Screenwriter, author, music industry pioneer Sophia Chang to deliver Pamela Lavin Bernstein Women of Influence lecture
The Pamela Lavin Bernstein Women of Influence Lecture Series, presented by Alfred University’s Judson Leadership Center, will be offered on Tuesday, April 2, at 7 p.m. in Nevins Theater, Powell Campus Center. Screenwriter, author, and music manager-producer Sophia Chang will deliver the keynote.
The lecture series, which had been on hiatus for more than five years, due primarily to the COVID pandemic, is endowed and supported by Alfred University alumna Pamela Lavin Bernstein ’71.
Chang is currently developing numerous television properties, including a scripted series for FX based on her audible memoir, “The Baddest Bitch In The Room.” Released as a book in 2020, “The Baddest Bitch In The Room” chronicles Chang’s career in the music industry. Earlier this year, she was the subject of an episode of the Hulu series “Defining Moments,” and she recently created “Unlock Her Potential,” a program that provides mentorship for women of color.
Known as the first Asian woman in hip-hop, Chang has managed members of the rap group Wu Tang Clan, including RZA, GZA and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard; D’Angelo, Raphael Saadiq, Q Tip, and A Tribe Called Quest, and has also worked with singer-songwriter Paul Simon. Chang worked in marketing at Atlantic, A&R (artist and repertoire) at Jive, and A&R administration at Universal. She served as general manager of RZA’s Razor Sharp Records, Cinematic Music Group, and Joey Bada$$’ Pro Era Records.
Chang has spoken in corporate and academic settings, including Vevo, Spotify, AT&T, and American Express, as well as Columbia University, Berklee College of Music, MIT, and Harvard University. Topics of her talks have included diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace; networking; entrepreneurship; mentoring and empowering women, women of color, and working mothers; and dealing with microaggressions, privilege and allyship.