Sony announces winners of its alpha female creator-in-residence program

Five Winners from More than 6,000 Entrants will Receive Funding, Mentorship, Camera Gear and More

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Electronics Inc. today announced the winners of its Alpha Female Creator-in-Residence Program Contest, one of the flagship initiatives in the Company’s recently introduced “Be Alpha” campaign.

The Alpha Female initiative is Sony’s response to the imaging industry’s well-documented challenges with diversity and is focused exclusively on providing opportunities for women creators to advance their careers. The Alpha Female Creator-in-Residence Program Contest awards five winners a six-month grant of $25,000 in funds¹, $5,000 in Sony digital imaging product allowance, a mentorship pairing with one of Sony’s high-profile Artisans of Imagery and much more.  (See the Official Contest Rules for details at http://www.alphauniverse.com/alpha-female).

“Women make up the majority of the U.S. and Canadian populations and yet are significantly underrepresented in the professional imaging field,” said Jennifer Geddy, head of digital marketing at Sony Electronics. “The Alpha Female initiative provides a pathway to empowering more women photographers and videographers through a combination of mentorship and financial support. Efforts such as the Alpha Female initiative help expand the industry’s pool of gifted and diverse creators, raising the bar for everyone. We are extremely excited to welcome our talented Alpha Female winners and look forward to collaborating with them.”

Judged as winners from more than 6,000 entrants, the Alpha Female winners are:

Megan Allen

A wedding photographer from Ohio, Megan’s goal is to create photos that make you stop in your tracks for a moment in time. Learn more about her at https://www.choosestudio22.com. Megan’s mentor will be Artisan of Imagery Sara France.

Danielle Da Silva

Currently living in Toronto, Danielle is a storyteller, conservationist, scholar, activist speaker and the founder of Photographers Without Borders. You can learn more on her website at http://www.danielledasilva.com. Danielle’s mentor will be Artisan of Imagery Cristina Mittermeier.

Erin Hogue

An adventure and lifestyle artist living in Vancouver, Erin focuses on capturing the impossible. Discover Erin’s work at https://www.instagram.com/erinhogue.  Erin’s mentor will be Artisan of Imagery Brooke Shaden.

Nitashia Johnson

An educator and portrait photographer from Texas, Nitashia’s passion is currently focused on developing a community-based media arts program for high school teens. Learn more about her at http://www.nitashiajohnson.com. Nitashia’s mentor will be Artisan of Imagery Me Ra Koh.

Colette Robinson

Collette is a photographer and creative focused on stop motion graphics and living in Northern California. You can learn more on her website at http://coletterobinson.com. Colette’s mentor will be Artisan of Imagery Caroline Jensen.

To follow the journeys of all five winners throughout the program, please visit www.alphauniverse.com/alpha-female

In addition to the Alpha Female Creators in Residence grant program, Sony will support several female-backed and focused events that aim to push progress for diversity in photography and filmmaking as part of the Alpha Female initiative. The Company will also be funding several additional projects by female creators.

A variety of additional content related to Sony’s Be Alpha campaign, including articles, videos and events, can be found at www.alphauniverse.com/BeAlpha

Sony Electronics is committed to programs and initiatives that promote women in technology and was named among Working Mother‘s “100 Best Companies” for 2018.

About Sony Electronics Inc.

Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Corporation (Japan), one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment to industry leading 4K Ultra HD TVs. Visit http://www.sony.com/news for more information.

¹ Payable in $4,166.66 check per month over the six (6) month timeframe of the Program.  Winner must fully participate in the Program during the entire Program or the prize will be deemed forfeited and any remaining prize not yet received will be forfeited.