TechConnect

The TechConnect Initiative, developed in partnership with the SCTE Foundation, fosters one-on-one mentoring relationships between senior and rising technology professionals in our industry.

This program is designed to provide a strong network for career growth, knowledge sharing, and leadership development, helping participants navigate workplace challenges and advance in their careers. The WICT Network and SCTE Foundation will support the mentors/mentees by offering online resources and tools, underwriting event registrations and memberships, as well as providing a sense of community as the designated mentees embark on their mentoring journey. Our shared goal is to ensure all participants have the resources and connections they need to thrive and drive innovation in the ever-evolving tech landscape.


Applications for the 2025/26 cycle will open in summer 2025!

 

2024-2025 Program Participants

MENTORS

Brooke McAnaney, GVP, Content Security, Warner Bros. Discovery
Dani Kimmell, VP, AI & Data Strategy, Cox Communications
Debbie Fitzgerald, Distinguished Technologist and Director, CableLabs
Eilisa Reid, GVP, Service Delivery Applications, Charter Communications
Elizabeth Bierman, Vice President of Engineering, Comcast
Glenda Bough, Executive Director, Engineering Ops, Comcast
Jackie Boudreau, Vice President, Engineering – XOC, Comcast Communications
Janine Bailey, Customer Solutions Leader, Media & Entertainment, Amazon Web Services
Kim Keever, SVP, Security, Analytics and Technology Services and CISO, Cox Communications
Kristell Janusz, SVP, Network Engineering, Astound Broadband
Leslie Gilchrist, AVP, Technology – Tools Strategy & Automation for Service Assurance, Cox Communications
Lori Spencer, SVP and Chief People Officer, CableLabs
Megan Dover, VP, Product Development & Management, Cox Communications
Mickie Calkins, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, CableLabs
Nomi Bergman, President, Advance Newhouse Investment Partnership
Sally Huriaux, VP, Engineering Operations, Comcast
Sandy Howe, Board Director and Founder, Coravant
Sheetal Gattani, VP, eProcurement Solutions & Analytics, Charter Communications
Theresa Hennesy, Technology Leadership Consultant, Somos, Inc.
Tracey Dwyer, Senior Manager of Solutions Management, Amazon Web Services

MENTEES

Bianca Betances, Sr. Director, Data and Reporting, Media, Charter Communications
Brenna Hornbaker, Implementation Manager, Astound Broadband
Carrie Warren, Contract Manager, CableLabs
Chereese Creel, Cyber Risk & Compliance Senior Analyst, Cox
Deanna Benjamin, Supervisor, REMI Operations, ESPN
Deena Taylor-Straggi, Technical Trainer, Astound Broadband
Jessica Hanks, Senior Lead Product Manager, Cox
Leah Scholz, Director, Product Marketing, GCI
Mandana Motahari, Director, Technology, Cox
Melissa Paul, Manager, Workplace Tech Support, Warner Bros. Discovery
Morgan Newman, Digital Product Manger, INSP, LLC
Paloma Hawn, Director, Engineering & Architecture, GCI
Patricia Kearney, Sr. Technical Manager, Warner Bros. Discovery
Rebecca Warren, Sr Director, IP Engineering, Astound Broadband
Stacy Venanzi, Sr. Manager, Product Management, Charter—Spectrum
Stephanie Christianson, Technical Project Manager, Astound Broadband
Suzanne Romano, Manager, Workplace Technology Support, US NE & Canada, Warner Bros. Discovery
Tanya Lynn, Sr. Director, Comcast
Tori Berube, Tech Ops IP Engineer IV, Cox
Toya Holt, Information Security Compliance Manager, Warner Bros. Discovery

Applications are now CLOSED for 2024-2025.

Applications for the 2025/2026 program will open in summer 2025.

For more information or questions, please contact: Megan Marksberry, VP, Program Administration, The WICT Network (mmarksberry@wict.org).

2024-2025 Program

TechConnect mentors and mentees met one another for the first time during The WICT Network’s 2024 Leadership Conference in New York City.

Mentees will maintain their mentoring relationship monthly thereafter, virtually or in-person. Mentees will also attend quarterly learning webinars where they will network with other mentees, hear from guest speakers and receive additional resources.

The TechConnect program will conclude with a graduation session at the SCTE TechExpo the week of September 29, 2025.

*Registration for both The WICT Network Leadership Conference and the SCTE TechExpo are complimentary for mentees (travel not included).

Interested individuals should be rising professionals who will maximize the unique opportunity to learn from trailblazers in the tech field.

Potential participants must meet the following criteria:

  • Work in the technology field in the media and entertainment industry.
  • Possess three or more years of managerial experience.
  • Exhibit a level of knowledge, skill and professionalism regarding technology.
  • Have demonstrated a track record of success.
  • Can help create clear goals for mentorship, consistent with workplace excellence.
  • Have the ability to dedicate the time required to be a mentee, including:
    • Monthly meetings with their mentor via telephone, virtually or in-person.
    • Quarterly learning webinars.
    • Attend The WICT Network Leadership Conference.
    • Attend the kick-off meeting at The WICT Network Leadership Conference.
    • Attend the graduation at the SCTE TechExpo.
      *(Registration for both The WICT Network Leadership Conference and the SCTE TechExpo are complimentary for mentees.)

Mentoring Prepares Women for Leadership Roles in Cable Industry

SHRM Online interviewed to Patricia Martin, senior vice president at Atlanta-based Cox Communications, and Jennifer Watterud, director of mobile development at Altice USA (formerly Cablevision), based in Queens, N.Y., about their experience in the year-long Women’s TechConnect program. Check out the Q&A, published March 1, 2021, to learn more about how this impactful program helps groom high-potential female engineers for leadership roles throughout the cable industry.

READ THE ARTICLE

Testimonials from TechConnect Mentees

“The mentors have given me priceless advice. They have been perfect listening partners and great sounding boards. The fact that women are minorities in the technical areas within the industry makes it difficult to network with other technically oriented women. Being a mentee in this program has opened doors that may have never opened if I were not a mentee. The networking opportunities to meet technically-oriented women in the industry have been a wonderful experience. I would encourage anyone with aspirations of growing and advancing in their careers to apply for this program.”
Misty Duckworth, Program Manager, Critical Infrastructure, Time Warner Cable – West Region
“This experience has truly positioned me for success and for that I am forever grateful. I am more confident now than ever before. I not only look for the challenge, but I’ve learned to raise my hand and ask for the challenge.”
Shelly Farmer, Account Manager, IBBS
“My relationship with my mentor was a fabulous vantage point in being able to understand how to navigate my way through interviews for my very first VP job with my employer. I appreciate being given the opportunity to participate in the program. The program helped me achieve what I wanted which was to have a mentor that could give some great guidance on how to get to the next phase of my career, while also being a friend who cared about me.”
Patricia Martin, Vice President, Network Operations, Cox Communications
“The Women’s TechConnect Initiative has been a great opportunity to meet and share ideas and aspirations with a dynamic group of women across the cable industry. Having a mentor that has accomplished so much personally and made significant contributions to the industry has been a great asset. The networking, webinars, and one-on-one meetings with my mentor have helped to deepen my understanding of the opportunities available, as well as continue to develop my personal brand and skills so that I can achieve my goals. The TechConnect Initiative is a great opportunity to learn more about the industry and to gain valuable insights for the women pioneers that are leading the way!”
Carol Ann Sweeney, Senior Manager, Procurement, Comcast
Questions?

If you have any questions about this program or would like additional information, please contact:

TechConnect Facilitator
Shannon Cassidy
610-431-2888
shannon@bridgebetween.com

The WICT Network
Megan Marksberry
202-827-4789
mmarksberry@wict.org

 

The WICT Network gratefully acknowledges the Women in STEM sponsor: