Leadership Conference

2024 Leadership Conference Recap

The WICT Network was thrilled to once again open Diversity Week 2024 with our annual Leadership Conference. This year’s theme, “Fueling Your Power and Purpose,” took center stage. Our distinguished speakers, drawn from diverse backgrounds and spanning industries, academia and thought leadership, addressed how to cultivate resilience, adaptability and authenticity, critical characteristics for effective leadership in a dynamic industry marked by rapid change.

Attendees enjoyed an engaging lineup of general sessions, interactive workshops, expert panels, one-on-one coaching sessions and ample opportunities for peer-to-peer networking. With over 60 distinguished speakers and 20 executive coaches, this event both empowered and inspired.

Opening Super Session & Keynote Conversation Part 1

The 2024 Leadership Conference launched with a warm welcome from Maria E. Brennan and Leigh Woisard, with introductory remarks from Dalila Wilson-Scott. Part 1 of our Keynote Conversation with Siri Chilazi and Carla Harris, highlighted the data-driven effectiveness of DEI, strategies for maximizing success and leadership management insights.

Sponsored by: Comcast NBCUniversal | Pictured L to R: Leigh Woisard, Maria E. Brennan, Dalila Wilson-Scott, Carla Harris, Siri Chilazi

Photos by L. Busacca & Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for WICT

Keynote Conversation Part 2

Part 2 of our Keynote Conversation featured a captivating discussion with The Real Housewives of New York City stars Racquel Chevremont, Ubah Hassan and Erin Lichy. Facilitated by Dalila Wilson-Scott, the conversation explored the ups and downs of being a reality TV star and their journeys with business ventures.

Sponsored by: Comcast NBCUniversal | Pictured L to R: Erin Lichy, Ubah Hassan, Racquel Chevremont, Dalila Wilson-Scott

Photos by L. Busacca & Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for WICT

Touchstones Luncheon

The Touchstones Luncheon at The WICT Network’s Leadership Conference celebrated the industry’s most influential women in media, entertainment and technology. These remarkable leaders are shaping the future of our industry. Congratulations to our 2024 honorees!

2024 Women of the Year: Amy Blair, Johnita P. Due, Sandy Howe

2024 Women to Watch: Julie Unruh, Courtney Thomasma, Steph Lone

Pictured L to R: Amy Blair, Mike Fries, Johnita P. Due, Aimee Sanders, Sandy Howe, Tom McLaughlin

Pictured L to R: Julie Unruh, David Andreski, Courtney Thomasma, Kristin Dolan, Steph Lone, Samira Panah Bakhtiar

Photos by L. Busacca & Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for WICT

Surviving & Thriving in the Digital Age

Surviving & Thriving in the Digital Age was a standout session! Moderated by Alexandria Davidson, the panel featured industry experts John Dorval, Steph Lone, Soo Jin Oh and Laura Peterson. The discussion shed light on the rapid advancements in technology, adapting to current digital trends and the apprehension many feel about AI’s growing role in our world. The panel offered practical advice on navigating this evolving landscape with confidence.

Pictured L to R: Laura Peterson, Steph Lone, Soo Jin Oh, John Dorval, Alexandra Davidson

Photos by L. Busacca & Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for WICT

Profiles of Champions: Becoming a Corporate Athlete

Profiles of Champions: Becoming a Corporate Athlete, moderated by Ari Chambers, featured an inspiring panel with Darian Jenkins, Danita Johnson and Renee Montgomery. The discussion drew powerful parallels between corporate leadership and athletics, emphasizing resilience, confidence, teamwork and adopting a teammate’s mindset in leadership roles. The panelists shared how overcoming challenges, building self-assurance and fostering collaboration are key to thriving in sports and the corporate world.

Sponsored by: Accenture | Pictured L to R: Ari Chambers, Danita Johnson, Darian Jenkins, Renee Montgomery

Photos by L. Busacca & Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for WICT

Unleashing Your Potential: A Keynote with Jamie Kern Lima

Jamie Kern Lima took the stage to deliver an empowering keynote on perseverance and success. She shared her journey of overcoming countless setbacks, and how a “no” never stopped her from trusting her own intuition—her knowing. Jamie spoke candidly about battling feelings of unworthiness and how she gradually built the self-confidence that helped her become who she is today.

Sponsored by: Warner Bros. Discovery | Pictured L to R: Jamie Kern Lima, Jessa Cooke, Maria E. Brennan

Photos by L. Busacca & Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for WICT

Pearls of Wisdom: Fueling Your Power and Purpose

Our returning Pearls of Wisdom session delivered another impactful experience! This back-to-back keynote series featured remarkable women who shared powerful stories about their journeys and transformational moments. Each speaker shared insights on harnessing personal power, defining moments and embracing change.

Sponsored by: Charter Communications | Pictured L to R: Sherrill Mosee, Mariana van Zeller, Sophia Kianni, Patty Boyers, Melani Griffith

Photos by L. Busacca & Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for WICT

State of the Industry: CEO Panel

The State of the Industry: CEO Panel featured an intimate and insightful discussion with top leaders in media, entertainment and technology. Moderated by Michelle Rice, panelists Kristin Dolan, Mark Greatrex and Chris Winfrey delved into the current state of the industry, exploring key challenges, emerging opportunities and future business prospects. Attendees gained invaluable perspectives from these leaders shaping the future of the industry through a rich exchange of ideas and strategies.

Pictured L to R: Michelle Rice, Kristin Dolan, Mark Greatrex, Chris Winfrey, Maria E. Brennan

Photos by L. Busacca & Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for WICT

Diversity Town Hall: Survey Says!

The Diversity Town Hall, moderated by Nilda Gumbs, brought together DEI experts Eric Dziedzic, Loren Hudson, Kia Painter and Asif Sadiq for a compelling session. In collaboration with NAMIC and NCTA Education Foundation, the panel shared key findings from the latest AIM/PAR Diversity Survey, highlighting the current state of ethnic and gender diversity in our industry. The perfect way to wrap up a spectacular event!