2022 Chapter Award Honorees, 2023 Incoming Chapter Presidents and Advisors

WASHINGTON, DC, (January 26, 2023) — The WICT Network today announced both its 2022 chapter award recipients and its 2023 chapter presidents and advisors.

The WICT Network chapter awards measure important aspects of the Model Chapter Business Plan (MCBP), where chapters earn points for performance metrics that meet or exceed guidelines provided in the MCBP. The WICT Network presents the Chapter of the Year award to the top performing chapter(s) as measured by MCBP scores in areas such as programming, marketing and communications, governance and membership. For 2022, The WICT Network: Greater Texas earned the most possible points and received the Chapter of the Year award.

The WICT Network also recognized the Chapter President of the Year, The WICT Network: Southern California’s Jennifer Miles, Executive Director, Brand Marketing at Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution; and the Chapter Advisor of the Year, The WICT Network: Heartland’s Anne Harris, Senior Director, Marketing & Client Solutions at Cox Media.

“We are deeply grateful to the leaders of The WICT Network’s 24 domestic and international chapters for their tireless work to move our mission forward,” said Kristin Edwards, The WICT Network’s VP, Member and Chapter Development. “Their commitment to women in our industry is unparalleled and they continue to pivot and innovate as the media, entertainment and technology landscape evolves. We are dually excited to shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of our 2022 chapter honorees and welcome our incoming chapter leaders and advisors, who are sure to make their respective marks on their chapters in the year ahead.”

The WICT Network congratulates all of its 2022 Chapter Honorees on receiving the following awards:
  • Chapter of the Year was presented to The WICT Network: Greater Texas
  • Chapter President of the Year was presented to The WICT Network: Southern California’s Jennifer Miles, Executive Director, Brand Marketing at Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution
  • Chapter Advisor of the Year was presented to The WICT Network: Heartland’s Anne Harris, Senior Director, Marketing & Client Solutions at Cox Media
  • Chapter Leader of the Year awards were presented to Mandy Schultz, Sr. Manager, Human Resources at Comcast, who served as Programming Chair for The WICT Network: Greater Texas; and Jennilee Carrera, Product Manager at Comcast, who served as Sponsorship Chair for The WICT Network: Greater Philadelphia.
  • Chapter Volunteer of the Year, awarded to an individual who has shown exemplary volunteer support of The WICT Network, was presented to The WICT Network: Heartland’s Sandra De Lara, Senior Creative Specialist at Cox Communications.
  • Most Improved Chapter for chapter growth and development from the previous year, was presented to The WICT Network: Greater Texas. 
  • Community Service Award, awarded to chapters that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to giving back to their local communities, were presented to The WICT Network: Greater Pittsburgh and The WICT Network: Southeast.
  • Mentoring Excellence for chapter achievements in substance and implementation of an impactful mentoring program was presented to The WICT Network: Greater Chicago for first place, New York for second place and Virginia for third place.
  • Programming of the Year was presented to The WICT Network: Rocky Mountain for first place, Carolinas for second place and Greater Ohio for third place.
  • Innovation and Excellence, which honors a chapter that implemented new initiatives that improved the member experience and/or programs, services or campaigns that serve their community, was presented to The WICT Network: Southern California.
2023 Chapter Presidents
  • Carolinas - Diana Monk, VP, Corporate Learning Solutions, Charter Communications
  • Europe – Eke Vermeer, VP, Public Policy, Liberty Global
  • Florida - Sadie Molinet, Strategic Account Manager, SLED, Spectrum Enterprise
  • Great Lakes - Darralyn Griffin, Finance Supervisor, Comcast
  • Greater Chicago – La Tarsha Simmons, Project Manager, Comcast Cable
  • Greater Ohio – Zaki’ya Black, Customer Operations Manager, Charter Communications
  • Greater Philadelphia - Yvette Thornton, Principal, Clarke Innovations
  • Greater Pittsburgh - Sherry Ott, Director, Business Partner Project Manager, Comcast Cable
  • Greater Texas - Gema Morales, Sr. Manager, Business Operations, Comcast Cable
  • Heartland - Andi Bledsoe, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, Cox Communications
  • Latin America - Maria Lizarraga Iriarte, Former Titular de la Unidad de Medios y Contenidoes Audiovisuales, Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones
  • Midwest - Amber Schwiesow, VP of Procurement and Supply Chain, Midco
  • New England – Sara Nizzardo, Senior Manager, Quality Assurance Analysis, The Walt Disney Company
  • New York - Liz Spaulding, VP of Business Development, BritBox International
  • Northern California - Linda Phanouvong, Market Sales Manager, Comcast NBCUniversal
  • Pacific Northwest - Crystal Daily, Sales Manager, Effectv
  • Rocky Mountain – Camilla Formica, Chief Program Officer, The Cable Center
  • Southeast – Jamelia Smith, Sr. Manager, Program Management, Cox Communications
  • Southern California - Jennifer Miles, Executive Director, Brand Marketing, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution
  • Southwest - Dawn Imbriale, Enterprise Space Manager, Cox Communications
  • United Kingdom – Madalina Suceveanu, Managing Director, Mobile & Cloud Technology, Liberty Global
  • Virginia – Jenn Gilman, Director Retail Technology, Cox Communications
  • Washington DC/Baltimore – Monique Kennedy, Sr. Manager, Retail Business Assurance Comcast Corporation
2023 Chapter Advisors
  • Carolinas – Meredith Garwood, Group VP, Tax, Charter Communications, and Sandra Howe, Technology Executive, S. Howe & Associates
  • Europe – Ajanta Bhandari, Director Mobile Service Management Centre, Liberty Global and Fleur van Beem, Executive Director Strategy, Insights &Digital Transformation, VodafoneZiggo
  • Florida – Marva Johnson, Group VP, State Government Affairs – South Region, Charter Communications
  • Great Lakes – Michelle Gilbert, VP, Public Relations, Comcast
  • Greater Chicago – Debra Piscola, Sr. Director, Government Affairs, Comcast and Cathy Traczek, Senior Director, Executive Customer Relations, Comcast
  • Greater Ohio – Jeffrey Gehrig, Regional VP, Field Operations, Charter Communications
  • Greater Philadelphia – Kristy Blaise, VP, Learning Engagement, Comcast
  • Greater Texas – Jamie Mosmeyer, Customer Service Manager, Cable One, Inc, and Joanna Casas, Manager, Enterprise Order Fulfillment, Charter Communications
  • Heartland – Anne Harris, Sr. Director, Marketing & Client Solutions, Cox Media
  • Latin America – Claudia Varela, Directora General, PlayStation LATAM North, and Elsa Vizcarra, Ex vicepresidenta de Planeacion Comercial de Televisa
  • Midwest – Sally West, Sr. Director, Reporting & Analytics, Charter Communications
  • New England – Sara Dionne, VP, HR Strategy & Operations, Comcast
  • New York – Stefanie Nimick
  • Pacific Northwest – Megan Bishop, VP, Finance & Accounting, Comcast
  • Rocky Mountain – Keely Buchanan, Director, Employee Experience, Charter Communications
  • Southeast – Sheri McGaughy, Founder, McGaughy Law
  • Southwest – Shawn Duncan, Vice President, SWR Field Ops, Cox Communications and Penny Grandon, Director, Network Facilities Operations CA Region, Cox Communications
  • Virginia – Toni Stubbs, VP, Technology, Engineering & Operations, Cox Communications
  • Washington DC/Baltimore – Stacy Hannah, President & CEO, MMSIA

About The WICT Network

The WICT Network is a global organization whose mission is to create women leaders that transform our industry. We do this by providing unparalleled professional development programs, commissioning original gender research, and supporting a B2B network that helps advance women. For more than 40 years, The WICT Network has partnered with media, entertainment and technology companies to help build a more robust pipeline of women leaders. Founded in 1979, and now over 10,000 members and 24 chapters strong, The WICT Network is the largest and oldest professional association serving women in media. Charter Communications, Comcast NBCUniversal and Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution are The WICT Network’s Strategic Touchstone Partners. Please visit www.wict.org or follow @WICTHQ on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter for more information.

 

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*Titles reflect position at the time of the award.

2022Toni StubbsVice President, Technology, Engineering and Operations, Cox Communications
​2021​Patricia Martin​SVP, Integration Management Office, Cox Communications
​2020​Kim Keever​SVP, Security, Analytics and Technology Services and CISO, Cox Communications
​2019​Zenita Henderson​Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, SCTE•ISBE
​2018​Noopur Davis​Senior Vice President, Chief Product and Information Security Officer, Comcast
​2017​Deborah Picciolo​Senior Vice President, Operations, West Region, Charter Communications
2016Theresa Hennesy​SVP, Group Technical Advisor, Comcast Cable
​​2015​​Vibha Rustagi​CEO, itaas
​2014​Sherita T. Ceasar​Vice President, National Video Deployment Engineering, Comcast
​2013Stephanie Mitchko-Beale​SVP, Video Infrastructure Software, Cablevision
2012Jennifer Yohe WagnerVice President, Strategic Business Procurement, Comcast
 2011Susan AdamsSVP, Engineering and Technical Operations, Comcast Northeast Division
 2010Leslie EllisIndependent Technology Consultant & Analyst, Ellis Edits
 2009Barbara JaffeSVP, Advanced Technology & Operations, HBO
 2008Cyndee EvermanVice President, Operations Support System, Time Warner Cable
 2007Carolyn TerryRegional Director, Engineering, Time Warner Cable, Los Angeles
 2006Vicki MartsDirector, Video Engineering, Cox Communications, Inc.
 2005Charlotte FieldSenior Vice President, National Communications Engineering, Comcast Cable
 2004Nomi BergmanExecutive Vice President, Strategy & Development, Advance/ Newhouse Communications
 2003Marcie AndersonVice President, Business Development, Cox Communications, Inc.
 2002Christy MartinChief Architect, Canal+ Technologies
 2001Sabrina CalhounDirector, Operations Engineering, Cox Communications, Inc.- Western Division
 2000Margaret GaillardExecutive Director, Technical Operations, New Frontier Media
 1999Sally KinsmanProgram Manager, Transmission Network Systems, General Instrument
 1998Sheri StinchcombVice President, New Product Operations, Cox Communications, Inc.
 1997Yvette Gordon-KanouffSenior Vice President, SeaChange International, Inc.
 1996Pam NoblesSenior Director, CommTech Development, Comcast Cable
 1995Pam ArmentDirector, Broadband Engineering, Tele-Communications Inc.

 

The WICT Network gratefully acknowledges its Women in STEM sponsors:

*Titles and companies reflect position at the time of the award.

**From 1983-2008 the awards were referred to as “Accolades.”

Past Women of the Year Honorees

YearHonoreeTitle & Company
2023Dalila Wilson-Scott (Operator)EVP & Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast Corporation, and President of the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation
2023Pam Kaufman (Programmer)President & CEO of International Markets, Global Consumer Products & Experiences, Paramount
2022Colleen Langer (Operator)EVP & COO, Cox Communications
2022Wonya Lucas (Programmer)President & CEO, Hallmark Media
2021Noopur Davis (Operator)Executive Vice President, Chief Information Security and Product Privacy Officer, Comcast Corporation and Comcast Cable
2021Nancy Daniels (Programmer)Chief Brand Officer, Discovery & Factual
2019Lee Schroeder (Operator)EVP, Government & Community Affairs & Chief Diversity Officer, Altice USA
2019Jennifer Caserta (Programmer)Chief Transformation and People Officer, AMC Networks
2018Italia Commisso Weinand (Operator)EVP, Programming & Human Resources, Mediacom Communications Corp
2018Mary Campbell (Programmer)Chief Merchandising & Interactive Officer, Qurate Retail Group
​2017​D’Arcy Rudnay (Operator)​EVP & Chief Communications Officer, Comcast
​2017​​Sarah Barnett (Programmer)President & General Manager, BBC America
​2016​Kathleen Finch​Chief Programming, Content & Brand Officer, Scripps Networks Interactive
​2015​Ellen East​Executive Vice President & Chief Communications Officer, Time Warner Cable
​2014​Christine Driessen​Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, ESPN
2013​​Abbe RavenChairman, A+E Networks
2012Carol HeveyExecutive Vice President – East Region, Time Warner Cable
2011Nomi BergmanPresident, Bright House Networks
2010Brooke JohnsonPresident, Food
Network
2008Jill CampbellSenior Vice
President, Operations, Cox Communications
2007Lynn YaegerExecutive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Time Warner Cable
2006Cyma ZarghamiPresident, Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group
2005Laureen OngPresident, National Geographic Channel
2004Judy McGrathChairman & CEO, MTV Networks
2003Kathleen DorePresident, Entertainment Services, Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc.
2002Kim KellyPresident & COO, Insight Communications
2001Debra LeePresident & COO, BET Holdings, Inc
2000Pat MitchellPresident & CEO, Public Broadcasting System
1999Ann CarlsenChief Executive Office, Carlsen Resources
1998Susan PackardCOO, HGTV
1997Anne SweeneyPresident, The Disney Channel
1996June TravisExecutive Vice President & COO, NCTA
1995Torie ClarkVice President, Public Affairs/Strategic Counsel, NCTA
1994Bobbi KamilExecutive Director, Cable in the Classroom
1993Linda EllerbeePresident, Lucky Duck Production
1992Oprah WinfreyCEO, Harpo Productions
1991Margaret RichebourgPresident, Richebourg Marketing
1990Geraldine LaybournePresident, Nickelodeon
1989Pat ThompsonPresident, Pat Thompson Co.
1988Mary Alice WilliamsVice President & Principal Anchor, CNN/New York
1987Ruth OttePresident & CEO, The Discovery Channel
1983Gail SermersheimVice President & GM, Southern Region, HBO

Past Women to Watch Honorees

YearHonoreeTitle & Company
2023Stephanie Babin (Operator)SVP, Billing Strategy & Design, Customer Operations, Charter Communications
2023Kelley Drukker (Programmer)SVP, Legal & Business Affairs, A+E Networks
2023Nicole Nixon (Technology)Founder & CEO, Listing Central, LLC
2022Shannon Atkinson (Operator)SVP, Marketing, Charter Communications
2022Lisa Williams-Fauntroy (Programmer)SVP, Business & Legal Affairs, Warner Bros. Discovery
2022Urvi Shah (Technology)VP, Global Key Account Marketing, CommScope
2021Sharon Peters (Operator)SVP, Marketing, Charter Communications
2021Stephanie Yates (Programmer)SVP, Research and Insights, AMC Networks
2021Reshma Patil Bijoor (Technology)Managing Director, Communications and Media Strategy, Accenture
2019Susan Anable (Operator)VP, Public Affairs, Southwest Region, Cox Communications
2019Meeka Bondy (Programmer)SVP, Legal Affairs, HBO
2019Zenita Henderson (Technology)VP, Marketing & Business Development, SCTE•ISBE
2018Kristine Faulkner (Operator)VP, Product Development & Management, Cox Business Services, Cox Communications
2018Izabella Wiley (Programmer)General Manager, Poland + CEE, A+E Networks
2018Leslie Miles (Technology)VP, Program Management & Strategy, ARRIS
2017​Charlene Keys (Operator)​AVP, Field Operations, Charter Communications
​2017​​Tina Thornton (Programmer)SVP, Production & Multimedia Sponsorship Integration and Management Operations, ESPN
​2017​Samira Panah Bakhtiar (Technology)​Director, Media Operations, Cisco Systems
​2016​Mary McLaughlin (Operator)​Senior Vice President, Beltway Region, Comcast Cable
​2016​Laura Gentile (Programmer)​Senior Vice President, espnW and Women’s Initiatives, ESPN
​2015​Rachel Welch (Operator)​Group Vice President, Government Relations, Time Warner Cable
​2015​Bernadette Aulestia (Programmer)​EVP, Global Distribution Operations, HBO
​2014​Jennifer Mirgorod (Programmer)​EVP, Brand Distribution, Turner Network Sales
​2014​Deborah Picciolo (Operator)​SVP, Residential Technical Operations, Time Warner Cable
​2013Bernie Han​ (Operator)Vice President, News & Local Programming, Time Warner Cable​​
2013​Marjorie Kaplan (Programmer)Group President, Animal Planet, Science Channel & Velocity, Discovery Communications
2012Jennifer Hightower (Operator)Senior Vice President, Law & Policy, Cox Communications
2012Jennifer Robertson (Programmer)Senior Vice President, Digital Media & Business Development, WE tv
2011Jennifer DorianSenior Vice President, Strategy Development, Turner Entertainment Networks
2011Kathleen FinchSenior Vice President/General Manager, HGTV
2010Veronica SheehanSenior Vice President, Network Operations, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
2008Vicki LinsSenior Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Comcast Spotlight
2008Eileen O’NeillPresident and General Manager, TLC , Discovery Communications
2007Wonya LucasEVP, General Manager, The Weather Channel Networks
2006Robin SangstonVice President, Legal Affairs and Associate General Counsel, Cox Communications
2005Marlene DoonerCorporate Vice President, Investor Relations, Comcast Corporation
2005Ellen EastVice President, Communications and Public Affairs, Cox Communications
2004Suzanne KeenanSenior Vice President of Customer Service, Comcast Cable
2003Janet BarnardVice President & GM, Middle America System Cox Communications
2002Mae DouglasSenior Vice President & Chief People Officer, Cox Communications
2001Leslie GraysonVice President, Operations, Time Warner Cable
1999Ann MontgomeryEVP, Fulfillment Services and Operations, AT&T Broadband and Internet Services
1997Susan AdamsGeneral Manager, Post-Newsweek Cable
1995Elaine BardenGeneral Manager, TCI Cablevision of Alameda
1994Kathleen MarronPartner, Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi
 1993Martha MartinDirector Affiliate Sales, Central Region, E! Entertainment Television
1992Tracy JenkinsDirector, Programming, Jones Intercable
1992Patti RoweDirector, Associate Development, Jones Intercable
1991Kathleen WagnerArea Manager, Chambers Cable

Woman of the Year
The Woman of the Year Award is bestowed on a woman who has made significant contributions throughout her career to her company and the overall industry. She is a proven leader and asset who shows great resolve to help others along their path. The WICT Network will select one honoree from a programmer and an operator.

Attributes:

  • Strong and articulate communicator who can rally others into action;
  • Serves as a catalyst to advance the industry and its people;
  • Inspires others through words and deeds;
  • Listens to and connects with her peers;
  • Leads fearlessly with a sense of purpose and vision.

This award is presented at The WICT Network Touchstones Luncheon during the Leadership Conference.

Current members of The WICT Network Global Board are ineligible for this award.

 ___________________________________________________________


Woman to Watch

The Woman to Watch Award honors a woman who shows tremendous success and promise through her professional accomplishments. She demonstrates exemplary leadership skills in her company and a strong dedication to the industry. The WICT Network will select one honoree from a programmer, an operator and a technology company.

Attributes:

  • Contributes significantly to transform her organization;
  • Serves as a catalyst to help advance others at her organization;
  • Serves as a role model and mentor to colleagues and others;
  • Listens to and connects with her peers;
  • Leads authentically with a commitment to her values.

This award is presented at The WICT Network Touchstones Luncheon during the Leadership Conference.

Current members of The WICT Network Global Board are ineligible for this award.

___________________________________________________________


Women in Technology

Created in 1995 to recognize and honor leading women technology professionals, the annual Women in Technology Award acknowledges the achievements of one woman who has demonstrated outstanding personal and professional growth and significantly contributed to the cable telecommunications industry. The Women in Technology Award is presented in partnership with the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE), and its global arm, the International Society of Broadband Experts (ISBE), The WICT Network and Cablefax.

Attributes:

  • Exhibits a high level of knowledge, skill and professionalism regarding technology in the cable telecommunications industry;
  • Exhibits continued investment in their own professional, technical and personal growth;
  • Exhibits commitment to the industry’s professional activities through community activity, professional society involvement, company affinity groups, etc.;
  • Encourages and invests in mentoring others in the cable industry;
  • Demonstrates a proven track record of success in contributing to their company and the cable telecommunications industry;
  • Holds a current membership in both The WICT Network and SCTE/ISBE.

This award is presented at the SCTE/ISBE Cable-Tec Expo®.

Leigh Woisard Assumes Board Chair Role 

Sandra Howe to Serve as Immediate Past Chair 

Rhonda Crichlow Joins Executive Committee as Strategic Planning Co-Chair

WASHINGTON, DC, (January 12, 2023) — The WICT Network today announced the members of its 2023 Global Board of Directors.

Communications consultant Leigh Woisard, elected in 2022 as Vice Chair, has now stepped into her role as Chair for 2023. Having completed her term as Board Chair in 2022, technology executive Sandra Howe will serve as the Immediate Past Chair in 2023.

New At-Large Members of the Board of Directors are Samira Bakhtiar, Director, Global Media, AWS; Roy Cho, EVP, Distribution, AMC Networks; Patty Donaldson, Regional Director, Cisco; Sara Hinzman, SVP, Distribution & Strategy, A+E Networks; Kia Painter, EVP & Chief People Officer, Cox Communications; and Laura Peterson, North America Communications, Media & Technology Industry Practices Lead, Accenture. In addition, Soraya Loerts, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Liberty Global, will serve a one-year term as Chapter Leader Designee. The full list of The WICT Network board members is noted below.

The WICT Network Global Board is a subset of its 10,500 members. Each board leader brings deep industry experience and astute business perspectives to ensure The WICT Network remains at the forefront of the ever-evolving media landscape. Board member bios are available online here.

“I can’t think of a more exciting time to step into the role of Board Chair at The WICT Network,” Leigh Woisard said. ” In 2023, we’ll focus on expanding The WICT Network’s presence among media and technology professionals on the West Coast and introduce new tools to empower our members to forge stronger and more robust connections with industry peers worldwide. I’m thrilled to welcome our new and returning Board colleagues as we unite multiple generations of women across the media, entertainment and technology landscape for the betterment of our industry.”

Full 2023 Global Board of Directors for The WICT Network

Executive Committee  

  • Leigh Woisard, Communications Consultant, Chair
  • Sandra Howe, Technology Executive, Immediate Past Chair
  • Catherine Bohigian, EVP, Government Affairs, Charter Communications, Treasurer
  • Karen Buchholz, EVP, Administration, Comcast, Industry Relations Committee Chair
  • Justin Connolly, President, Disney Platform Distribution, The Walt Disney Company, Chapter Development Committee Chair
  • Rhonda Crichlow, Chief Diversity Officer, Charter Communications, Strategic Planning Co-Chair
  • Jen Neal, EVP, Entertainment Live Events & Specials, NBCUniversal Television & Streaming, Development Committee Chair
  • Michelle Rice, President, TV One & CLEO TV, Strategic Planning Co-Chair
  • Alaka Williams, SVP, Human Resources – U.S. Networks, Warner Bros. Discovery, Governance Committee Chair
  • Maria E. Brennan, The WICT Network, President & CEO/Ex Officio

 

Directors-at-Large  

  • Lisa Anselmo, EVP, Communications & Community Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer, Altice USA
  • Samira Bakhtiar, Director, Global Media, AWS
  • Crystal Barnes, SVP, Corporate Social Responsibility, Environmental, Social and Governance Strategy & Reporting, Paramount
  • Roy Cho, EVP, Distribution, AMC Networks
  • Patty Donaldson, Regional Director, Cisco
  • Johnita Due, EVP, Integrity & Inclusion, CNN, and Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, News & Sports, Warner Bros. Discovery
  • Laura Gentile, EVP, Commercial Marketing, Disney Media Networks & ESPN
  • Orlando Hampton, Chief Customer Officer and General Manager, USA, Afiniti
  • Sara Edwards Hinzman, SVP, Distribution & Strategy, A+E Networks
  • Grace Ho, Managing Director, People, Liberty Global B.V.
  • Soraya Loerts, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Liberty Global, Chapter Leader Designee
  • Ann McGlennen, Chief Human Resources Officer, Midco
  • Leslie Miles, Chief Transformation Officer, CommScope
  • Kia Painter, EVP & Chief People Officer, Cox Communications
  • Laura Peterson, North America Communications, Media & Technology Industry Practices Lead, Accenture
  • Tina Simmons, SVP, Human Resources, Central Division, Comcast Cable Communications

About The WICT Network 

The WICT Network is a global organization whose mission is to create women leaders that transform our industry. We do this by providing unparalleled professional development programs, commissioning original gender research, and supporting a B2B network that helps advance women. For more than 40 years, The WICT Network has partnered with media, entertainment and technology companies to help build a more robust pipeline of women leaders. Founded in 1979, and now over 10,000 members and 24 chapters strong, The WICT Network is the largest and oldest professional association serving women in media. Charter Communications, Comcast NBCUniversal and Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution are The WICT Network’s Strategic Touchstone Partners. Please visit www.wict.org or follow @WICTHQ on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter for more information. 

 

 


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Article authored by CommScope, Exclusive Sponsor of The WICT Network’s Pulse, for the December 2022 issue

CommScope’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion continues to be a central focus throughout our company. CommScope created the DIBN (Diversity and Inclusion Business Network) in 2020, which aims to foster an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity. This focus leads to a stronger company by embracing our differences and understanding that our diversity is one of our greatest assets. We believe that a continued focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), coupled with our partnership with The WICT Network will continue to keep CommScope, and our employees, on the cutting edge of what is important to create an inclusive environment.

Currently, there are over 1,800 global DIBN members. The governing body, sponsored by two CommScope executives, is championed by a volunteer-based Leadership Council (LC) consisting of 16 leaders. The LC sets the vision and programming for DIBN, with heavy reliance on 80+ DIBN ambassadors who provide DIBN reach across the globe. There is an online portal for members to access DEI resources and DIBN works closely with our Talent and Organization Development group to recruit diverse talent and assists with developing our employees to grow to be inclusive leaders. While CommScope has a holistic approach to diversity and inclusion, we do have a sub-group called RISE, that focuses on early career professionals and their development.

Looking back on 2022, CommScope achieved two significant company-awareness DEI milestones.

In February 2022, we joined the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion coalition, which affirms our commitment to advance DEI principles in the workplace. CommScope is one of only 30 companies within the telecommunications market to sign the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion pledge. Mid-year, we created and implemented a DEI awareness campaign. The mission of this campaign was to educate employees of creating space to hold open dialogues when it comes to inclusion. The campaign covered topics such as equality vs. equity, unconscious bias, microaggressions and allyship. The content was delivered through a webinar series and received over 5,000 views. The campaign was extended to the hourly population in the manufacturing plant in Reynosa, Mexico with 2,750 participants.

The guiding post of The WICT Network cannot be underestimated as part of our recent journey. CommScope has taken additional steps to continue and expand our presence within The WICT Network. Leslie Miles, Vice President and Chief Transformation Office, serves on The WICT Network’s Board of Directors and has fostered The WICT Network membership growth within CommScope. Recently, employees at our corporate headquarters in in Hickory, NC joined The WICT Network: Carolinas chapter. In addition to local participation, these employees participated in mentoring circles with other members from the local Carolinas chapter, to both network and connect with other industry members. These mentoring circles have been a great success and our employees have found these mentoring sessions informative and rewarding for their personal growth.

We had some firsts in 2022 as part of our partnership with The WICT Network. We worked closely with the organization to set up a membership portal page that is set to launch in Q1 2023. This customized portal access will make it easier for new and renewing members to access information about The WICT Network with greater ease. We are also proud of our engagement in the PAR Workplace Diversity Survey for the first time. We are excited to have joined forces with our customers and other suppliers in the industry to advance DEI.

We ended 2022 strong on our DEI journey. In early October, CommScope sponsored over a dozen employees to experience the learning and networking at The WICT Network Leadership Conference. A significant highlight during that conference was seeing CommScope’s very own Urvi Shah, Vice President, Global Key Account Marketing, selected as the 2022 Woman to Watch – Technology. CommScope is very proud of Urvi on this tremendous achievement. Urvi has been a leader within CommScope for advancing our DIBN network, and currently is the co-leader of DIBN. Also at the conference, Julia Levy, Director, Global Talent Acquisition, participated in a leadership roundtable and shared her insights regarding the talent life cycle, corporate social responsibility and managing diverse teams.

In late September, we sponsored two CommScope executives to embark on their leadership development journeys as part of the esteemed Betsy Magness Leadership Institute, Class 47. We congratulate Su Guaglianone, Vice President, Global Marketing – Networking, Intelligent Cellular and Security Solutions and Urvi Shah on this wonderful achievement.

As we progress in to 2023, we are excited for where the journey will take us next. CommScope looks forward to building upon our accomplishments to date and will continue to be committed to be an inclusive workplace. We look to continue our collaboration with The WICT Network as an important part to achieve this goal.

Article published: December 20, 2022


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Our 2022 Women of the Year and Women to Watch are paving the way for tomorrow’s generation of leaders. Below, each of them weigh in with insights and lessons learned from their respective leadership journeys.

 

Colleen Langner, Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer at Cox Communications, 2022 Woman of the Year – Operator

“I’ve been fortunate to work with many fantastic leaders during my career. Keeping consumer needs at the root of your decisions was one of the lessons I learned early on. As a leader, you’re faced with choices that impact customers, teams, and the business. Staying close to the customer has been my solid North Star. I’ve also found that confidence and being an engaged leader who is curious and asks the tough questions is imperative to driving change. Building an inclusive team with diversity of thought and experiences has been foundational as well. There’s nothing better than when debate turns into action. Lastly, as a leader, you have to have heart and show compassion. Being vulnerable builds trust and enables teams to see your optimism and vision for the future.”

Wonya Lucas, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hallmark Media, 2022 Woman of the Year – Programmer

“I understood my strengths and weaknesses very early in life. I was taught to recognize, leverage and to be proud of my strengths. Growing up in the South, I was also taught that I could be underestimated because I was a young, Black woman, but it was imperative that I was true to myself and all that I was and could be. I was also reminded of my weaknesses. Through my parents, I learned the art of leveraging self-examination and vulnerability to set goals and gain the knowledge and hustle necessary to achieve them. Today as a leader, I think of myself as a teacher and a coach. I look for the best positional ‘players’ that have infinite possibilities in terms of their breadth of skills, opportunities, and drive. I have worked and do work with some of the most brilliant people in the industry, and they know that by putting the team first, you can win and be successful.”

Shannon Atkinson, Regional Vice President, Field Operations – West Region, Charter Communications, 2022 Woman to Watch – Operator

“Our industry is constantly growing and continues to evolve every year, so it’s crucial to maintain relationships and make new connections with others working in this business. Actively participating in professional development groups such as The WICT Network — either by serving as a board member or by mentoring others — has provided incredible value over the years and helped me engage with [a diverse group of] men and women in our industry. While I worked in Ohio and North Carolina, the local chapters offered strong networks of people that I could share my experiences with and allowed me to help others along the way. Our industry also offers many leadership courses and development programs through organizations such as The WICT Network, NCTI and SCTE. In addition to networking opportunities, these classes have helped me stay on top of current trends and grow with the business. Building a network requires being proactive and self-motivation. It you put in the effort, you will find that our industry is vast and full of welcoming people willing to share their knowledge and experiences.”

Lisa Williams-Fauntroy, SVP, Business & Legal Affairs, Warner Bros. Discovery, 2022 Woman to Watch – Programmer

“I use a few approaches to help my team stay motivated and help them overcome fears. For example, as a leader I try to remain positive even in the most difficult times. This doesn’t mean I ignore the challenges or fears or uncertainties facing us; in fact, it’s just the opposite. I openly discuss and acknowledge the issues that are difficult. I think turning a blind eye to the ‘elephant in the room’ or side stepping a difficult topic distances leaders from their teams. And while remaining positive is hard, exuding negativity is uninspiring and counterproductive. Another approach I use to help my team stay motivated is to remind people to focus on what each of us as individuals and as a team can control because that‘s where we can have the most positive and impactful influence. Lastly, while my team may find it silly, I like to share quotes with them to take us out of our own heads and ground us through the words of others. The right quotes can be inspirational, thought provoking and can give you a small anchor to come back to when needed.”

Urvi Shah, VP, Global Key Account Marketing, CommScope, 2022 Woman to Watch – Technology

“The most important lesson learned from my mentor is the art of listening. Listening not only to the words spoken, but also observing the body language and connecting to what someone is feeling. A good mentor will probe for information to get a clear picture of the mentee’s situation. Asking the right questions, can sometimes help the mentee develop their own solutions. Other times, a mentor needs to be more involved, for example offer to review materials or the approach or help connect the mentee to others that can provide support. Taking the time to listen and provide encouragement, will ultimately build trust and create a more effective and rewarding relationship for both the mentor and mentee.”