About WIJO
Mission Statement
Women In Jazz Organization intends to help level the playing field in Jazz, so that women and non-binary people have equal opportunity to participate in and contribute to Jazz, leading to an improved and more rich, diverse, and successful art form.
WIJO is committed to honoring Black Americans as the creators of Jazz.
Who We Are
Women In Jazz Organization, aka "WIJO" (WEE-joe), is an arts non-profit 501(c)-3 organization serving the community of Jazz Musicians and Composers who identify as Women and Gender Non-Binary. WIJO is based in New York City, with connections to individuals and groups nationally and internationally.
Our THREE MAIN GOALS
- - Educating and empowering individual artists
- - Strengthening the intersectional community of women and non-binary people in Jazz
- - Working to improve equity and health in the greater Jazz culture and community
WHy WE DO IT
"So, what's the problem?"
Jazz has become an industry, community, and culture that is especially rife with misogyny.
Historically, Jazz is a Black American musical art form that was born out of struggle, by systemically oppressed people who made something beautiful out of the circumstances of our country's foundation on slavery, capitalism, white supremacy, and patriarchal ideals from the colonization of America.
As a result of the especially racist and sexist values that plagued the music industry and general society during jazz's evolution, which were displayed by the commodification, objectification, appropriation, institutionalization and exploitation of both the music and musicians themselves, there is and has been a dire lack of representation of women and non-binary people in Jazz.
The women and non-binary people who do exist in the Jazz world historically, and now, often face discrimination, sexism, and violence, as well as more subtle expressions of oppression, marginalization, and micro-aggressions.
"doing the work"
We host exciting events year-round including concerts, jam sessions, workshops, panels, lectures, town-hall meetings, networking events, and more. We provide curated playlists and host regular radio shows, as well as supporting research projects and offering guidance to those working in the field of women and gender issues in jazz. We house a mentorship program for upcoming young artists, which provides them with necessary tools to meet the goals and challenges of their next steps. We provide organizational support and consultation, advisement for job placements, educational resources, and much more. See below for a working list of our activities.
History of WIJO
Women in Jazz Organization was founded by NYC Saxophonist Roxy Coss, to address many of the issues that Women and Non-Binary people in Jazz are facing on a daily basis. Roxy joined forces with Vocalist Aubrey Johnson to plan WIJO's very first "Monthly Meeting," which was held at the Local 802 Musician's Union in NYC on July 18, 2017, with 12 women in attendance, including WIJO Vice-President Tahira Clayton and Secretary Allegra Levy. Former Leadership and WIJO Team members also include Sirintip (Tippan) Phasuk, Talia Rubenstein and Faith Quashie.
What We Do
WIJO Current and Past Projects, Events, & Initiatives:
Community Engagement/Education:
WIJO Mentors Program - Young Artist Development and Network
Partnerships with Jazz Girls TX, Key Of She, and more
Concerts & Jam Sessions:
International Women’s Day - WIJO Concert & Jam @ The New School (2024, 2025)
WIJO Mentors Concert and Jam at Soapbox Gallery (2023)
WIJO "Women in Jazz" Jam at NYC Winter JazzFest (2020)
WIJO Mentors Jam at National Jazz Museum in Harlem (2019)
WIJO Jam Session at Kitano Jazz (2018)
International Women’s Day - WIJO Concert @ United Nations International School (2018)
Lioness Concert Series - partnership with Convergence Arts (2018)
Radio and Playlist Curation:
WIJO @ WKCR - live monthly radio programs featuring playlists of member music
Official Apple Music Curator, Playlist curation on Spotify and Soundcloud
Partnership with Jeff Hanley: PRI Jazz After Hours & Jazz Happening Now radio shows
Partnership with Mary Foster Conklin: A Broad Spectrum radio show
Conference Presence:
JEN (Jazz Education Network) Conference (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
Jazzahead! (2019)
Key of She (2019)
Activism:
Participation in 2018 NYC Women’s March
Consulting on Gender in Jazz with Institutions
Gender In Jazz Panel Discussions & Lectures
Research & Presentations
Venues including NYC Winter JazzFest, University of North Texas, The New School, Juilliard, Sopot Jazz Festival, University of Manitoba, Georgetown University, and many more...
WIJO Member Promotion & Career Enhancement/Development:
Job Placement, Recommendations, and References for Members
Gig Publicity
Social Media Accounts (FB, Twitter, Instagram)
Gender in Jazz Resource Development: (Please check out what Key of She is doing!)
Educational Code of Conduct
Member Databases: Big Band Musicians; Educators; Discography (COMING SOON!)
Suggested reading lists and listening lists
Master list of Women in Jazz Greats
Member Community Events/Community-Building:
Monthly Meetings
Reading Group
WIJO Member Hangs including local bars, online cocktail hours and zoom chats, remote "Town Hall" meetings, and more
Other Member Services:
Therapy services offered to members in partnership with selected providers , at reduced and sliding-scale cost