In the weeks before classes resumed for the fall semester, SJMC students Elisa Gan, Morgan Burhans, and Megan Heine attended the 2026 Association for Women’s Sports Media (AWSM) Convention in LA.
The conference lasted two days, and the three young women were there both days from nine to four, listening to panelists and networking. They were able to connect with not only professionals but also women in the industry they look up to.
They heard from several voices and role models in women’s sports, including trailblazers Mina Kimes and Katie Nolan. Gan recalled that she was “starstruck” to see and hear the women whom she had been watching since she was a little girl.
Heine described the experience as a whole as “inspiring.”
“I was inspired to continue my work here at the university, I was inspired to look into different career paths, and it’s something that I will always look back on, even post-graduation, and remember the lessons that were taught here,” she added.
Participation in associations like AWSM and SJMC opportunities as a whole provides valuable insight into real-world industries and fosters the connections that will allow students to thrive in these industries.
At the convention, they learned how to navigate the competitive industry, form relationships, stand out, and strengthen networking skills. Through fun events such as LA Sparks and Dodgers games, they had the opportunity to connect with fellow AWSM members.
AWSM, both on campus, and on a national level, builds a community of people that support women and women in sports media, allowing them to collaborate and share experiences.
“This industry can feel very lonely sometimes,” said Burhans, underscoring the important need for connection, community, and support.
“Being able to have a community with people who really understand me deeply and emotionally is a great feeling,” said Gan.
Gan was honored as a 2026 AWSM Scholar. In a LinkedIn post commemorating the experience,
she stated, “This was an experience I will never forget, and I have gained SO much from it.”
Heine said that her biggest takeaway was the importance of networking and just how far one connection could take a person. She mentioned that she was now less nervous about talking to professionals in the field.
Burhans contributed a similar sentiment: “One thing that stood out to me was to remain confident,” she said. “It can be hard to walk into a place with such professional journalists and remain confident in yourself and do good work, but I feel like they really instilled the importance of confidence and trust in yourself.”
The convention also contributed to shifting perceptions and understandings for the women. “I honestly was kind of surprised, leaving, at how much my perspective did change, career-interest wise,” said Heine.
The others agreed that their scope of what they had perceived as possible areas of work expanded.
“It was eye-opening,” said Gan.
The ladies hope that, moving forward, more women will join AWSM on campus and broaden the circle and community that they have formed.
“The most important thing is to get involved in where you are right now,” emphasized Heine. “Be where your feet are but always strive for what’s next.”