The Beyond the Hashtag learning series was established in the wake of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, which ignited a global campaign about the obstacles women encounter routinely in their professional lives. The WICT Network’s #BeyondTheHashtag Learning Series seeks to present real-world solutions by moving workplaces from dialog to action in an effort to build inclusive and equitable workplace cultures that end bias, bigotry and prejudice.
The WICT Network gratefully acknowledges the #BeyondtheHashtag Learning Series Exclusive Platinum Sponsor
Coming to the 2024 Leadership Conference:
Beyond the Hashtag: #SelfLove
Monday, October 21
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.
From the 2023 Leadership Conference
Let’s Build a Better Future – Beyond the Hashtag: #Sustainability
Recorded: Monday, September 19, 2023
This session examined the critical topic of corporate ESG and sustainability. From reducing carbon footprints to fostering inclusive cultures, our panel of industry leaders shared their insights, experiences and best practices in integrating sustainability into corporate strategies. They discussed the challenges, opportunities and innovative solutions that empower organizations to become drivers of positive environmental and social change. Together, we can shape a sustainable tomorrow.
MODERATOR: Crystal Barnes, EVP, Corporate Social Responsibility & Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG), Paramount
SPEAKERS: Sara Cronenwett, SVP, Corporate Strategy & Environmental Sustainability, Comcast; Kevin Martinez, VP, Corporate Citizenship, ESPN; Shobha Meera, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer & Member of the Group Executive Committee, Capgemini
Previous Sessions in This Series
Sessions are shown below in reverse chronological order, from most recent to oldest. View the descriptions and speakers for each and watch on demand at your convenience.
Recorded: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (Eastern)
SPONSOR INTRODUCER: Lisa Kaufmann, Senior Manager, Technology Enablement Communications, Cox Communications
MODERATOR: Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, Ph.D., a global advocate and educator, writer and social scientist/activist whose work focuses on intersectional justice, meaningful community involvement, human rights, and inclusion.
SPEAKERS: Jennifer Cook, Bestselling author, advocate and on-camera expert for Netflix’s triple-Emmy-Award-Winning “Love on the Spectrum US”; Lia Grimanis, CEO, Up with Women; and Brian Hedemark, Sr. Manager of ID&E, Cox Communications.
OVERVIEW: Join us during Autism Acceptance Month for this insightful journey, as we illuminate the path towards a workplace and world where every mind is celebrated and empowered. Together, let’s explore the vibrant tapestry of neurodiversity.
Recorded: Thursday, March 30, 2023
MODERATOR: Crosby Cromwell, Chief Partnerships Officer, The Valuable 500
PANELISTS: Dr. Joanna Abeyie, MBE, Head of Creative Diversity, BBC; Jennifer Earnest, Director of Diversity Products, Cox Communications; Dominic King, Senior Principal, Accenture Research; and Jessie Wusthoff, DEI Consultant, New Perspectives
OVERVIEW: The WICT Network celebrates diversity and inclusion in all its forms. Join us for our next #BeyondtheHashtag webinar for a discussion led by Crosby Cromwell from The Valuable 500, as well as panelists and disability inclusion experts from our partner organizations—who will share the steps companies are pursuing to promote policies that create welcoming workplaces.
Recorded: Monday, October 10, 2022, as part of the 2022 Leadership Conference
The pandemic exposed serious flaws in how we address mental health as a society. In the United States alone, psychological trauma impacts roughly one in five adults each year, and around the world, suicide is a leading cause of death. The importance of openly acknowledging and educating ourselves about the crisis we are facing cannot be understated. In this session, a panel of mental health professionals and advocates will share both the challenges they have faced and ways we can be more supportive of those around us. This transparent conversation will address our obligation to destigmatize mental health so that more people feel empowered to seek professional guidance and receive the life-affirming support they need.
MODERATOR: Tina Simmons, SVP, HR Xfinity, Growth, Innovation, & Experience (XGIE), Comcast
SPEAKERS: Noopur Agarwal, Vice President, Social Impact, MTV Entertainment Studios at Paramount Global; Jill Harkavy-Friedman, Ph.D., SVP, Research AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention); Kimberly Williams, President and CEO, Vibrant Emotional Health
Recorded: Wednesday, December 14, 2022
The time and energy spent on tasks outside the workplace — things like child and elder care and the mental work of managing a family — has come to be known as the “invisible load.” In this #BeyondTheHashtag Series webinar, our speakers discuss the impact the cumulative weight of these tasks can have on our physical and mental health, and what we can do to lighten the load. Watch the recording on demand to learn how using boundaries can be a game-changer in redefining your workplace, how implementing systems and communications can create a more equitable environment, and how a dose of creativity can curb burnout.
- MODERATOR: Maryann Balbo, Group Vice President, Cox Media
- SPEAKER: Eve Rodsky, author of Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (and More Life to Live) and Find Your Unicorn Space: Reclaim Your Creative Life in a Too-Busy World
Recorded: Monday, October 4, 2021, as part of The WICT Network 2021 Leadership Conference
From enacting comprehensive policies to redesigning outdated systems that perpetuate bias, leading organizations have prioritized creating an accessible and human-centered work environment. Presented in partnership with the Walter Kaitz Foundation, the session goal is to help our members create an environment where people can show up to their workplaces as their authentic selves and feel a sense of belonging, both personally and professionally. This thought-provoking session will delve into the practices that successful companies have established to foster safe, welcoming and empowering environments for LGBTQ+ individuals and beyond.
- MODERATOR: Monica Trasandes, Director of Programs, Spanish-Language and Latinx Media, GLAAD
- SPEAKERS: Erica Barnes, Account Executive, Precision & Performance Advertising Sales, A+E Networks; Craig Robinson, EVP & Chief Diversity Officer, NBCUniversal; Geena Rocero, Writer, Producer, Director, Transgender Advocate & Founder, Gender Proud; Jason Sarlanis, President, Crime & Investigation Content, Linear & Streaming, Discovery, Inc.
Recorded: Monday, October 4, 2021, as part of The WICT Network 2021 Leadership Conference
Presented in partnership with the Walter Kaitz Foundation, the multi-talented actor, comedian and Emmy Award-winning producer delivered an intimate keynote at The WICT Network 2021 Leadership Conference, sharing her journey in entertainment, through self-acceptance, and sharing her #LoveWins truth with the world. Whether climbing the underworld as Claws’ rising queenpin Desna Simms or hosting TV’s zaniest singing competition, Niecy has been delighting global audiences with her powerful and spirited performances while her irrepressible energy and compelling personal story have provided inspiration for embracing honesty, acceptance and love.
- SPEAKER: Niecy Nash, Emmy-Winning Producer and Twice-Nominated Actress
Recorded: Thursday, May 27, 2021
As part of our recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, The WICT Network and the Walter Kaitz Foundation presented a powerful panel to address ways to #StopAsianHate.
Panelists shared perspectives regarding the violence and harmful rhetoric experienced by AAPI communities, the societal factors that lead to such incidents, and moreover, a path forward for civil engagement, advocacy and community activism for members of the AAPI communities and their allies.
- MODERATOR: Margaret G. “Peggy” Kim, Founder, iSTANDtv & FUTURE NOW Media Foundation, Inc.
- PANELISTS: Sujata Gosalia, EVP & Chief Strategy Officer, Cox Communications; Mindy Kang Hwang, Executive Director, NGAN Product Management, Comcast; Katherine Liu, EVP, Strategy & Operations, Viacom International Media Networks
View more AAPI activities from The WICT Network here.
Recorded: Monday, October 5, 2020, as part of The WICT Network 2020 Leadership Conference
As we attempt to heal the deep wounds affecting our society, businesses have a moral obligation to hold themselves accountable and evaluate how they contribute to the tangled web of systemic racism. Our industry is one that wields great economic power, and we have tremendous social influence as content creators and conduits of information for billions around the world. Almost every major business has made a public commitment to diversity and inclusion following the recent social justice movement; however, we need to move past statements and spring into action if we are going to make real and measurable progress.
- SPEAKERS: Lori Hall, Co-Founder & Head of Creative, Pop’N Creative; Michael K. Powell, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association
Sponsored by:
Recorded: October 12, 2020
Presented by The WICT Network & SCTE Foundation
After years of advocacy, the #BlackLivesMatter movement has galvanized individuals, organizations, and industries across the globe to address perennial racism and police brutality. How is this social justice movement unfolding in our industry, and how can we rally behind cries/calls for justice to create equitable workplaces? A panel of Black women leaders, convened by The WICT Network and SCTE Foundation, explore ideas, insights and strategies to advance the dialog from its current state to its future iteration. In this forward-looking discussion, panelists use their experiences to help move companies and their people from hardships and hurdles to resolutions and results.
- HOST: Shannon Cassidy, Founder/CEO, bridge between, inc.
- KEYNOTE: Suzanne Malveaux, Journalist, Turner/CNN
- MODERATOR: Sherita Ceasar, SVP, Technology Environments and Strategy, Comcast
- SPEAKERS: Michelle Rice, General Manager, TV One; Angela Turner, SVP, Affiliate Marketing, REVOLT; Sharon White, SVP, HR, WarnerMedia
The #MeToo and #TimesUp movements awakened a sleeping giant and ignited a global campaign on the obstacles – both blatant and unconscious – women encounter routinely in their professional lives. More than a year since the most visible outcry began, the movement continues to galvanize both women and men who seek solutions to collectively strive for awareness and equity. So, what’s next? Through a panel of experts and The WICT Network President & CEO, Maria Brennan, will explore ideas, insights and strategies to shift the dialog from what was to what can be. In this forward-facing discussion, panelists will use their experiences to help move companies and their people from hardships and hurdles to education and resolutions as we look beyond the hashtags and step into a new normal.
- MODERATOR: Maria E. Brennan, CAE, President & CEO, The WICT Network
- SPEAKERS: Susan Chira, Senior Correspondent & Editor, Gender Issues, The New York Times; Fernanda Merodio, Senior Director, Distribution, Hemisphere Media Group;
Alyssa Milano, Actor, Activist, Producer; Michelle Rice, General Manager, TV One
Sponsored by:
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