HETMA and #GALSNGEAR Join Forces to Advance Inclusion, Education, and Empowerment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lake Forest, CA, October 13, 2025 — The Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance (HETMA) and #GALSNGEAR proudly announce a new collaborative partnership dedicated to amplifying the voices and visibility of women and underrepresented professionals across media, production, and technology. This partnership represents a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive, connected, and empowered audiovisual and media industries, one that recognizes the vital contributions of diverse perspectives to the future of innovation and leadership.
Both HETMA and #GALSNGEAR have long served as community anchors in their respective spaces. HETMA has established itself as the leading professional organization representing higher education technology managers, uniting hundreds of institutions and thousands of AV professionals across the globe, and exemplified through the signature Prism Scholarship. #GALSNGEAR has become an influential movement that provides women and underrepresented voices with access to training, mentorship, speaking opportunities, and industry recognition. These aligned missions center on empowering technologists through advocacy and community.
Together, these two powerhouse organizations are aligning their missions to foster opportunity where it’s needed most, at the intersection of education, technology, and representation.
“We’re excited about this partnership because both HETMA and #GALSNGEAR are community-driven, with an industry advocacy focus. We look forward to working together to amplify and educate our members while building stronger, more inclusive media and pro AV industries,” notes Amy DeLouise, Founder, #GALSNGEAR.
This collaboration will include a range of initiatives designed to enhance professional development and access across both communities. Planned efforts include co-branded educational programming, leadership panels at major industry events, and mentorship pipelines that connect higher education technologists with media professionals seeking to advance their technical and leadership skills. These programs will highlight emerging technologies, promote gender equity in leadership, and expand pathways for individuals entering or growing within the industry.
“This partnership between HETMA and #GALSNGEAR represents a powerful alignment of our shared values, supporting and elevating professionals in the AV industry while fostering the inclusive community our field needs to thrive,” said Erin Maher-Moran, Chair of HETMA. “As a woman leading HETMA, I’m excited to see how this collaboration will create pathways for more diverse voices to find mentorship, professional development, and meaningful connections.”
The alliance also signals a broader shift in the industry—one where education and representation go hand in hand. HETMA’s growing membership base of campus technologists is increasingly driving the future of digital transformation across higher education. Similarly, #GALSNGEAR has been breaking barriers by spotlighting the women who are shaping the future of media production, storytelling, and technology adoption. By linking these communities, both organizations are building a shared platform that celebrates innovation, inclusion, and the next generation of leaders.
“Partnerships like this are the heartbeat of our mission at HETMA, bringing people together to learn from one another and to build an industry where everyone belongs,” adds HETMA Cofounder, Joe Way. “By joining forces with #GALSNGEAR, we’re not just expanding our reach, we’re expanding what’s possible for every individual who wants to lead, create, and make an impact in AV and media. Together, we’re shaping a future that reflects the diversity of the people we serve.”
The collaboration will also include shared advocacy campaigns and the cross-promotion of events that highlight the organizations’ joint values of accessibility, education, and empowerment. Members of both HETMA and #GALSNGEAR will gain opportunities to engage in leadership exchanges, contribute to research and case studies, and participate in events designed to break down silos between sectors of the AV and media ecosystems.
This collaboration reflects a broader truth: that building inclusive, innovative industries requires intentional collaboration between communities. By joining forces, HETMA and #GALSNGEAR are setting a powerful example of what can happen when advocacy meets opportunity, when education meets empowerment, and when two organizations choose to lead with both purpose and heart.
About HETMA
The Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance (HETMA) is a 501(C)3 advocacy organization focused on growing the influence and elevating the profile of the higher education audiovisual vertical. We accomplish our mission by connecting our community, educating our members, amplifying our collective voice, and impacting the broader AV industry. As an inclusive, supportive, and accessible organization, HETMA does not just represent a cause, we represent a community. We are by us and for us.
About #GALSNGEAR
#GALSNGEAR is a movement to bring equity to womxn in media and entertainment. We believe TEQUITY = Access + Training + Visibility. With a community to support you. We partner with manufacturers, broadcasters, and other industry groups to lead change by empowering womxn.
Contact:
HETMA: https://hetma.org
#GALSNGEAR: https://galsngear.tv
For more on the HETMA community, or explore partnership opportunities, join and visit at community.hetma.org.
