Schedule

Monday, October 10, 2022

• 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Registration
  New York Marriott Marquis – 6th Floor Registration Booth
• 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Alumni Leadership Reception (by invitation only)
  New York Marriott Marquis
  Sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal
  

 

• 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Chapter Appreciation Dinner (by invitation only)
  Off-site
  Sponsored by INSP
  

Registration

• 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• New York Marriott Marquis – 6th Floor Registration Booth

Virtual Doors Open

• 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

New Attendee Mixer 

• 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• New York Marriott Marquis – Wilder – 4th Floor
• Sponsored by A+E
  

Joint AIM/PAR Town Hall Meeting (presented in partnership with WICT Network)

• 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
• New York Marriott Marquis – Westside Ballroom
• Presented in partnership with WICT and the Walter Kaitz Foundation

Opening Session Luncheon

• 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
• New York Marriott Marquis – Broadway Ballroom – 6th Floor
• Keynote Speaker: Leland Melvin, Engineer, former NASA astronaut, and NFL wide receiver
• Sponsored by Charter Communications
  
  

Super Session: The POWER PLAY: Diversity Beyond Lip Service

• 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
• New York Marriott Marquis- Broadway Ballroom – 6th Floor
• Sponsored by REVOLT
  
  
• This session will explore new ways to lead in a world radically altered by racial tension, a diffuse workforce, abrupt market shifts, climate change and polarized politics – all of which have a disproportionate impact on people of color. The panel will discuss how to lead in uncertain times, avoid performative inclusion and create opportunity for the diverse populations that power our brands.
  • Sheinelle Jones, News Anchor and Correspondent, NBC News – moderator
  • Monique Chenault, President, REVOLT News + Head of REVOLT Studios
  • Jason A. Farmer, Founder  CEO, BLP Studios
  • Galen Gordon, SVP, Talent Strategy and Development, ABC News

Mid-Afternoon Refreshment and Networking Break

• 3:30 PM – 3:45 PM
• New York Marriott Marquis
• Sponsored by Warner Bros. Discovery
  

 

Concurrent Learning Sessions

• 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
• New York Marriott Marquis and Virtual

Well-Being and the Workplace: Strategies to Thrive and Not Just Survive

• TRACK: Workforce Strategy & Culture (Virtual)
• Anxiety, aging, microaggressions, reorgs, and returning to an in-person office environment can really give you the blues. This informative and engaging session featuring wellness and health and human service experts will provide data on trends for companies returning to the workplace and strategies on how to use emotional intelligence, boundary setting, and other soft skills to create, navigate and prioritize your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing to thrive in the workplace.
  • Quinelle Hickman, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT and Founder, Counseling to Comfort, Therapy Services PLLC (moderator)
  • Joi Britt, Psychotherapist and Licenses Clinical Social Worker, Life Intentionally Psychotherapy
  • Dr. Pedram Shojai, OMD, Founder & CEO, bPossible, Inc.
  • Mikel Slater, SVP, Human Resources, Comcast

Inclusive Journalism: The New News

• TRACK: Workforce Strategy & Culture – Julliard Complex, 5th Floor
• Studies have shown a growing distrust in national and local news and the whole field of journalism. Age-old Journalism practices have often over-criminalized people of color and have been guilty of perpetuating stereotypes that do more harm than good. Many industries have been closely examining their D&I footprints and making adjustments, and the local news industry is no different.  This session will detail the importance of inclusive journalism – the set of normative discourses, editorial policies, and practices that are being adopted, to provide diversity of voices and thought in the media. Learn how diversity change agents are reshaping the local news landscape and bringing equity and inclusion to the forefront of our newsrooms.
  • Alexandria Latimer, Director, Audience Insights, TEGNA, Inc. & NAMIC Capital Area President – moderator
  • Grady Tripp, VP & Chief Diversity Officer, TEGNA, Inc.
  • Brittney Nix-Crawford, Professor of Communications, Rosemont College
  • Adriana Waterston, Chief Revenue Officer & Strategy Lead, Horowitz Research

Courageous Conversations: The Podcast Lounge

• TRACK: Inclusion & Collaboration -Lyceum Complex, 5th Floor
• There’s power in the pen and in the podcast. The podcast has provided a platform for disruption and awareness of cultural and social justice issues. JOIN us for this interactive session to hear how podcasts and platforms are using their voices to inject a dose of diversity, equity, and inclusion into the industry.
  • Denise Bennett, VP, Multicultural Brand Strategy and Idea Lab, iHeartMedia – moderator
  • Atul Prashar, Founder, Sava360 Ventures, co-host, Whiskey Hue, host, FinTech BLK series
  • Kirby Dixon and Amira Lewally, co-hosts of Lifetime’s The Table is Ours
  • Kishshana Palmer, CEO, Kishshana & Co. Podcast Host, “Let’s Take This Offline: The Podcast for Everyday Leaders

SUPER SESSION: ON BRAND: Business, Identity and Imagination

• TRACK: Marketing & Communications – Majestic Complex, 6th Floor
• This session will bring top industry leaders together to discuss how to breathe life into brands, pivot in response to the market and grow your customer base. Today’s executives will share how they endured adversity to find opportunity and innovate in an uncertain landscape.
  • Nyree Wright, SVP, Public Relations, TV One and NAMIC Board Member – moderator 
  • Derede McAlpin, Principal, Mitchell + Minter

The Masterclass: LEAD | CREATE | INSPIRE

• TRACK: Future Leaders – Shubert Complex, 6th Floor
• Sponsored by AMC Networks
  
• Class is in Session!!! Great leaders are teachers through experience and empathy. American motivational writer William Author Ward once wrote. “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” Whether you’re a new manager learning how to lead different personalities or a seasoned professional building a diverse intergenerational team in a hybrid environment, there are gems for everyone. Sharpen your skills and learn from three experts on how to lead, create and inspire yourself, your team, and your company at every level.
  • Jamone “JJ” West, Sr. Director, Affiliate Marketing, REVOLT and NAMIC Board Member – moderator
  • Courtney Huber, VP, Partnership Marketing, Hallmark Media
  • Naila McKenzie Ross, VP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, AMC Networks

 

Welcome Reception: Recognizing the 2022 Cablefax Diversity List

• 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
• New York Marriott Marquis – Astor Ballroom, 7th Fl.
• Sponsored by NCTA: The Internet & Television Association
  

Registration

• 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• New York Marriott Marquis – 6th Floor Registration Booth

NAMIC NY Presents: Mindfulness and Meditation guided by Wasidah Francois

• 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
• New York Marriott Marquis – Lyceum Complex, 5th Floor
• Sponsored by NAMIC NY
• Sound bathing is a meditative experience where those in attendance are “bathed” in sound waves. These waves are produced by healing instruments such as gongs, sound “singing” bowls, percussion instruments, chimes, rattles, tuning forks and more. These are used to relax the body and mind, reduce stress, anxiety and depression. NAMIC NY will lead a relaxing hybrid session of Mediations and Sound Baths led by Wasidah Francois, a NYC-based Holistic Health & Wellness Specialist. This will be an opportunity to relax, reset, or release tension. The session will be easy and enjoyable, will provide a mini spa vacation for the mind, body and emotions; and have you ready to take on your day.”
  • Wasidah Francois, Holistic Health & Wellness Specialist

Continental Breakfast

• 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
• New York Marriott Marquis – 5th Floor Foyer
• Sponsored by Cox Communications
  

NAMIC Town Hall: “The Power of Diverse Storytelling Through a Sports’ Lens”

• 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
• New York Marriott Marquis – Westside Ballroom – 5th Floor
• Stories are a fundamental part of the human experience and the sports world represents some of life’s best stories. Athletes resonate with people personally, and as we’ve seen many times over – sports can be a catalyst for change. They can shape our perspective and be a uniting force. Join us for a conversation about representation and storytelling. Hear from those making a difference in reshaping the narrative for communities of color through the lens of sports. This session will be moderated by award-winning commentator, Angela Rye, and feature Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN and Sports Content, The Walt Disney Company, award-winning filmmakers Michèle Stephenson & Joe Brewster (Black Girls Play), Peabody award-winning producer Shima Oliaee (30 for 30 Podcasts: Pink Card), and ESPN’s senior managing producer Gustavo Coletti, as panelists.
• Sponsored by ESPN
  

Maximizing Resilience Through Mentorship: L. Patrick Mellon Mentoring Program

• 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
• New York Marriott Marquis – Juilliard Complex 5th Floor
• TRACK: Workforce Strategy and Culture
• Sponsored by Paramount
  
• Maximum resilience is achieved through community and wise counsel. One connection can be the difference between promotion and plateau. Join NAMIC LPMMP Mentors and Mentees (past and present) for a powerful hour of networking, a brief training, and a review of the year’s accomplishments.
  • Dr. Charles Dorsey, Founder & CEO, The Dorsey Group – facilitator
  • Douglas Holloway, President, Homewood Media and Rhythm-A-Ning Entertainment, Founder of NAMIC and LPMMP
  • Lakysha Laing, MBA, Director, Customer Care, Cox Communications, President of NAMIC-Virginia 

 

Concurrent Learning Sessions

• 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
• New York Marriott Marquis and Virtual

Planet of the Apps: There’s An App for That

• TRACK: Innovation & Technology (Virtual)
• All aspects of life have seemingly integrated apps and artificial intelligence into their systems of customer engagement and data collection. Everything from groceries, to social media filters, to well-being and lifestyle management, there’s an app for that. Come hear from technology experts on the future of app technology, startups and the way we work and live.
  • Orlando Hampton, Chief Customer Officer and GM USA, Afiniti  – moderator
  • Chloe Cheyenne Rogers, Founder, Communityx App
  • Tony Werner, Senior Technology Advisor, Comcast Cable
  • Renard Jenkins, SVP, Production Integration & Creative Technology Services, Warner Bros. Discovery
• Sponsored by Afiniti and Genpact
  

The Art of the Pivot (TED TALKS)

• TRACK: Workforce Strategy & Culture (Virtual)
• Finding Your Gifting; Pivot to Purpose, Pivot with Professional Development, Pivot & Adopting a Growth Mindset; Pivot, Position and Pull Up a Chair
• Since 2020, executives and entrepreneurs are experiencing perpetual pivots: adapting to rapid change in their careers, finances and lives. From finding your purpose, to utilizing professional development programs to increase performance, and learning what’s on the other side of burnout, our pivot professionals will teach how to navigate best during these uncertain times.
  • Tawanda Prince, The Good Life Coach 
  • Quincy Johnson, VP, Distribution, Partner Operations, Warner Bros. Discovery
  • Janeen Uzzell, CEO, NSBE, Advisor, President Biden’s HBCU Board
  • Arda Ocal, Host, SportsCenter & NHL Content, ESPN     

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Your #1 Retention Tool

• TRACK: Future Leaders – Lyceum Complex, 5th Floor
• The chatter is ongoing but do organizations fully understand the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion? As the Great Resignation continues, companies must look beyond the existing tools they already possess, to effectively impact their bottom line. Many companies are now learning how an impactful DEI strategy can help them attract and retain employees. This panel will highlight best practices from DEI Executives using their DEI strategies to attract and retain talent. Learn how DEI can make an impact on your business. Find out how leading DEI executives are designing, executing, and measuring comprehensive DEI strategies—best practices will be shared, and challenges discussed.
  • Rahdiah Barnes, President, NAMIC NY – moderator
  • Serena Fong, VP of DEI Partnerships, Michael J. Fox Foundation
  • Jessica Guerrero, Global Head of Cloud GTM Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Google
  • Salvador Mendoza, VP, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, NBCUniversal
  • Demetrius Thornton, Chief Diversity Officer and Talent Management, Madison Square Garden Company
• Event partner:
  

 

Meet the Execs: Leading with Conviction and Purpose

• TRACK: Inclusion & Collaboration – Shubert Complex, 6th Floor
• Being a leader often requires a level of audacity and tenacity to push through the discomfort, the ambiguity, and skepticism to  breakthrough barriers. Sometimes the barriers are cultural, other times they are economic. For leaders, the looming questions, “Am I making the right decision”, What happens if I fail”, “Am I enough” can be both daunting and paralyzing at times. During this off-the record interactive session we will hear from experts and disruptors of the industry on how to lead with conviction and intentional purpose
  • J.D. Myers II, SVP, Region Manager, Virginia, Cox – moderator
  • James Brown, EVP, Content Distribution & Marketing, REVOLT
  • Noel Manzano, VP, International Programming & Development, AMC Networks and 2022 NAMIC Luminary Honoree
  • Grace Moss, VP, Diversity, Equity, Programs, Warner Bros. Discovery and 2022 NAMIC Luminary Honoree

 

Annual Awards Luncheon

• 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
• New York Marriott Marquis – Westside Ballroom – 5th Floor
• Sponsored by TelevisaUnivision
  
  
• Download the Program Journal
• JOIN US and our special guests as we honor our Next Generation Leaders, Luminaries, Diversity in Technology Award honoree, and the Mickey Leland Humanitarian Achievement Award recipient at our Annual Awards Ceremony. This signature event will also feature highlights of our legacy in building a pipeline for DE&I leaders over 40 years.

The Mid-Day Mix with DJ Commish (Virtual)

• 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
• Take a break and join NAMIC for a mid-day musical interlude with our resident DJ Commish, then get ready for some great afternoon sessions.

To LEAD, READ, & BE – Courageous Authors Showcase with Verses and Vibes Bookspace

• 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
• New York Marriott Marquis – 5th Floor Foyer
• Some of the greatest leaders and innovators throughout history were not only avid readers, but also book authors. Join the Verses and Vibes Bookspace for noteworthy conversations with some upcoming and your soon-to-be favorite authors.

7th Annual StartUp Pitch Competition

• 1:45 PM – 3:00 PM
• New York Marriott Marquis – Westside Ballroom – 5th Floor
• Sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal
  
  
• NAMIC and SAVA360 are teaming up for the 7th year to host the Startup Pitch Competition. Tech start-up compete in the semi and final rounds by presenting their business ideas to a panel of diverse and progressive advisors, investors and media executives to see who will be the best Pitch!

• Judges:

  • Aki Garrett, Head of Business Development and GM, REVOLT Podcast Network
  • Kevin Lopes, VP, Sports Business Development & Innovation, ESPN
  • Atul Prashar, Founder, Sava360 Ventures, co-host “Whiskey Hue” and “FinTech BLK”
  • Emily Waldorf, SVP, Growth Development, Comcast