Sharon Lia is the founder and CEO of Ladies Who Rock 4 A Cause (Credit: Sharon Lia)
Musician Sharon Lia uses her nonprofit to elevate women’s voices
Philadelphia singer-songwriter and musician Sharon Lia knows what it is like to fight for her voice to be heard both as a woman in the music industry and in her personal life, and now she uses her platform to help other women find theirs.
The Hatboro nonprofit she co-founded and runs with her husband Rick Jannotti, Ladies Who Rock 4 A Cause puts on music festivals featuring female-fronted bands to raise money for women in life-changing crisis.
The goal is to provide temporary assistance to bridge the gap between the resources these women have and the resources they need so they can get back to becoming all they are meant to be.
Lia spoke to Access Network about the healing power of music and how community members can help her nonprofit organization reach more women in need.
Her band, the Sharon Lia Band, a Philadelphia rock band, released a cinematic rock album EXPANSE last year and Lia was also a featured artist on the GRAMMY-nominated contemporary blues album, The Fury, by Antonio Vergara.
The Sharon Lia Band has shared the bill with artists like The Killers and Alice Merton and shared the stage with Taylor Dayne and Tiffany.
Lia wears many hats as a pianist, singer, songwriter, composer, producer and graphic designer and has her own label Sharrick Records. She is also a GRAMMY Voting member.
On why music is such a conduit for healing, she said, “Music brings joy and healing. It is a great way to bring people together because it is truly universal.”
Having faced her own struggles in the male-dominated music industry and in her own personal life, Lia always promised herself that one day she would start her own nonprofit to elevate the voices of other women both in and outside of the music industry.
“I was a woman in need and couldn’t find help. Nonprofits weren’t equipped to help women directly,” she said.
It was during her battle with breast cancer though that her idea for a nonprofit was fully realized. Her publicist called her about a woman looking for assistance with her cancer treatment. To Lia, this was a sign that it was the perfect time to launch her first charitable music festival.
“It was about taking a leap of faith that I would be a survivor, and I would help others,” she said.
Now 10 years later, she is celebrating a big milestone anniversary for her nonprofit. The 10th Anniversary Celebration Destination Festival is scheduled to take place in Atlantic City, New Jersey at Caesars Pier on September 20. The featured artist lineup will be announced soon.
All the acts who perform during the music festivals are female-fronted bands. Prior festivals have included music powerhouses such as Tiffany and Taylor Dayne.
“It is really great to empower women to use their voices to help others,” she said. “Sometimes something comes along to clip their wings, and we want to help them fly again.”
Ladies Who Rock 4 A Cause music events have benefited cancer patients, siblings with Duchene’s Muscular Dystrophy, house fire victims and many more. The organization also has contributed to other causes like The Sunshine Foundation, the Coalition Against Trafficking of Women,” and Christine’s Hope For Children”.
“The goal is to grow the number of women we help each year,” Lia said. The biggest challenge she said is the fundraising because we don’t receive any grant money. Instead, we rely on donors and volunteers at our events to help us raise money and awareness of our mission.”
This year Ladies Who Rock 4 A Cause is partnering with Rest Connection, another female-centered nonprofit with a similar mission, to offer indirect and direct services like affordable housing and mentoring to women in need.
How can you help?
Community members can get involved with Ladies Who Rock 4 A Cause in many ways. Attend a music festival, become a sponsor or volunteer at one of the events. You can also make a financial donation. The nonprofit accepts donations all year round.
For more information about Ladies Who Rock 4 A Cause, visit ladieswhorock4acause.org or email info@ladieswhorock4acause.org
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