwima.org.
To view an interview with CWIMA founder and president Suellen Roberts on Christian Movie Connect by Cheryl Ariaz Wicker, click here.
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