Keychange Leaders Program Wraps Empowering Peer to Peer Education for a More Diverse, Inclusive, and Equitable Music Industry

Keychange will mark the effective conclusion of its Talent Leadership Program at wrap-up sessions to be held at Reeperbahn Festival 2026 in Hamburg, Germany. 

Launched in November 2024, the Talent Leadership Program (TLP) has formed part of the Keychange Leaders project, which takes action to empower talented, underrepresented genders and those who overcome barriers due to their identities with training, mentoring, conference access, and network support. The 2026 intake comprised women and gender-diverse individuals rigorously selected from 253 applicants and included six Canadian participants: Andy Glydon (PE), Annalie Bonda (ON), Denise De’ion (ON), Jessica Blain-Descormiers (QC), Kayla Cooper (NT), and Megan McKay (AB).

The initiative’s wrap up brings together all 43 participants from 25 countries for an in-person program, exclusive to the TLP cohort, which will mark the pinnacle of their efforts and learning journey.

The Keychange Leaders Talent Leadership Program is a six-month interactive training program for aspiring Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity and Accessibility (DEIA) change leaders. The program develops leadership techniques, builds confidence and strategic skills by blending knowledge and tools with hands-on experience, personalized mentorship, and access to a supportive network. 

“There is a real want within the music industry to create spaces for togetherness and networking where likeminded people can meet. Our alumni value the network and human connection they build amongst themselves and continue to provide advice and guidance to each other way beyond the programme.” – Christina Hazboun, Keychange Advocacy and Knowledge Manager

Keychange Leaders TLP alumni are anticipated to drive actions towards a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable music industry. With the philosophy that leadership is about vision and action, not just job titles, the program endeavoured to build the skills and mindset to lead diverse teams and drive social change, welcoming participants from mid to senior level – managers, artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives.

FACTOR is a proud supporter of the 2026 Keychange Talent Leadership Program. Read the full press release here.