Conference Schedule
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
National Membership Meeting (invitation only) (off platform)
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Join NAMIC National for our National Membership Meeting to discuss the state of NAMIC, network with other chapters across the country and hear about the upcoming 35th Annual NAMIC Conference.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Susan Waldman, Senior Manager, Membership and Publications
- Opening Remarks: Cheryl Manley, Chair, NAMIC Board of Directors
- A. Shuanise Washington, President and CEO, NAMIC
Teamwork Tuesday
October 5, 2021
Chapter Leadership Workshop: Career Growth via Volunteerism (Breakout Stage)
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
For many, this year has encouraged connectivity and community more than ever. In this session, we will discuss how chapters can do more to shift the culture, hold uncomfortable conversations in their workplaces and remove barriers for their chapters to grow.
Speakers:
- Charles Neal, President, NAMIC – Atlanta and AVP, Media and Telecom, GENPACT
- Lakysha Laing, President, NAMIC – Virginia
- Sandy Nunez, President, NAMIC- Southern California
L. Patrick Mellon Mentoring Session (Main Stage)
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Sponsor: Walter Kaitz Foundation
Description: This noteworthy conversation with Dr. Mathew Knowles will explore the importance of mentoring in chartering a successful career, and its ability to build leaders, launch dream careers and create legacies. You don't want to miss this conversation!
Speakers:
- Opening Remarks: A. Shuanise Washington, President and CEO, NAMIC
- Opening Remarks: Maria Brennan, President and CEO, Women in Cable Telecommunications
- Sponsor Remarks: Michelle Ray, Executive Director, Walter Kaitz Foundation
- Moderator: Julissa Bermudez, Television Host and Actress, “It’s Me, Julissa” , CLEO TV
- Speaker: Dr. Mathew Knowles, President, Music World Entertainment
Welcome Reception Cablefax "Connections & Cocktails" (After Dark Stage)
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Live)
Sponsor: NCTA: The Internet & Television Association, presented in partnership with Cablefax
Description: Did you say Cablefax? Join us and Cablefax as we celebrate the release of the 2021 Cablefax Diversity List and the first day of the 35th Annual Conference. Powered by DJ Commish.
Speakers:
- Opening Remarks: Cheryl Manley, Chair, NAMIC Board of Directors
- Welcome Remarks: Honorary Chair: George Cheeks, President and CEO, CBS Entertainment Group
- Sponsor Greetings: Nilda Gumbs, Chief of Staff, NCTA: The Internet
- Partner Greetings: Amy Maclean, Editorial Director, Cablefax
- Emcee/DJ: DJ Commish
Open Discussion (Roundtables)
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Live)
Attendees can join ad hoc roundtable discussions on their own.
Workforce Wednesday
October 6, 2021
HUES: Diversity and the Critical Role of Journalism (Main Stage)
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Pre-Recorded)
Sponsor: Sponsored by Charter Communications
Description: Major events and crises can shape the immediate and long-term behaviors of generations. The Covid-19 pandemic pandemic and social justice movement have accelerated cultural and societal shifts that were already underway. Journalism in particular has played an essential role. It has documented America’s past and has born witness to its present. Through traditional, social and digital media, journalists are reporting a fuller American story than what was covered in the past, playing an increasingly more important role in shaping society today. As journalists expand how they chronicle the lives of everyday Americans, there are more stories than ever about the experiences of underrepresented groups.
In our opening session, journalist, political analyst and cultural commentator Errol Louis will share his perspective on the critical role of journalism in American life – in pushing the national dialogue on fairness, equity and inclusion. Louis will also explore how contemporary news reporting has helped shape American consciousness, impacting public opinion in favor of equity in American workspaces and leadership in companies that serve the American people.
Speakers:
- Welcome Greetings: A. Shuanise Washington, President and CEO, NAMIC, Inc.
- Opening Remarks: Rhonda Crichlow, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer, Charter Communications
- Moderator: Ybeth Bruzual, Spectrum News Anchor, Charter Communications
- Errol Louis, Journalist, Political Analyst and Cultural Commentator
Pfizer Roundtable (Roundtable)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (Live)
Sponsor: Sponsored by Pfizer
Speakers:
- Kimberly Crawford, Global DEI External Partnerships Lead, Pfizer
Annual Awards Ceremony (Main Stage)
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM (Pre-Recorded)
Sponsor: Sponsored by Univision
JOIN US and our special guests as we honor our Next Generation Leaders and Luminaries at our Annual Awards Ceremony. This signature event will also feature highlights of our legacy in building a pipeline for D&I leaders over 40 years.
Speakers:
- Yarel Ramos, Anchor, Edicion Digital, California
Honorees:
Next Generation Leaders
- Rhonda Nesmith Crichlow, SVP, Chief Diversity Officer, Charter Communications
- Rob King, SVP & Editor-At-Large, ESPN Content, ESPN
- Joiava Philpott, SVP, Law & Policy, Cox Communications
- Jessica Prois, Editorial Director, NBC Asian America, NBC News Digital
Luminaries
- Rosetta Ellis-Pilie, VP, Talent Development and Negotiations, ESPN
- Gregg Fujimoto, SVP, Field Operations, Charter Communications
- Karen Horne, SVP, Equity & Inclusion, Programs, WarnerMedia
- Raina Kelley, VP and Editor-in-Chief, The Undefeated, ESPN
- Nikki Love, VP, Development and Production, ALLBLK, AMC Networks
- Samata Narra, SVP, Equity and Inclusion, Content, WarnerMedia
- Manoj Shamdasani, VP, Programming and Brand Partnerships, News 12 Networks, Altice USA
- MyKhanh Shelton, SVP, Equity and Inclusion, Workforce, WarnerMedia
"Meet the Execs, Your Journey, Your Story" (Roundtables)
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM (Live)
Come and be inspired. Meet a few of the industry’s brightest and engaging executives. Hear their stories and ask questions about their journey in this industry.
Speakers:
- Christian Divino, Vice President, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, The Walt Disney Company
- Kishshana Palmer, Co-Author, CEO, Kishshana & CEO
- Christine Lee, Manager, Innovation Strategy & Development, WarnerBros
- David Arrington, COO, Arrington Coaching, LLC
NAMIC- Carolinas Roundtable (Roundtables)
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM (Live)
Speakers:
- Nicole Osmanski, President- NAMIC Carolinas and VP Sales Support, Spectrum Reach
2021: The Great Balance (Breakout Stage)
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Pre-Recorded session/Live Q&A)
Sponsor: Cox Communications in partnership with NAMIC-Atlanta
2021: The Great Balance. After a year of COVID-19, many company executives question, how can we effectively lead and "still be human". Senior leaders are struggling to maintain profitable, inclusive, human-centered workplaces while facing their own real-life human issues. Hear from senior leaders on how they manage up, lead teams and maintain balance in their lives.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Charles Neal, President, NAMIC- Atlanta and AVP, Media and Telecom, GENPACT
- LaKendra Davis, Vice President, Fulfillment Operations, Cox Business
- Ricky Frazier, Jr., Central Divisional Vice President of Customer Service Strategy, Comcast NBCUniversal
The Art of the Pivot: Changing Careers, Changing Lives (Breakout Stage)
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM (Pre-Recorded)
The only constant in life is change and this industry is known for mergers, acquisitions, and other forms of change. Hear from these industry pros on their journey, on how staying flexible, knowing your strengths, and making the right connections will help you navigate in the industry, as a career professional or an entrepreneur.
- Lori Hall, Co-Founder and Head of Creative, Pop’N Creative
NAMIC- Texas Roundtable (Roundtables)
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Live)
Speakers:
- Robert Brooks, NAMIC-Texas
Walter Kaitz Foundation (off-platform)
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Live)
Join our Foundation Partner, the Walter Kaitz Foundation for their virtual event to celebrate Diversity Week. The event is complimentary.
Virtual Meet and Match: Finding Opportunities in Industry (Virtual Expo Hall)
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Live)
Looking for a mentor, a new job opportunity, or just browsing? Join us as we make real connections with our virtual meet & match session. Recruiters and company executives from over 10 partnering organizations share tips on landing a job, any open vacancies within their company and opportunities to connect with senior executives for a chat session on career advancement. Make sure you have filled out your virtual business card to stay connected!
Tech & Culture Thursday
October 7, 2021
Town Hall Meeting - Tipping the Scales: The Power of Corporate Influence and Social Justice (Town Hall Stage)
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Pre-Recorded)
Sponsor: ViacomCBS
Description: There's ongoing debate about the role corporations should play in social justice issues which impact their employees and communities served and its employees; including voter suppression legislation throughout the country and in particular the state of Georgia which garnered national attention and early lack of involvement with corporations based in the state. While voter suppression remains a very timely element of this conversation, there are numerous other examples where corporations have extended their considerable [financial, lobbying, voice, policies, platform, etc.] influence to weigh in on social justice issues – gender neutral bathrooms among others. Importantly, there are a number of companies that have chosen not to engage. The question is why have some chosen to engage and others not? What should corporations be doing, and why? What is a framework for moving forward? What is the new role of corporate social responsibility?
Speakers:
- Opening Remarks: A. Shuanise Washington, President and CEO, NAMIC
- Moderator: Craig Robinson, EVP and Chief Diversity Officer, NBC Universal
- George Cheeks, President & CEO, CBS Entertainment Group
- Tarik A. Brooks, President, Combs Enterprises
- Marc H. Morial, President & CEO, National Urban League
Teaching Tolerance: Authors Showcase (Roundtables)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (Live)
Sponsor: In partnership with Verses and Vibes Bookspace
Pop into the Authors Showcase roundtable to learn more about the books from some of our conference speakers and other noteworthy authors on tolerance, diversity, equity and inclusion and the stories that compel us to fight for justice and equality.
Speakers:
- Tawanda Prince, author, poet and CEO, Verses and Vibes Bookspace
Featured Authors:
- Dr. Mathew Knowles, celebrity manager, President, Music World Entertainment
- Richard Liu, MSNBC/NBC News anchor, author and filmmaker, MSNBC/NBC News
- Dr. Brandeis Marshall, CEO, data scientist and author, DataedX
NAMIC- New York Roundtable (Roundtables)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (Live)
Speakers:
- Rahdiah Barnes, President, NAMIC-NY
Sixth Annual NAMIC StartUp Pitch Competition (Pitch Stage)
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM (Pre-Recorded/Live Judging)
Sponsor: Sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal in partnership with Sava360
NAMIC and SAVA360 are teaming up for the 6th year to host the Startup Pitch Competition. Finalists present business ideas to a panel of diverse and progressive advisors, investors and media executives.
Speakers:
- Opening Remarks: Jay Burks, Director, Supplier Diversity, Comcast NBCUniversal
- Moderator: Atul Prashar, Founder/CEO, Sava360
Judges:
- Jason Bethala, Executive Director, Strategic Investments, Comcast NBCUniversal
- Julia Pimsleur, Author, Founder, Million Dollar Women
- Atul Prashar, Founder/CEO, Sava360
Contestants:
- Isaac Hayes III, Founder, FanBase
- Kelvin Wang, Co-Founder, Minti
- Martha Chang and Gregory Butler, Co-Founders, ZuCasa
- David Grasso, Founder, BoldTV
- Cherrylle Hatchett, Co-Founder, Tech Game Changers (TGC)
The Mid-Day Mix with DJ Commish (Breakout Stage)
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM (Pre-Recorded)
In partnership with In Rare Form Consulting
Take a break and join NAMIC for a mid-day musical interlude with DJ Commish. Then get ready for great afternoon sessions.
Speakers:
- DJ Commish, The Commish Experience
Where Are Our Friends?: Setting the Course for Intentional Allyship (Breakout Stage)
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM (Pre-Recorded)
Sponsor: Sponsored by WarnerMedia
For many BIPOC the finish line is consistently pushed back in this race to success. However, having allies who not only carry the baton but rally in the fight with us, is more important now than ever. Come hear this rich discussion on how you can encourage, support and be a true ally in the fight for diversity, equity and inclusion.
Speakers:
- Moderator: J.D. Myers, SVP and Regional Manager, Cox Communications
- MyKhanh Shelton, SVP, Equity and Inclusion, Workforce, WarnerMedia
- Juliana Stock, EVP, Corporate Brand Strategy and Chief of Staff, Office of the President, A+E Networks)
Forward and Fierce: Making Space for the LGTBQ Community (Breakout Stage)
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM (Pre-Recorded)
Sponsor: Sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal
Bold, Courageous and Trailblazing. From Stonewall to the Supreme Court to network studios, the fight to equality is never ending. JOIN US as we hear from some of the industry's boldest LGBTQ champions as they discuss discovery, trials and triumphs while making space and moving forward fiercely.
Speakers:
- Moderator: E. Monique Hall, Managing Director, Forty-Five Acres Communications
- Carl Jones, Jr. , Senior Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Comcast NBCUniversal
The Power Hour: WHISKEY HUE Podcast + NAMIC National (Roundtables)
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Live)
Sponsor: Whiskey Hue Podcast
Grab your favorite drink and join us for the WHISKEY HUE Podcast + NAMIC National Podcast Hour.
A podcast from business & startup enthusiasts (also long-time NAMIC members) who are various shades of brown. A VC, Biz Dev guy, and Marketer offer a witty and insightful perspective on the most relevant stories in Media & Entertainment, Tech & Crypto, and Culture. They explore hot media topics, business models and trends around big ideas, and the people behind them. One cube. Real Whiskey. Real talk. @WhiskeyHue | All podcast platforms.
Speakers:
- Atul Prashar, Founder & CEO, SAVA360, and Co-Host, Whiskey Hue podcast
- Clyde Lee, Co-Host, Whiskey Hue podcast
- Anthony Gallegos, Co-Host, Whiskey Hue podcast
Open Discussion Roundtables (Roundtables)
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Live)
Take a break or join us at the roundtables for lively discussions on today’s sessions. Join the speed networking activation to meet a new friend, find a mentor, based on your interests.
SUPER SESSION: Spellbound: Changing the Face of Storytelling (Main Stage)
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Pre-Recorded)
Sponsor: Sponsored by Disney and ESPN Media Networks
A picture is worth a thousand words. In this digital world, brilliant storytellers, content creators and immersive digital designers are marketing gold. Come hear from the industry's greats; digital and creative geniuses on how their work pushes their companies' social agenda, D&I messaging and brands forward.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Samata Narra, SVP, Equity and Inclusion, Content, WarnerMedia
- Sylvia Bugg, Chief Programming Executive and GM, General Audience Programming, PBS
- Raina Kelley, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief, The Undefeated, ESPN
AI & You : AI and its Impact on Marginalized Communities (Tech Stage)
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Pre-Recorded)
Sponsor: Sponsored by Afiniti
Artificial intelligence (AI) can solve the world’s biggest challenges, but it can also pose risks and perpetuate injustices and bias and negatively impact underrepresented communities. AI tools can also support economic growth, enhance healthcare, and improve stability in local communities. Creating a more inclusive AI ecosystem is critical as new technologies significantly impact all communities. Join this conversation focused on the opportunities and challenges AI brings to marginalized communities.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Susan Gonzales, Founder, AI & You
- Dr. Brandeis Marshall, data scientist, author and CEO, DataedX
Chapter Awards Ceremony (After Dark Stage)
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Live)
Sponsor: INSP
2021 has been a year of persistent identity curation and innovation. JOIN US as we celebrate the achievements of our remarkable chapters who continue to challenge the status quo, RESTORE and REIGN in their respective cities as champions of D&I in the industry.
Speakers:
- Mark Kang, SVP, Worldwide Distribution, INSP
Future Leaders Friday
October 8, 2021
The MASTERCLASS: Leadership at Every Level (Breakout Stage)
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Pre-Recorded)
Sponsor: AMC Networks
What does leadership look like? How can millennials use their strengths to climb the corporate ladder? How can we debunk the myths behind millennials being social climbers, too engaged in social media and lacking in traditional socialization skills? Hear from industry leaders on how future leaders and those who work with them, can learn how to lead, learn and adapt well in intergenerational workplaces.
Speakers:
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Nikki Love, VP Development and Original Production, ALLBLACK/AMC Networks
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
In this mentor - mentee conversation, FUTURE NOW alumnus ’18 and WHDH TV 7News producer Joshua Bennett interviews Chris Rose, VP of Scheduling & Acquisitions, A+E Networks. They discuss the hallmarks of great leadership, how young career professionals can use their strengths to climb the corporate ladder, and how future leaders and those who work with them can learn to lead and thrive in intergenerational workplaces.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Joshua Bennett, Producer, WHDH-TV
- Chris Rose, VP, Scheduling & Acquisitions, A+E Networks
Becoming FUTURE LEADERS: All For One, One For All (Breakout Stage)
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (Pre-Recorded)
Sponsor: Presented in partnership with Future Now Media Foundation
Peabody and multi-award-winning Executive Producer and Founder & CEO of FUTURE NOW Media Foundation, Margaret Kim, is joined by a distinguished panel of today’s emerging leaders in media: Jamé Jackson, Founder of TheBlondeMisfit & On-Camera Personality; Jacqueline Heitkamp, Account Executive, BBC World News; Christian Ortega, Communications Consultant, Speakeasy; and Sierra Porter, free-lance writer and graduate student at NYU. They discuss their career journeys thus far, the most important leadership lessons they’ve learned along the way, and what authentic inspiring leadership has meant to them especially in the past year.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Margaret “Peggy” Kim, Founder & CEO, Future Now Media Foundation and iStandTV
- Jame Jackson, Senior Beauty Editor, In the Know
- Jacqueline Heitkamp, Account Executive, BBC World News
- Christian Ortega, Associate Account Executive, Fox Twentieth Television and The Walt Disney Company
- Sierra Porter, Creative Writer, Freelance Journalist and Founder, Ceesodope.com
SUPER SESSION: Behind the Scenes: Meet the Writers (Main Stage)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Sponsor: Warner Media
There's an author behind every story, but oftentimes, the writers of your favorite films and sitcoms may not look like you. Come meet some of the industry's talented writers, who are making their big breaks towards diverse and inclusive content written for us by us.
Speakers:
Opening Remarks: James Anderson, Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing, WarnerMedia
Amy Aniobi, Writer and Executive Producer, “Insecure”, HBO Originals
Owen Smith, Writer and Showrunner, “The Last O.G.” TBS Originals
1:20 PM – 1:30 PM
Open Discussion Roundtables (Roundtables)
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Live)
Take a break or join us at the roundtables for lively discussions on today’s sessions. Join the speed networking activation to meet a new friend, find a mentor, based on your interests.
Dismantling Imposter Syndrome: Creating the Space to Succeed (Breakout Stage)
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Pre-Recorded)
What do they think of me? Am I good enough? Will I get this promotion, or will I be looked over again? All of these thoughts are associated with imposter syndrome; also called perceived fraudulence. It affects many people at all levels within the workplace, but especially people of color, women and those from marginalized groups. To counter these feelings many people believe that they must work harder and hold themselves to even higher standards just to get ahead. Come listen to this dynamic discussion between Tania and Freddi on imposter syndrome, how to shift your mindset, claim your personal power and live your life with passion and purpose.
Speakers:
- Tania Bhattacharyya, Founder, Lumos Marketing
- Frederica “Freddi” Brown, Associate Director, Institute for Transformational Leadership, Georgetown University
A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats: How Diverse Communities Can Work Together (Breakout Stage)
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sponsor: NAMIC in partnership with AIM and NAMIC-NY
Asian Americans in Media (AIM) and National Association of Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) - NY are excited to present a panel discussing intersectionality and best practices around how diverse communities can help each other move forward. The goal of the panel is for attendees to understand the commonalities across diverse communities and how we can work together for greater impact. John F. Kennedy coined the term “a rising tide lifts all boats.” The anticipated outcome is to implement Kennedy’s concept in the communities that AIM and NAMIC serve.
Speakers:
- Opening Remarks, Gloria Lee, Key Account Executive, Google Cloud
- Rahdiah Barnes, President, NAMIC-NY
- Moderator: Richard Liu, News Anchor, author and filmmaker, MSNBC/NBC News
- Teena Piccione, Managing Director, Telco, Media & Entertainment
- Michelle Ray, Executive Director, Walter Kaitz Foundation
“40 Under 40” Virtual Happy Hour (After Dark Stage)
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Sponsor: REVOLT Media and TV
JOIN US as we celebrate our "40 Under 40" Future Leaders. Hosted by Detavio Samuels, REVOLT CEO, who will share some tips on how to REVOLT to remove barriers and create opportunities to shine. This event is powered by REVOLT. Please drink responsibly.
Speakers:
- A. Shuanise Washington, President and CEO, NAMIC
- Detavio Samuels, CEO, REVOLT Media and TV
- DJ Commish