2024 Leadership Conference Virtual Agenda

Monday, October 21, 2024
TimeSession
All times Eastern.
9:00 amOpening Entertainment

Sponsored by


9:00 – 10:00 amOpening General Session

Join us as we kick off Diversity Week 2024 with The WICT Network Leadership Conference opening keynote & fireside chat, sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal. From surprise entertainment to rousing headliners, don’t miss a minute of this industry staple. The opener sets the tone for what’s to come and speaks volumes about the strong reputation of our top-rated Leadership Conference.

Session sponsored by

10:00 – 10:15 amBreak
10:15 – 11:15 amBreakout – Shift Happens: Navigating Career Pivots

In an industry and era marked by breakneck change, the ability to adapt and pivot one’s career path is more critical than ever. This panel discussion will delve into the essentials in preparing for and successfully managing career transitions. Our expert panelists, each from diverse professional backgrounds, will share their personal stories of pivotal career shifts—whether by choice or circumstance. You will gain insights into recognizing when it’s time for a change, the tools and strategies necessary for a seamless transition, and how to be change-ready to take on new opportunities.

  • Roy Cho, EVP, Distribution, AMC Networks
  • Soraya Loerts, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Liberty Global
  • Michelle Powell, SVP, Business Integration, Charter Communications
  • Moderator: Annie Howell, Chief Communications Officer, Hallmark Media

Session sponsored by

11:15 – 11:30 amBreak
11:30 am – 1:30 pmTouchstones Luncheon

The WICT Network Touchstones Luncheon recognizes the industry’s most influential women in media, entertainment and technology. Among the honors presented will be the 2024 Women of the Year and Women to Watch, The WICT Network’s highest individual awards.

The WICT Network gratefully acknowledges the Champion Sponsors of the 2024 Touchstones Luncheon

1:30 – 2:00 pmBreak
2:00 – 3:00 pmBreakout – Beyond the Hashtag: #SelfLove

Join us for a transformative discussion on the importance of self-love in today’s social media ladened society. Featuring a panel of leading voices in body positivity and mental health, our diverse lineup of activists, psychologists and influencers will explore the journey of acceptance while challenging societal expectations. Learn practical strategies for fostering self-esteem and mental fortitude. This session will inspire, educate and empower you to cultivate a deeper, more compassionate relationship with the most important person in your life – YOU.

  • Sarah Nicole Landry, Body Confidence Advocate, Content Creator and Writer, The Birds Papaya


The WICT Network gratefully acknowledges Cox Communications as the Exclusive Platinum Sponsor of the #BeyondTheHashtag Learning Series

3:00 – 3:20 pmBreak
3:20 – 4:20 pmGeneral Session – Surviving & Thriving in the Digital Age

In an era marked with rapid technological evolution, the skills required in today’s workplace are transforming faster than ever. This session will delve into how artificial intelligence, digital transformation and emerging technologies are reshaping the landscape of leadership and business development. Our panelists will discuss practical approaches to upskilling your teams, the importance of adaptability and digital literacy, and exploring strategies you can adopt to stay ahead of the curve. 

  • John Dorval, SVP, Americas Service Provider, Cisco
  • Steph Lone, Global Leader, Solutions Architecture, Media, Entertainment, Games & Sports, Amazon Web Services
  • Laura Peterson, North America Communications, Media & Technology Industry Practices Lead, Accenture
4:20 – 4:30 pmBreak
4:30 – 5:30 pmGeneral Session – Profiles of Champions

As we step out of the coveted Summer Olympics, let’s step into the world of more elite athletes and sports executives to discover the secrets behind their peak performance under pressure. Join our panel as they break down the strategies that cultivate endurance, strength, flexibility and focus. Through their personal stories and insights, you will gain valuable lessons and empower yourself to write your own winning playbook for thriving as a corporate athlete. Don’t miss this inspiring session that will equip you with a winning mindset to unleash your full potential.

  • Renee Montgomery, VP and Partner, Atlanta Dream, WNBA
  • Danita Johnson, President, Business Operations, D.C. United
  • Moderator: Beth Mowins, Play-by-Play Announcer, ESPN

Session sponsored by

Tuesday, October 22, 2024
8:00 – 8:30 amGeneral Session – Unleashing Your Potential: A Keynote with Jamie Kern Lima

Join us for an inspiring keynote by Jamie Kern Lima, the trailblazing entrepreneur and founder of IT Cosmetics. In this powerful session, Jamie will share her transformative journey from a struggling startup founder to a successful business leader, offering invaluable insights on resilience, innovation and authentic leadership. Discover the strategies and mindset that propelled her to overcome challenges and achieve remarkable success.

  • Jamie Kern Lima, Self-Made Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and Co-Founder, IT Cosmetics

Session sponsored by

Warner Bros. Discovery Logo
8:30 – 8:40 amBreak
8:40 – 9:40 amBreakout – The 5 Resets: Rewire Your Brain & Body

In today’s fast-paced, high-stress world, achieving mental and physical well-being can feel like a distant goal. Join Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, a leading expert in integrative medicine, for an empowering session on transformative strategies to reset and rejuvenate your mind and body. Drawing from her book, The 5 Resets: Rewire Your Brain and Body, Dr. Nerurkar will share actionable, science-backed techniques to help you overcome stress and burnout effectively.

  • Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, Harvard Medical School Physician, Author and National TV Correspondent

9:40 – 10:00 amBreak
10:00 – 10:45 amGeneral Session – Pearls of Wisdom: Fueling Your Passion & Purpose

Styled after the famed TED Talks, this inspirational session convenes dynamic and innovative thought leaders to impart their wisdom in a series of high-impact keynotes. Speakers will share the journeys and transformational moments that have shaped their lives and careers, which will motivate you to take their teachings and turn them into YOUR action plan!

  • Patty Boyers, President & Co-founder, BOYCOM Vision
  • Melani Griffith, Chief Growth Officer, GFiber
  • Sophia Kianni, Founder, Climate Cardinals & Youngest Appointed United Nations Advisor
  • Sherrill Mosee, Founder and CEO, Minkeeblue
  • Mariana van Zeller, Investigative Journalist, Host and Executive Producer of Emmy-nominated TRAFFICKED

Session sponsored by

10:45 – 10:55 amBreak
10:55 – 11:55 amGeneral Session – State of the Industry CEO Panel

Join us for an intimate and insightful discussion featuring top leaders in media, entertainment and technology. This session will delve into the current state of the industry, exploring key challenges, emerging opportunities and overall business prospects. Gain valuable perspectives from leaders who are shaping the future of the industry through a rich exchange of ideas, strategies and insights.

  • Mark Greatrex, President, Cox Communications
  • Chris Winfrey, CEO, Charter Communications
  • Moderator: Michelle Rice, President, TV One and Cleo TV
12:00 – 12:45 pmGeneral Session – Diversity Town Hall

The AIM/PAR Diversity Survey results are in! Join The WICT Network, NAMIC and The NCTA Education Foundation as we convene several of the top DEI experts to discuss the current state of ethnic and gender diversity within our industry. Key results will be summarized in our famed Town Hall format. Discover how to seize new opportunities within your organization as we work collaboratively to make our industry the benchmark for all businesses to emulate. Be sure to contribute to this important Town Hall by participating in the interactive Q&A session.

  • Rhonda Crichlow, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer, Charter Communications
  • Loren Hudson, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer, Comcast Cable
  • Kia Painter, EVP and Chief People Officer, Cox Communications
  • Asif Sadiq, Global Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery
  • Moderator: Nilda Gumbs, Chief of Staff, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association

    All virtual sessions will be live-streamed. Participants will be able to engage via chat during the live program and view recordings afterward.