In our 18th year of operation, we were able to publish and print our publications Musicwoman Magazine and Musicman Magazine because of the generosity of our donors who paid for our graphic designer and editors. The biggest surprise was a $1,050 grant from Conquest Graphics to print our publications in 2025. We are deeply grateful to Conquest Graphics for this grant that enables us to continue the work we do to promote women musicians, globally. We are indebted to Conquest Graphics for this delightful annual in-kind service!

Although most magazines have moved online, partnering with Conquest Graphics has enabled us to print our publications for our featured artists, advertisers, and members to enjoy.

Women in Jazz South Florida, Inc.'s goal is to garner advertising to print our magazines on a quarterly basis, rather than the annual release. It takes the creativity and ingenuity of our staff of writers, photographers, graphic designers, and editors to produce these publications. Also, it takes money to pay them for their time. So, our donors keep us afloat. But printing is another process, altogether. We could not afford to print any magazines without the in-kind support of Conquest Graphics. Most people are willing to donate funds for our graphic designer and editor but are hesitant about earmarking their donations for printing. Therefore, we are beholden to Conquest Graphics because they realize the important impact that physical publications have on society-at-large. The truth is we are not able to print enough magazines to satisfy our customer base. We have 434 members and those in good standing are supposed to receive the annual publications. But the cost of printing and postage has risen so high that this membership benefit has become almost impossible to fulfill. So, of the magazines we print, most go to sponsors, donors, and advertisers. In September 2023, we were able to print 30 each of our magazines for our fundraiser. Earlier in the year, we printed several copies of the 2022 editions. In 2024, we will be able to print more magazines only because of the generosity of Conquest Graphics. For that we are most appreciative!

Ultimately, our goal is to create a third publication, MusicTeen Magazine to feature the stories of teenaged musicians, who attend music schools or private lessons with seasoned musicians. Several organizations that produce talented teenagers in music would be featured. Their stories will undoubtedly be an inspiration to young people interested in musical production and performance.

But it takes money to make that happen. So, we are ever seeking sponsorships, donations, and new members to help us fulfill our mission. Music is a powerful tool for change. We live in a world where war and violence prevail. Music is the most prevalent element for peace. That’s why this grant from Conquest Graphics means so much to our organization. When young people have the opportunity to write about their musical experiences and see their stories in print, they are motivated to keep practicing to hone their musical acumen. Also, we get to tell the stories of elder musicians who are all but obscure in this new age of music production. Finally, we memorialize music legends who have passed on.

Publishing these two magazines fulfills our mission to promote women musicians, globally, and men who support us. This is a very satisfying endeavor, indeed.

For more information about our nonprofit, visit http://wijsf.org