
Erika Ender
Photo: Bryan Steffy/Getty Images
Erika Ender To Rebeca Leon: Latin Academy Honors Leading Ladies
The Latin Recording Academy kicked off its inaugural Leading Ladies of Entertainment event on Nov. 15 at Maestro's Ocean Club in Las Vegas to spotlight women who are setting a positive example in the Latin entertainment industry.
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The event singled out six women: Juanes' manager Rebeca Leon, Billboard journalist/GRAMMY.com contributor Leila Cobo, Warner Music Latina General Manager and Warner Music Latin America Marketing SVP Gabriela Martinez, Univision Executive Vice President Jessica Rodriguez, "Despacito" co-writer Erika Ender, and recording engineer Marcella Araica (Britney Spears, Pink, Madonna).
The Leading Ladies of Entertainment is planned to be an annual addition to Latin GRAMMY Week activities, which provides the perfect opportunity to recognize the powerful contributions that trailblazing women in the music industry make on a daily basis.
"It's really about believing in yourself," Leon said. "I know I am a Jedi now and the best is yet to come. I hope you all realize that you are Jedis too. And may the force be with you."
"This recognition is important, as there is a sizeable gender gap in the entertainment industry, which is even more pronounced for Latinas," said Davina Aryeh, Chief Marketing Officer of The Latin Recording Academy. "Acknowledging this issue raises it to the top of public consciousness, and allows us to celebrate and learn from a diverse array of women who are leading and succeeding in their respective fields."