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Choice Dinner 2007

"Women in the Media"

We hope that you will join us at our annual Choice Dinner on January 27, 2007

Amy Johnson Boyle is the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Political Science from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, and a Masters Degree in Journalism from Northwestern University. Her graduate degree helped her achieve a lifelong dream – to become a TV news anchor.

In addition to her work at the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber, Amy is widely known for her career in broadcast journalism. However, Amy is not just any local celebrity. Her enthusiasm, optimism and can-do attitude have helped her take on many projects in the community.

Specifically, Amy has tried to use her fame as a vehicle to help those in need. As the only child of two parents who made their own way in life, Amy was taught at a very early age to make the most of her talents and to speak out for those who don’t have a voice. She says that she has never forgotten her roots and the lessons she learned as child.

Among many other issues, Amy is passionate about the role of women in the workplace – especially in the media. Though she admits that women in the media have made great strides in recent years, her experiences as a broadcast journalist have allowed her to witness inequities along the way. For instance, while more women are working in newsrooms today, it’s not always for the right reasons. She says that many news operations do not pay their employees a fair wage, forcing more men to leave the business. Also, Amy says that some women in TV continue to be hired for the wrong reasons (looks), instead of the right ones (skill, competence).

Amy believes that part of the problem is that the news industry is still predominantly a “boys club” and that too few women are promoted to key decision making roles. Her hope is that as more women are promoted, more positive changes will take place. In the meantime, Amy says that some progress is being made. She points out that more women in their 40s and 50s are valued as on-air employees and have gained more acceptance by the viewing audience.

Like many women, Amy has had to work harder than male co-workers at times to prove her worth – and endure what she describes as “some uncomfortable and difficult situations.” As she’s grown older, Amy says she has learned to speak out when she sees or feels discrimination of any sort. Though she does not claim to have made changes in the media industry, there is no doubt that Amy has been a powerful force on the subject of women and the media, by being honest and open.

Under the constant and watchful eye of the public, Amy has learned the importance of “practicing what she preaches.” At our annual Choice Dinner, she plans to live out her belief that “Life is more than just talking the talk. You have to walk the walk.”

When asked why she accepted our invitation to speak, Amy said that she is grateful that the Emma Goldman Clinic is there for so many men and women who face tough choices at pivotal times in their lives. She says that this is her small way of expressing her appreciation for all we do.

The Emma Goldman Clinic is excited that Amy will be joining us. She is truly a role model for all women who strive to make a difference – not only in their own lives, but also for others!