Women in Vertical Media Launched Entertainment Alliance
The new professional organization aims to advance equity and influence for women in the vertical entertainment space.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Women’s Issues
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Women in Vertical Media has officially launched as the industry's first alliance dedicated to the vertical entertainment sector. Founded by Tina Randolph Contogenis and Alicia Read, the group aims to improve visibility and economic equity for women in the field.
Why it matters
The organization addresses a need for professional representation and standardized working conditions within the evolving vertical entertainment landscape. By establishing a leadership circle, the group seeks to drive structural changes regarding wages and workplace environments.
Women in Vertical Media is the inaugural professional alliance established for the vertical entertainment industry. It is supported by a founding leadership circle of eight women representing diverse roles within the sector.
The players
Tina Randolph Contogenis
She is the president of Eris Talent Agency and Eris Entertainment.
Alicia Read
She is a producer, actor, and co-founder of the VFSSA.
Sammie Hao
She serves as a member of the founding leadership circle for the organization.
Karla Rodriguez
She is a member of the founding leadership circle for the organization.
Amy Sullivan
She is a member of the founding leadership circle for the organization.
The details
The organization was established by Tina Randolph Contogenis, president of Eris Talent Agency, and producer and actor Alicia Read. The founding team also features Sammie Hao, Karla Rodriguez, Amy Sullivan, Shannon Taylor, Ira Storozhenko, and Isabel Drean.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: The organization officially launched.
Fall 2026: The group will announce partnerships and Los Angeles-based programming.
Culture Shift
This alliance follows a pattern of collective advocacy established by the 2023 Hollywood labor strikes to address professional inequities. It marks a push for greater formalization of labor rights in the fast-growing vertical entertainment market.
Residents in the Los Angeles area can expect new industry-focused roundtables and networking programming starting in the fall of 2026. These initiatives aim to provide professional development opportunities and a platform for industry advocacy.
The takeaway
The formation of this alliance signals an intent to professionalize and standardize the vertical entertainment workplace. Professionals in the field can monitor the organization for upcoming programming announcements to engage with these advocacy efforts directly.
Further reading
Learn more about the broader landscape for gender equality in professional sectors on our Women’s Issues page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Variety.
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