Merlin Engage Returns for Third Year, Strengthening Community in the Next Generation of Female Leaders

Now entering its third year, Merlin Engage is a pioneering mentorship program to empower women within Merlin’s global independent music community. This year, the program expands its focus to foster stronger community-building and welcomes a new cohort of experienced mentors. Merlin Engage is a unique mentorship program designed to cultivate the next generation of female leaders in the independent music world. By connecting rising professionals with senior executives, the six-month program fosters career development, leadership training, and valuable networking opportunities.

This year’s group of mentors features a dynamic group of executives from many of the world’s leading independent music companies. Mentors include Amy Dietz (Partner, Exceleration), Anne Jenniskens (General Manager, Paradise), Bria Fisher (VP of Communications, EMPIRE), Chloé van Bergen (VP Operations, UK & EU, Secretly), Clare McKinney (Director, Commercial and Business Affairs, Domino), Dionna Johnson (VP of Marketing, EMPIRE), Emma Lomas (Head of Licensing & Creative, Beggars), Eniko Gallasz (Managing Director, WMMusicDistribution), Liz Erman (Managing Director, Nettwerk), Marie Clausen (Managing Director, US, Ninja Tune), Megan Jasper (CEO, Sub Pop), Narin Karadaghi (General Counsel, Amuse), Nitsa Kalispera (EVP Global Recorded Music Supply Chain Operations, BMG), Patra Sinner (General Counsel, Symphonic), and Sue Lucarelli (President, Epitaph).

Joining this year’s program is an outstanding group of mentees, each representing the next generation of independent music leadership. The 2025 mentees are: Allison Kleshefsky (DSP Editorial & Partnerships Lead – Americas, IDOL), Diana Schweinbeck (Senior Director, Artist & Label Services, Cinq Music, USA), Dominique de Solminihac (Artist Marketing Manager South Cone, ONErpm), Francesca Caldara (Vice President, Recorded Music, UNIFIED), Gianna Archetti (Head of Operations, iGroove), Jovana Medic (Director of IDJTV/Director, IDJDigital), Lexie Viklund (Director of A&R, Better Noise), Lisa Riepe (Head of Sales & Marketing, Zebralution), Maiko Okabe (Global Campaign Manager, Warp Records), Maya Kalev (Label Manager, UK & Europe, Stones Throw Records), Naomi Bressani (Head of Digital, Republic of Music), Nele Knueppel (Director, Digital Rights & Distribution, Nettwerk Music Group), Nicole Abea (Director of Influencer & UGC Promotions, Marketing/Promo, Hopeless Records), Phoebe Petridis (Senior Manager, Digital Operations and Technology, Domino Recording), and Rachel White (Director of Audience Development (Marketing), Sub Pop Records). 

Throughout the program, mentees will meet in one-on-one-sessions with their mentors, are paired with other mentees for peer support, and attend skill building workshops. Miriam Meima, a top-tier Executive Coach, returns for the second year in a row as program facilitator. She is a Fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Coaching and her clients include Academy Award winners, Olympians, founders and executives at Slack, Bark Inc., Glossier, Away Luggage, JP Morgan Chase, and many others. The program is also pleased to have support, for three years running, from the long term Merlin consultant Dan Nevin.

Since its launch, Merlin Engage has evolved into a thriving network of executives and future leaders. From 2024 to 2025, the program saw a 70% increase in mentee nominations, reflecting its expanding impact. Feedback from last year’s group underscores its transformative nature, with multiple participants describing their experience as “life-changing.” Earlier this year, the program introduced an alumni community for Merlin Engage participants. A virtual forum for participants to continue building connections, provide ongoing support, and share valuable insights.

“The power of Merlin Engage goes beyond mentorship—it’s about building a community where women across the Merlin membership can find support, encouragement and guidance as they build their careers in the music industry,” said Jeremy Sirota, CEO of Merlin. “I’m incredibly proud that we continue to expand this program, the commitment to mentor from our most senior leaders, and support from the entire Merlin Board in driving positive change within the industry.”

Liz Erman, Managing Director at Nettwerk Music Group, returns this year as a mentor after previously participating in the program.

“It’s incredibly important to support, encourage, and empower women to expand their career paths in the music industry,” said Erman. “We have so much to contribute, and can elevate the level of success of any company if we can access the right leadership opportunities. I hope that by sharing my experiences and guidance, I can help others reach their goals more easily.”

For mentees, Merlin Engage provides not only career guidance but also long-term industry connections.
“Being part of Merlin Engage was a transformative experience,” said Larissa Woss, Digital Operations Manager at Exceleration Music. “My mentor truly listened to me, taking the time to understand my challenges and goals, which gave me the confidence to take the next step in my career. Equally valuable was the incredible network of people I connected with. This program is not just about developing skills—it’s about fostering a supportive, empowered generation of female leaders in the independent music industry. I’m proud to be a part of it.”