Panelists speak at NAMIC's Annual Conference in 2023.
The cable industry's annual Diversity Week began yesterday in New York City. The nearly week-long event brings together industry leaders and changemakers to champion and advance diversity and inclusion throughout the media, entertainment, and technology landscape.
Advancing Diversity Industrywide
The WICT Network, which is dedicated to empowering and nurturing women leaders, and NAMIC, an advocate for multi-ethnic diversity throughout the industry, along with the NCTA Education Foundation, form the nexus of programming at Diversity Week. Both WICT and NAMIC are hosting annual conferences this week, with the Kaitz Dinner bringing everyone together to raise money for important work advancing diversity across the industry.
- Diversity Week kicked off with the WICT Leadership Conference earlier this week, with the theme, “Fueling Your Power and Purpose.” Programming is focused on helping attendees cultivate the skills and tools necessary for growth, both professionally and personally.
- Some sessions focused on getting attendees up to speed with emerging technology like AI, while others sought to help navigate career pivots in a world characterized by constant change and disruption.
- The 38th Annual NAMIC Conference is themed “Diverse Voices! Defining the Future…” and celebrates the diversity, equity, and inclusion that is redefining the media, entertainment, and tech industries.
- The conference kicked off today with a Diversity Town Hall moderated by NCTA Chief of Staff Nilda Gumbs, who interviewed Charter’s Rhonda Nesmith Crichlow, Comcast’s Loren Hudson, Cox’s Kia Painter, and Warner Bros. Discovery’s Asif Sadiq, where the panel discussed the recently released AIM/PAR Survey results. The survey, a partnership between WICT and NAMIC and conducted by PwC, dives deep into the state of diversity across the industry at every level.
Breaking Bread at The Kaitz Dinner
Diversity Week's pinnacle moment will take place Wednesday night with the 41st annual Kaitz Dinner, hosted by the NCTA Education Foundation, with the theme "Do Good. Be Better. Impact Tomorrow."
- The Kaitz Dinner serves as a cornerstone event where the industry raises funds to support critical programs put on by groups, including The Emma Bowden Foundation, NAMIC, the T. Howard Foundation, and The WICT Network.
- These programs are centered on leadership development, mentorship, and inclusive programming for women and diverse professionals.
- This year’s dinner is hosted by NBC Correspondent Brian Cheung, and co-chaired by aspireTV’s Senior Vice President of Multicultural Networks & General Manager Angela Cannon and Cox Communications President Mark Greatrex.
- This year’s ChangeMaker honoree is The Handy Foundation, which works to advance diverse talent in Hollywood.
- Since 2020, the nonprofit has created and implemented registered apprentice training programs for the media and entertainment industry, empowering hundreds of underrepresented individuals by equipping them with essential technical skills, professional networks, and comprehensive training, providing access to competitive jobs in Hollywood.