8 best quotes from the 'Wonder Women of Latin Music' panel at LAMC 2024

The Latin music landscape is undergoing a greater transformation where women are not only coming to the fore, but reshaping the industry through leadership, innovation, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. That much was demonstrated by top executives and industry members at the Wonder Women of Latin Music panel, which kicked off the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) on Wednesday (July 10) morning in New York City.

Coordinator Advertising signGriselda Flores, the panel included Loud And Live's Kemelly Figueroa-Mouriz, Spotify's Yasmin Muller, Live Nation's Fabi Kulick, Amazon Music's Rocio Guerrero, Latin Recording Academy's Isabel Paz, GlamRock Agency's Gabriela Urquiza, and Celia Saez of The Orchard, all female Latin music prodigies took the mic at the InterContinental Hotel for a candid discussion about why female solidarity and representation is critical in the music industry.

“Having female leadership has been crucial to my professional development because we understand each other and we know the challenges we face, like the glass ceiling,” said The Orchard's Saez, for example.

Here are some of the best and most memorable quotes from the Wonder Women of Latin Music panel at LAMC 2024:

Loud And Live's Kemelly Figueroa-Mouriz on diversity initiatives: “I have a lot of experience in coaching. I think that forced me to step outside my circle and find the solution to the distribution of voices. To go out and look for them was so amazing — to see that support and get that support. I think it's important to see that not only are we all here together to discuss but also to celebrate. This coming generation, it's important to seek out and build relationships, to nurture those student-mentor connections.”

Spotify's Yasmin Muller on Artist Development: “I've been involved in curating and programming and a big part of our job is discovering new artists and helping them get exposure. We always ask, “Why are we passionate about this artist and why should you give them a chance?” However, I often consider the [flip] side: finding an artist with talent and working with them in a meaningful way, leveraging my experience. Working with artists is incredibly challenging. it is a job that never stops and requires constant thought. But it would be exciting to use all my experience to support a talent I really believe in, particularly women in challenging industries.”

Live Nation's Fabi Kulick on career resilience: “You should never be afraid to pick yourself up and start from scratch. This industry may seem glamorous and indeed, it is fun. You can support artists, work with talented people and meet incredible professionals who often become friends. However, I've had my share of falls where I've had to start over, even with 12 years of experience. At that time, I made a key decision to join a large company. I knew that once I proved my work ethic and experience, I would grow. And here I am today, eight years later.”

Her Griselda Flores Advertising sign to support the next generation: “The process is vital because it teaches you what you want and don't want in your career, including what is non-negotiable and what you are willing to accept. I always advise to take any job you can because you get so much experience from it. It's all part of the process of reaching your goals. One important piece of advice I received, and always think about, is to not just push the door open but keep it open. Don't let it close behind you. save it for those who come next.”

Rocío Guerrero of Amazon Music on the influence of mentorship: “I feel like I've learned from so many people—peers, managers, mentors, team members—and honestly, from every conversation I have, there's always something to learn. I want to especially acknowledge my mom. She is a music teacher who not only introduced me to the magic of music but also taught me from a very early age that it is indeed possible to be a good mother while having a rewarding career. That made me confident in the possibility of achieving both.”

Isabel Paz of The Latin Recording Academy on gender collaboration: “The most beautiful thing is that men and women can work together. When it comes to working with women, instead of competing, let's add up!”

GlamRock Agency's Gabriela Urquiza reflects on past gender challenges: “In 1993 there weren't many women working in the industry. I started working for a company that was up-to-date for its time, and I was lucky enough to have bosses who didn't discriminate. Even though it was a very macho industry at the time, these bosses always gave me a place and support, standing out regardless of the prevailing phallicism.”

Celia Saez of The Orchard on female leadership: “I was fortunate to start my career at a female-led company in 1996 that encouraged female leadership and where top management positions were held by women. Fortunately, I had female colleagues who shared the same vision — and even though I've been here now for 12 years, I've always found myself in female-dominated environments. This has been critical to my professional development, because we understand each other and know the challenges we face, like the glass ceiling. For me, always being surrounded by women was a big help. Although there have been very influential men in my career, I want to highlight the impact of this female dynamic.”

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the 2024 edition of the Latin Alternative Music Conference features a Q&A with Fonseca, moderated by Advertising signLeila Cobo? a Q&A with Residente, moderated Rolling rock's Julyssa Lopez, panel on the Business of Songwriting, Publicity and Social Media, New Releases and Catalogues, Bridging Music and Money and a talk on 25 years of LAMC: its past, present and future Latin Music. To view the full LAMC guide, click here.