{"id":5516,"date":"2025-09-04T11:28:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T15:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/?p=5516"},"modified":"2025-09-04T11:51:05","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T15:51:05","slug":"i-work-for-the-wnba-but-not-the-one-youre-thinking-of","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/2025\/09\/04\/i-work-for-the-wnba-but-not-the-one-youre-thinking-of\/","title":{"rendered":"I Work for the WNBA\u2014But Not the One You’re Thinking Of"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When I say I\u2019m on the board for the WNBA, I\u2019m often met with surprised looks and questions regarding my athletic qualifications. No, not the Women\u2019s National Basketball League, I quickly clarify, but the Women\u2019s National Book Association<\/strong><\/a> (WNBA)! As a nonprofit, the WNBA \u201cexists to connect, educate, advocate, and lead in the literary community.\u201d It has been empowering female-identifying writers, authors, and book lovers, and as a Publishing and Writing MA<\/strong><\/a> student, it has become a rewarding part of my personal and professional life.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Women's
Photo from wnba-books.org<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

What is the WNBA?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first chapter of the Women\u2019s National Book Association<\/strong><\/a> was founded in 1917 by fifteen women booksellers who were excluded from membership in the all-male Booksellers\u2019 League. Our founders had big ambitions: they dreamt of creating a thriving community for women in all facets of the book world. Now, the WNBA has expanded beyond its small Manhattan meeting room into 12 national chapters, from San Francisco to Nashville and beyond.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Boston Chapter<\/strong><\/a>, founded in 1954, continues the mission cultivated by the WNBA\u2019s original founders. Seeking to unite publishing professionals, writers, librarians, and anyone who loves books, our local chapter hosts \u201ca range of events that aim to educate, entertain, and inspire.\u201d Popular events have included a panel with local bookstore owners, including Lovestruck Books<\/strong><\/a> virtual author interviews, and even a conversation on the state of comic books within the industry. But one of our favorite events? Definitely when we collaborated with Emerson!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WNBA & Emerson College<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In October 2024, the Boston chapter of the WNBA worked with Emerson to host its first collaborative event, \u201cThe Future of Publishing.\u201d The panel featured four panelists from notable publishing houses, including Beacon Press and Candlewick. For Emerson students, the event felt especially meaningful since two of the four panelists were Publishing and Writing MA alumni who could speak directly to the questions, concerns, and excitements students were experiencing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event, held on Emerson\u2019s campus in the Bill Bordy Theater, was free and open to both students and Boston area book professionals. Within just a week of the event announcement, it had already sold out! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the night of the event, attendees networked over light refreshments before the panel discussion. Topics addressed how AI and other emerging technologies may alter the book world, how book bans can be tamed, and ways that the industry and jobs may change and grow in the coming years. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Shows
Photo by Deborah Norkin.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Because of the success and positive feedback from the WNBA\u2019s first event with Emerson, it\u2019s set to become an annual networking event!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Emerson Students Should Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are pursuing a lifelong career in publishing, are working on your debut novel after class, or simply love reading and want to be part of a bigger literary circle, the WNBA has several resources to offer you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Community:<\/em> Since publishing can be a highly networked industry, the process can feel intimidating, whether you\u2019re already established or trying to make your first career moves. The WNBA seeks to connect the book world and make it a more inclusive and collaborative space, no matter your age or experience level.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n