Positions of power and visibility virtually always demand a sense of integrity, responsibility and courage. These are the attributes of some of the ladies celebrated during the 4th annual “ASCAP Presents… Women Behind the Music” series. The event which kicked off at New York’s chic club, Tenjune honored women working within all facets of the business including DJ and BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc. Founder Beverly Bond, Island/Def Jam Music Group Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs, Nicole Wyskoarko and Universal Music Publishing Senior Vice President and Co-Head of East Coast Operations, Jessica Rivera.

As a woman in music, Bond has been one of the most vocal opponents of controversial depictions of women in hip-hop and mass media. At the event she shared hopes that more women within the industry will stand up against misogyny.

“Women are participating in the destruction of women and their images. There have to be more women who do stand up and say even though I am in here I am still gonna say something. I watch what I play, where I play and there has to be a distinction between what the youth absorb,” she advises.

ASCAP Vice President, Membership – Rhythm & Soul, Nicole George wants the series to remind young women of their potential to make positive contributions in the music business. “This event is for them to see what they can be and that they have positive role models and something to aspire to.”

Securing a role of a lifetime is one of the aspirations of actress, Pauletta Pearson Washington. The veteran talent shared those sentiments as she returned to the stage in Harlem last week in Lorey Hayes’ production “Power Play,” at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. “I want to do the definitive piece,” she shares. “I want to express everything I’ve experienced as a woman and human being in life and through my art as a healing experience on the stage.”

While she patiently awaits her breakthrough role, Washington has nothing but praise for her husband, Denzel Washington’s performance in the upcoming film, “Flight,” which has generated Oscar buzz. “I must say my husband did some incredible work in this movie. When I saw it I couldn’t’ tell him anything. I was just so full.”

Instead of getting full on movies, try an art snack. Krista Saunders—The Bespoke Curator—is now accepting submissions for The Art Snack Registry, a curated selection of small, ready-to-hang works of art priced under $200. The event, designed to connect novice art collectors with affordable art by emerging artists, will be held at Space on White on Thursday, November 29 and Thursday, December 6.

After that, if you’re still hungry for more arts and culture then Lonette McKee, acclaimed Tony nominated film and stage actress and star the original film “Sparkle,” aims to satiate your appetite. McKee will be in concert with four-time Grammy nominated music legend, Michael Henderson for a one night only performance, “A Night to Remember” at Aaron Davis Hall, City College of New York. You may purchase tickets here.

The Harlem Arts Alliance is a not for profit arts service organization celebrating 10 years of service to a prestigious list of members such as the Apollo Theater, the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, Columbia University, Harlem Stage (Aaron Davis Hall) and over 850 more cultural/arts institutions and individuals. The weekly column, Harlem Arts Alliance Presents: On the “A” w/Souleo, covers the intersection of the arts, culture and entertainment scene in Harlem and beyond and is written by Souleo, founder and president of event/media content production company, Souleo Enterprises, LLC.