Women’s Audio Mission (WAM) executive Director Terri Winston has said that "less talk and more action" is needed to tackle a lack of diversity in the pro audio industry.

Speaking to Audio Media International for a feature on WAM in the January/February issue, Winston said that this would be her number one piece of advice for anyone looking to improve diversity in their organisations.

"Hire more women and people of colour," added Winston. "If you have job openings available, reach out to WAM and we can try and place someone we think would be qualified for that position or post your job listing on WAM’s job board.

"Reach out to local schools and universities to find potential candidates outside of your immediate network. Research online and examine critically what it means to have an inclusive and welcoming workplace."

It’s critical for women and other marginalised people to see role models and possibilities in the industry

– Terri Winston, WAM

Winston also spoke of the importance of including women and people of colour in programming for industry panels and workshops. "Preferably as part of the programme design process to include their voices and ideas," she said.

"Reach out to organisations like WAM who already have expertise in this area. Including women and other minorities in initial planning stages can shape the content of your programming and also widen your audience. It’s critical for women and other marginalised people to see role models and possibilities in the industry represented at industry events in order to increase diversity in the industry."

Look out for the full interview with Terri Winston in the January/February issue of Audio Media International.