Music Forward transforms lives, inspires careers and champions a more inclusive music industry. Focusing on young people from under-served communities, Music Forward sets the stage for success by providing workshops, showcases, scholarships, and internships to inspire the next generation of music industry leaders and innovators.
NEXT GEM FEMME
Presented by Femme It Forward
Femme It Forward, a female-led music and entertainment company, launched the Next Gem Femme to aid in the acceleration of career opportunities and trajectories for women. Designed to help improve equity in the workplace, this mentorship program bridges a range of industries by pairing emerging talent with industry leaders across music, media, entertainment, TV & film, and technology.
With over 100 leading executives from the US, Canada and Africa serving as mentors, the program is focused on long-term professional development. Each mentorship begins as a nine-month partnership, offering mentees exposure to real-world scenarios, ongoing professional coaching, industry insights, and networking opportunities.
At Femme It Forward, we believe that mentorship can benefit individuals at all stages of their careers. The next cycle of the program will launch in Fall 2025 and will welcome over 100 mentees and are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees, or building business careers in media, music, and entertainment.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants to the 2025–2026 Next Gem Femme Mentorship Program must be:
- 18 years of age or older
- Available to participate throughout the full duration of the program (monthly sessions from August 2025 through May 2026)
- Currently enrolled in school or employed
- Resident in one of the following countries: United States, Canada, and Africa.
- interested in pursuing a business career in media, music, and/or entertainment (not a performance-based career)
- Not have previously participated in the Next Gem Femme
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To be considered, applicants must submit the following:
- Resume
- Personal Statement (500 words outlining your background, career goals, and interest in mentorship)
- (1) Letter of Recommendation (can be submitted after the application deadline)
- Optional: 1–2 minute video introduction (shared via link)
- Social Media (shared via link)
IMPORTANT NOTES
Next Gem Femme is intended for individuals pursuing careers behind the scenes. Those seeking performance-based careers — such as artists, singers, songwriters, dancers, music producers, DJs, or actors — are not eligible to apply.
DISCLAIMER
By submitting your application, you acknowledge your commitment to actively participate in the program if accepted and agree to adhere to all program rules and expectations. Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be considered. Be sure all documents are properly formatted and your video and/or recommendation letter links are accessible.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM PT
Selected mentees will be notified by September 2025.
If you have any questions, contact: NGF@femmeitforward.com