As we announce the first Sony Alpha Female Creators In Residence, here's a look at what it means to be an Alpha Female from some of the extraordinary women who applied. 

Five Sony Alpha Female Creators In Residence, chosen from more than 6,000 entrants, will receive funding, mentorship, camera gear & more

SAN DIEGO — Nov. 14, 2018 — Sony Electronics Inc. today announced the winners of its Alpha Female Creator-in-Residence Program Contest, one of the flagship initiatives in the Company’s recently introduced “Be Alpha” campaign.

The Alpha Female initiative is Sony’s response to the imaging industry’s well-documented challenges with diversity and is focused exclusively on providing opportunities for women creators to advance their careers. The Alpha Female Creator-in-Residence Program Contest awards five winners a six-month grant of $25,000 in funds , $5,000 in Sony digital imaging product allowance, a mentorship pairing with one of Sony’s high-profile Artisans of Imagery and much more. (See the Official Contest Rules for details at http://www.alphauniverse.com/alpha-female).

“Women make up the majority of the U.S. and Canadian populations and yet are significantly under-represented in the professional imaging field,” said Jennifer Geddy, head of digital marketing at Sony Electronics. “The Alpha Female initiative provides a pathway to empowering more women photographers and videographers through a combination of mentorship and financial support. Efforts such as the Alpha Female initiative help expand the industry’s pool of gifted and diverse creators and raise the bar for everyone. We are extremely excited to welcome our talented Alpha Female winners and look forward to collaborating with them.”

Judged as winners from more than 6,000 entrants, the Alpha Female Creators-in-Residence are:

Megan Allen

A wedding photographer from Ohio, Megan’s goal is to create photos that make you stop in your tracks for a moment in time. Learn more about her at https://www.choosestudio22.com. Megan’s mentor will be Artisan of Imagery Sara France.

Danielle Da Silva

Currently living in Toronto, Danielle is a storyteller, conservationist, scholar, activist speaker, and the founder of Photographers Without Borders. You can learn more on her website at http://www.danielledasilva.com. Danielle’s mentor will be Artisan of Imagery Cristina Mittermeier.

Erin Hogue

An adventure and lifestyle artist living in Vancouver, Erin focuses on capturing the impossible. Discover Erin’s work at https://www.instagram.com/erinhogue. Erin’s mentor will be Artisan of Imagery Brooke Shaden.

Nitashia Johnson

An educator and portrait photographer from Texas, Nitashia’s passion is currently focused on developing a community-based media arts program for high school teens. Learn more about her at http://www.nitashiajohnson.com. Nitashia’s mentor will be Artisan of Imagery Me Ra Koh.

Colette Robinson

Collette is a photographer and creative focused on stop motion graphics and living in Northern California. You can learn more on her website at http://coletterobinson.com/. Colette’s mentor will be Artisan of Imagery Caroline Jensen.

To follow the journeys of all five winners throughout the program, please visit www.alphauniverse.com/alpha-female

In addition to the Alpha Female Creators in Residence grant program, Sony will support several female-backed and focused events that aim to push progress for diversity in photography and filmmaking as part of the Alpha Female initiative. The Company will also be funding several additional projects by female creators.

A variety of additional content related to Sony’s Be Alpha campaign, including articles, videos and events, can be found at www.alphauniverse.com/BeAlpha