Rise, the advocacy group for gender diversity in the media technology sector, has announced the launch of Rise AV. It will build on the success of Rise Women in Broadcast (WIB), which was established in 2017 in the broadcast and media industry,and as more than 3,000 members worldwide.
The mission of Rise AV is to create an inclusive AV industry where gender diversity thrives, inspiring innovation, equity, and opportunity for all. It will focus on attracting and retaining talent, education and awareness, mentorship and partnerships. In May 2025, Rise AV will introduce its first initiative in the UK - Rise AV Mentoring - a six-month dedicated programme Global supporting women’s career and personal development. This will be led by Rise’s award-winning Mentoring Manager, Carla Maroussas.
Rise AV was founded by Rise’s Founder and CEO, Sadie Groom and Rachael Hamilton, who will become MD.
Supporting Rise AV will be a UK Advisory Board made up of industry leaders for their knowledge, expertise and passion for change. The Rise WIB Non-Executive Board will also support the business.
The Rise AV Advisory Board includes:
Jamie Brothwell, MD, Exertis Business
Daniel Lee, MD, Hewshott UK
Jane Hammersley, queen of collaboration, Blue Touch Paper
Jenny Hicks, head of market intelligence, Midwich
Sanjit Hurst, director of global procurement, Diversified
Owen Ellis, CEO, AV User Group
Stephen Patterson, sales director, Europe + Africa, Biamp
Anthony Olivier, director of business development, AVI-SPL UK and Ireland
Katy Thorpe, global people director, Kinly
Denise Hughes, MD, WoopJobs
Sadie Groom, Founder and CEO, comments: “It is a great time to launch Rise AV and bring all that we have learnt and given to the media technology sector. The global community that we have built and nurtured is much needed in the AV sector, and I look forward to seeing how it evolves and how many careers and lives we can change.”