Our Membership Spotlight features members sharing their experiences in the WICT organization. Each month, a different member will be spotlighted and showcased in our blog.
This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Michael Wiggins, WICT Southeast Director at Large – Partnerships, Cox Communications.
Michael Wiggins Rylie
What propelled you to join WICT Southeast?
On January 4th of this year, my lovely wife Katy and I welcomed a beautiful daughter (Rylie) into the world. It was at that moment that it all started to “click” for me, and I realized that the time for me to get more deeply involved was now. I have always held myself to a high standard when it comes to Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity – but it hasn’t been until recently in my career that I recognize the obligation I have to be a catalyst and elevate my commitment. You may have heard the phrase “Diversity is a Fact; Inclusion is an Act”, and that sums it up nicely for me personally. WICT is one of the ways I’m taking action on the initiatives that matter most to me and helping build a better future for the next generation.
At WICT both women & men are encouraged to be a catalyst and set the wheels of change in motion. In your experience, share your thoughts on some key benefits of being a member of WICT and why individuals should join or consider renewing their membership?
As a man, I was initially reluctant to take the leap of faith with WICT – because I had made a poor assumption that it was a professional society exclusively for women. However, what I realize now is that men play an incredibly important role as allies and activists to help drive the progress we so desperately need. I have found that the clarity of WICT’s mission, the access to resources and information to help myself and my team’s development, and the ability to network with brilliantly talented people all across the Southeast and beyond is something that is helping me grow and be a better leader each and every day.
How has WICT Southeast played an important role in your professional/personal life?
The opportunity to participate in incredible programming events, support chapter expansion, and curate existing and new partnerships is something that has helped me develop in ways I’m only beginning to understand. Getting out of my comfort zone and supporting a cause that most outsiders wouldn’t typically associate me with has helped me grow as I recognize that I am an important piece of the inclusion and equity puzzle in both my professional and personal life. Additionally, the ability to leverage my role in partnerships to help extend our partnerships into adjacent industries and new companies is something that is helping me build stronger connections across a wider array of organizations.
Over the past year the world has faced major challenges. What is one piece of practical advice you have gained from WICT Southeast events that can benefit others?
In May, I had the absolute pleasure to listen to and learn from a few amazing women of Asian heritage in the Beyond the Hashtag Series panel presented by Cox Communications. Sujata Gosalia (Chief Strategy Officer at Cox) made reference to the fact that it isn’t just “charm and brilliance” that will help you develop and advance in your career. It’s about finding something you’re passionate about and channeling that energy to consistently deliver your best work on the things that you value most. That’s why I’m incredibly excited to keep being a catalyst to set the wheels of change in motion with WICT Southeast and beyond – not only for my new baby daughter Rylie – but for all women and others who struggle with inequity in the workplace and in communities across the world.
While the kids are out of school for the summer, WICT Southeast is ramping up our events and programming offerings! Your WICT Southeast membership includes free admission to most virtual events – and there are quite a few coming up in June. Check them out below!
Considering a career pivot? Or do you just like wine? Pivot To Your Passion is a virtual wine tasting and panel discussion with women who have pivoted their career path toward their passions, offering encouragement to attendees who may be facing or considering a change in their career path, whether forced or voluntarily. You’ll enjoy the fruits of panelist Denise Gough’s personal pivot through our virtual wine tasting. In addition, the panelists will discuss what precipitated their career transitions, how they arrived at their passion and path, and how they actually made the changes.
Featuring Denise Gough, Jerilyn Bliss, Samantha Lane and Jill Johnson, four former executive-level professionals who have themselves pivoted toward their passions. They’ll share their stories and wine suggestions over a virtual happy hour, offering inspiration for attendees who may be contemplating a pivot in their own lives.
Missing something in your social life? The S.T.I.R. Virtual Social Mixer for WICT Southeast members, non-members and their families offers socialization, collaboration, interaction and networking.
Join WICT Southeast for a virtual evening of fun, and engage at a social mixer for members and their families. There will be games, networking, and information regarding the work WICTSE is doing in the industry and community. Not a member? Join now and learn how you can benefit from involvement in WICT.
Join us Tuesday, June 16 from 5 – 6:30 p.m. Eastern. Register today!
Want to broaden your horizons? The LGBTQIA community is experiencing major generational shifts relating to more racial diversity and more workers in younger generations. According to research, policies implemented over the past 20 years while critical, are no longer enough to create an inclusive workplace and change behaviors and biases of majority groups.
Join WICT Southeast for a conversation about what companies are doing to ensure employees do not feel the need to hide a crucial part of their identity while at the office. Tonya Walley, VP of Field Operations and Plant Maintenance at Cox, Robert Rustman, Director of Human Resources, Strategic Initiatives, Chicago at Comcast, Nicole Young- Turner, CEO of Kaleidoscope Village and Nathan Small, Sr. Recruiter| Talent Acquisition WarnerMedia (News & Sports) will share examples of daily experiences that impact feelings of inclusion and D&I strategies that can help to improve inclusion, which has a significant impact on innovation, creativity, and retention.
Renita Griskel 2020 – 2021 Chapter President WICT Southeast
Hello WICT Southeast Members!
What a year! When “Connect to your peers, your industry and everything around you” was chosen as the WICTSE Touchstone for 2020, our Ruby Anniversary, no one had any idea how critical that touchstone would be for so many people.
My plans for the chapter were well underway when COVID-19 hit. The quick actions of the WICTSE board created a new plan of action allowing us to pivot from in-person events and programs to connect to all of you using virtual platforms. While we all miss the one on one interaction, this necessary change gave many people throughout Atlanta, Knoxville, Nashville and Birmingham a chance to participate in all of our WICTSE programs.
Members of our chapter were hit with unemployment, dealing first-hand with the severity of the virus and the uncertainty of what’s ahead. I am proud that one of the first things we did after the widespread onset of COVID-19 was partner with Feeding America to help feed families in need. Many of you supported this initiative and gave generously allowing us to surpass our goal and provide thousands of meals to families in our WICT Southeast footprint.
The WICTSE response to COVID-19 is just one example of how the organization is in step with evolving widespread issues affecting our industry and community. Social injustice, specifically involving the black community is on the minds of many. I am so proud of how we addressed the issue with our Black Lives Matter: A Movement Not A Moment interactive panel discussion. We had the uncomfortable conversations and separated fact from fiction leaving participants informed and empowered!
We connected with all of you this year addressing the unique needs of 2020 along with the leadership development opportunities that WICTSE consistently provides. Global Mentoring, Tech It Out, Speed Mentoring and Resilience: Standing Strong showcased the mission of WICT to create women leaders who transform our industry. We did that as well with additional programs and events that targeted navigating the unprecedented times of 2020: Maintaining Motivation Through Uncertainty, Mind Your Business, The Art of the Staycation, WICT Happy Hour and of course S.T.I.R. Socialize, Talk, Interact, Remember. And we discussed the changing landscape of the cable industry with LGBTQ+: Exploring the Future By Learning From the Past.
This year we honored 7 amazing women for their accomplishments in the cable telecommunications industry during our first virtual Red Letter Awards. The gala was highly attended and well received. I am so proud of the honorees and the tremendous team behind the scenes who worked tirelessly to make this year’s gala one to remember! We also provided three chapter scholarships to this year’s virtual WICT Leadership Conference. WICT Global provided unparallel content, speakers, and workshops. I am happy that WICTSE was able to help three members attend for free!
While all of this was going on, we celebrated our chapter’s 40th Anniversary! We highlighted the work of the many women who came before us to lay the groundwork for the WICT Southeast Chapter. We learned about their journeys, challenges, and successes, through photos, interviews, and videos throughout the year.
So, as you can see, it’s been a busy and historic year. The pivot of events and programs was intense at times, but also an opportunity for growth. While there were challenges, our resilience is powerful! None of the work this year could have been accomplished without the help, support and expertise of the WICT Southeast board. I am grateful to have 31 talented women at my side committed to the mission of WICT. Thank you all so much, I am truly honored to have worked with you! Thank you to Maria Brennan, WICT President and CEO and WICT Global for your tremendous encouragement and guidance. And thank you to the WICT Southeast membership for allowing me to be your president. It was my privilege to lead the WICT Southeast Chapter this year and I look forward to what’s ahead for 2021!
Congratulations to Kristina Stafford Kelly, Monika Wilkins, Catherine Mitchell,Kimberley Euston, Melody Smalls, Rose Chambers, and Roxanne Cloutier, WICT Southeast’s 2020 Red Letter Award Recipients.
We recognize these women for their outstanding achievement and leadership. They personify the WICT Touchstones of Leadership and actively enhance the perception of the cable telecommunications industry through their community and professional involvement.
Leading up to our 17th annual Red Letter Awards, we asked these seven women three questions so you can get to know them better. Check back daily as we post their answers.
It’s not too late to register to this first-ever free and virtual gala to be held on Thursday, October 22nd at 4:00 pm ET. Click HERE for more information.
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2020 Inspiration Award Honoree Roxanne Cloutier
Name: Roxanne Cloutier
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Title: Senior Vice President, Enterprise Systems & Strategic Planning
Where do you currently work: WarnerMedia
You are the recipient of the Inspiration Award- Woman of the Year. What does getting this award mean to you?
The Inspiration Award is quite an honor. I remember listening to some of the amazing women who have received this award over the past few years and being in awe of their tremendous accomplishments and contributions to society. I am humbled to be among these incredible role models.
As women, we often find it difficult to give ourselves props for our accomplishments so I’m going to ask you to do just that. Why do you think you were selected to receive this award?
I am very passionate about building genuine connections. I have successfully built and consolidated amazing and highly successful teams over the past few decades. I am a natural connector and spend a considerable part of my time mentoring and helping others to achieve their goals through connections.
I credit several incredible mentors and role models who have shown me the importance of leading from a place of service, integrity and relationships.
There are 3 elements of connection that I have woven throughout my personal and professional life:
Leading from my own unique toolkit – connecting the right people, ideas, skills and strategies.
Connecting others – throwing the ladder back down and leveraging my personal successes and resources to connect others to opportunities
Cultivating my passion for team building – focusing on people and finding the win-win through connections.
These have become my strengths and I feel honored to be recognized for something as important as this fabric of our life.
This year’s theme is Connect to your peers, your industry, and everything around you. Why do you think connecting is more important than ever in 2020.
When I think about the theme “CONNECT” and its importance, particularly in our current climate, I am convinced that more than ever we are stronger and better together.
The pandemic that surrounds us has impacted our ability to connect physically. With that, how we define connection has changed, but the power of genuine connections is shining brighter than ever before.
In this time when many of us are isolated in our homes and are inundated with so many negative stories about the pandemic and social unrest, focusing on connecting with and uplifting others can provide us with the inspiration we need to keep pushing forward.
I remain committed to carrying that forward through mentoring, growing, encouraging and sustaining others as we maneuver through challenging times.
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2020 Catalyst Award Honoree Melody Smalls
Name: Rose Chambers
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Title: Vice President, Construction Planning & Program Management
Where do you currently work: Cox Communications, Inc.
What does getting the Catalyst- Woman in Technology Award mean to you?
Like many, I’ve made a lot of sacrifices to pursue a career and – although very gratifying – it’s been hard work. I’ve always been driven by providing value. That’s what fuels me and makes me push myself. Being recognized by an industry that I have been in for many years and by peers that I’ve worked beside is an affirmation that I’ve provided value. That affirmation humbles me, but also makes me proud. I’m very grateful for the recognition and hope that this recognition inspires other women who might be on a similar path to ask themselves, “why not me?”
As women, we often find it difficult to give ourselves props for our accomplishments so I’m going to ask you to do just that. Why do you think you were selected to receive this award?
Oh, so very true that this one is difficult! But it is one thing we all need to do better. I think one of the biggest contributors to my success has never been shying away from a challenge. I’ve described myself in the past as a compulsive hand-raiser. I was always raising my hand, saying, “I’ll do that,” even when I wasn’t completely sure I could do it. It’s not that I wasn’t afraid. I was, but I had enough faith in myself to know that I could tap into trusted advisors and figure it out. Also, a mentor very early in my career taught me the lesson that leading by authority does not achieve sustainable results; enlisting the hearts and minds of the team around a shared purpose and vision produces results that last. I hope I’ve modeled that to the best of my ability.
This year’s theme is Connect to your peers, your industry, and everything around you. Why do you think connecting is more important than ever in 2020.
I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a year of extraordinary and unanticipated change. The abrupt interruption of the connections we all so took for granted has had a profound impact on all of us, and I’m not sure we yet recognize the full impact of that disruption. Our families, businesses, and communities have all been greatly impacted, and it’s rare that we’re dealing with disruption that acute across all three of those dimensions at once. Connection in these circumstances is more important than ever – whether it’s the connection that allows you to continue to work, the connection that allows you to educate your child, the connection that provides access to your family and friends, or simply the connection that affords you the opportunity to binge-watch baking shows to escape (my current escape 😊)! My hope is that we emerge from this with a deeper appreciation for the essential need for connection and a desire to extend each other a little grace.
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2020 Horizon Award Honoree Melody Smalls
Name: Melody Smalls
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Title: Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources
Where do you currently work: Allen Media Group is a global media and technology company which is comprised of several properties such as: The Weather Channel, TheGrio, LocalNow, 15 broadcast stations, Syndication, ES Motion Pictures, Freestyle Digital Media, Pets.tv, Justice Central, recipe.tv, my destination.tv, ES.tv and Comedy .tv to name a few.
What does getting the Horizon- Woman To Watch Award mean to you?
It means the world to me. It’s important for hard work and excellence to be recognized by industry peers. I try to do my best at being resourceful and connecting those that can benefit from one another.
As women, we often find it difficult to give ourselves props for our accomplishments so I’m going to ask you to do just that. Why do you think you were selected to receive this award?
Thank you and you are right. It took some time for me to truly enjoy the fruits of my accomplishments! I believe I was selected for this award because I have demonstrated excellent performance CONSISTENTLY. I give my effort in every facet of my role and oftentimes outside of my role. I am laser-focused on employee engagement and productivity that results in high performance for our company.
This year’s theme is Connect to your peers, your industry, and everything around you. Why do you think connecting is more important than ever in 2020.
Connecting is at the forefront of 2020 ( and likely beyond). Since we are amidst a pandemic, we must be intentional about maintaining our relationships, reaching out, sharing ideas and best practices. This pandemic has certainly taught many of us to “build an airplane while in the air.” .
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2020 Mentor Award Honoree Kimberley Euston
Name: Kimberley Euston
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Title: National Business Development Leader for the Technology, Media and Telecommunications Sector
Where do you currently work: PwC
What does getting the Mentor Award mean to you?
It is an incredible honor, and the fact that it comes from a group of outstanding women that I respect and admire makes it even more special.
As women, we often find it difficult to give ourselves props for our accomplishments so I’m going to ask you to do just that. Why do you think you were selected to receive this award?
I am lucky to be close with a group of women who love and support each other, who see us for the things that make each of us wonderful, and advocate for each other. We could not accomplish anything without our tribe.
This year’s theme is Connect to your peers, your industry, and everything around you. Why do you think connecting is more important than ever in 2020.
Your connections are important every day, every year, but this year has been special. I have looked to my connections to help me overcome the physical distance imposed on us and the emotional pressures created by all the turmoil that 2020 has brought. They never disappoint!
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2020 Mentor Award Honoree Catherine Mitchell
Name: Catherine Mitchell
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Title: Vice President of Product Development and Management for Cox Business
Where do you currently work: Cox Communications, Inc.
What does getting the Mentor Award mean to you?
It’s an honor to be recognized amongst women that I admire and look to as mentors myself.
As women, we often find it difficult to give ourselves props for our accomplishments so I’m going to ask you to do just that. Why do you think you were selected to receive this award?
For 30 years, I have been a quiet mentor to many in the telecommunications industry. And those mentees have achieved great things on their own through merit, grit, and talent.
This year’s theme is Connect to your peers, your industry, and everything around you. Why do you think connecting is more important than ever in 2020.
In whatever ways we all planned to connect this year, the plans have changed. My mother held a “Happy Mother’s Day sign” out to me across a parking lot in May … and my daughter broke the distance barrier and ran over to hug her. We all want connection, and this year we have to work harder than ever to make it happen. Our experience in 2020 has helped us cherish our relationships even more with family and colleagues.
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2020 Rising Star Honoree Monika Wilkins
Name: Monika Wilkins
Location: Smyrna, Georgia
Title: Director Credit & Account Services
Where do you currently work: Comcast Cable
What does getting the Rising Star Award mean to you?
Receiving the Rising Star Award means I am headed in the right direction as a leader. It means I should stop and think about all the skills and knowledge that I have gained, find more efficient and productive ways to transfer this knowledge to others and determine my next steps to ensure I do not become complacent. This award makes me think about people that have been here with me throughout my journey. They are the real MVPs- from my children, giving me a reason to wake up every day and want to be a rising star, to the people that look up to me and remind me that failing is not an option…they make this award worth receiving.
As women, we often find it difficult to give ourselves props for our accomplishments so I’m going to ask you to do just that. Why do you think you were selected to receive this award?
This one is really hard for me because I am no stranger to hard work. My father was the hardest working man I have ever known, and he instilled in me that anything less is mediocre. Due to the lessons that I learned from him, I have always worked very hard to ensure the job gets done while keeping my people first. Without the people, everything fails, so it is critical that I always do right by my people. I feel this is the reason I was selected to receive this award.
This year’s theme is Connect to your peers, your industry, and everything around you. Why do you think connecting is more important than ever in 2020.
If you think back to 2019, you could easily meet someone new in a hallway, the breakroom, a networking event, or even an elevator. Due to our new normal, these types of connections are virtually impossible in the workplace. To foster any relationship, you have to be intentional in your outreach, which can sometimes be intimidating. Due to this, some individuals may not take the extra step to meet new people and learn new things, causing them to stagnate. Being stagnant can impact your overall growth and cause frustration and demotivation. That is why being connected is more important now than ever.
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2020 Rising Star Honoree Kristina Stafford Kelly
Name: Kristina Stafford Kelly
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Title: Senior Director // Head of Public Relations
Where do you currently work: UP Entertainment
What does getting the Rising Star Award mean to you?
I am incredibly appreciative of this award. I have attended the Red Letter Awards for the past five years and have been in awe of the inspiring women being recognized. Multiple honorees over those years have directly influenced my career. I felt honored just to be nominated.
As women, we often find it difficult to give ourselves props for our accomplishments so I’m going to ask you to do just that. Why do you think you were selected to receive this award?
As the head of Public Relations, the campaigns I manage have been featured in top outlets such as People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, ET Online, Deadline, Southern Living, Yahoo, Elite Daily and Rolling Stone to name a few, with hundreds of millions of media impressions garnered for the company each year.
I’m thankful to be part of company that’s supportive of its employees and fosters a collaborative work environment. By working alongside such smart and creative colleagues, I know I’ll never stop learning. In the five short years since joining UP Entertainment, I’ve been able to grow as a leader while successfully executing multi-platform campaigns. I’m proud of the work that’s been accomplished and excited for what’s to come. Plus, I absolutely LOVE what I do, which means my job doesn’t feel like work. It’s a passion.
This year’s theme is Connect to your peers, your industry, and everything around you. Why do you think connecting is more important than ever in 2020.
Connecting is essential in 2020 for our mental and emotional well-being. Texting, phone calls and video chats have taken on a completely new role in our lives. I’m so appreciative of the technology that allows us to feel connected while apart.
I’ve made an extra effort to be available to college students seeking advice as they try to figure out what the pandemic means for internships and first jobs. A lot of their plans have been completely turned upside down, so I’ve been talking through different opportunities and ideas to help them navigate during this time. While companies have had to alter day-to-day operations due to the pandemic, I hope this thinking is integrated into traditional workplace culture post-Covid. The increased use of technology has allowed us to connect more with peers from other parts of the country and across various industries.
Women in Cable Telecommunications Southeast (WICT SE) Chapter announces the members of its 2021 Board of Directors.
WICT SE is one of 24 Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) chapters across the US, Latin America, UK and Europe. WICT consists of over 10,500 members globally. The Southeast chapter is the second largest local chapter with over 1,000 members.
The WICT SE Board represents the diverse functions of the cable industry and brings together members from over 15 companies located in Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama. Each member has their own dynamic experience, distinctive perspective, and background.
Shelley Hoffmann (Healthgrades) incumbent Vice President rises to President in 2021. Gimette DeLaughter (Cox) incumbent Senior Director of Red Letter Awards transitions to Vice-President. Renita Griskel (Discovery, Inc.) incumbent President will move to Immediate Past President. The complete list of all the incoming board members appears below.
Later in year, the board will vote on the 2021 Touchstone, which currently is: CONNECT to your peers, your industry, and everything around you.
The dynamics of being a Black woman in the workplace
by Ciji Townsend
Black Lives Matter is more than a moment, it’s a movement. WICT Southeast is committed to ongoing conversations that generate awareness for Black women in our industry. Our recent panel discussion and interactive session, attended by more than 350 industry professionals, focused on the impact of the heightened race awakening on Black women in the telecommunications industry.
Ciji Townsend Cox Communications
It’s been a few weeks since the panel discussion and member, Ciji Townsend has had time to digest the stories and information. In the post below, she shares her thoughts and perspective.
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Black women in the workplace need your empathy, not sympathy.
The conversation kicked off with a powerful response from Dawn Douglass, Vice President Programming at Bounce TV, “When you see a news story, you sympathize. When I see a news story, I see people that look like my loved ones.” Dawn immediately set the tone and struck a chord with me. It was in that moment, that I thought about the countless times that I’ve watched a news segment and immediately thought to myself that the incident being covered could include my brother, cousin, husband or even me. Yet, when I arrived at work, the same new story was simply just a story discussed briefly at the water cooler. It’s in those moments that empathy is needed to break down the walls of understanding that accompany the cycle of systemic racism.
Code-switching is real for Black women in the workplace.
After a brief explanation of code-switching, moderator Kenya Brock, Director of Digital Operations and Marketing at Katz Networks/E.W. Scripps, asked panelists to share a time they had to code-switch at work. “I’ve been doing it my whole life,” exclaimed Andrea Bibbs, Senior Director, Diversity & Inclusion Strategy at WarnerMedia News & Media. And I could sense the head nods from the other black women in the audience. Our experiences of worrying more about our hairstyles, tone of voice, posture and good manners in the workplace have an uncanny resemblance. Even worse than the worry, we all know that the time and effort put into code-switching can affect our performance and productivity.
But where do we start? Who carries the responsibility for change?
It was mentioned by the panelist that change starts with leadership. And I couldn’t agree more. But I don’t think that change starts and stops with a company’s hierarchy. Change starts with everyone the minute that they are made aware. My hope would be that each of the attendees that were not familiar with the challenges that black women face in the workplace would take the newfound information and adjust their behavior and way of thinking.
And just to be clear, Black women aren’t asking for a handout.
What I loved most about the conversation rooted in “invisible work,” is the reminder that Black women work hard, many Black women work longer and harder than most of their peers. So, a handout is not the answer. The ask is that where credit is due, it’s appropriately applied. So many Black women are completing stretch projects and added tasks with ease and often don’t receive credit. Sonya King, Founder and CEO of Creator’s Architect said it best, “We’re given the work because we can do it, not because we should do it.”
Much of injustice stems from access to privilege
In the second half of the event, Sonya provided data for a deeper dive on the impact of privilege. She touched on access, education, earning power, mortality and home ownership. Seeing data explaining the path of privilege was beyond eye opening. Access to education leads to higher earning power which leads to easier access to home ownership. And learning that Black people are three times more likely to be killed by police was shocking but perhaps not a surprise.
#Sayhername
Dana Dawson, Lead Project Manager at Cox Enterprises, ended the presentation highlighting the countless women who have been killed by police, many names people hadn’t heard of. It was sad, painful and continues to be our reality.
Stay tuned and stay engaged
It’s clear this discussion was insightful, meaningful and needed for our WICT Southeast members and advocates. And we’re not stopping the conversation. Stay tuned for how we’ll keep the momentum going and for how you can be part of it.
We want to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment letting us know the most impactful part of the presentation for you.
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Ciji Townsend is a Pure Barre enthusiast, book club fanatic and the host of the being BALANCED podcast. When she’s not sharing her perspective with WICT SE members, she keeps her plate full as a Senior Manager of Internal Communications at Cox Communications.
Are you looking to take your career to the next level? Do you want to network and collaborate with the best and brightest in the cable and telecommunications industry? Are you an active member of WICT Southeast? Well then perhaps joining the WICT Southeast board is what you’re looking for. The CALL FOR CANDIDATES for the WICT Southeast 2022 Board is officially open and we need some great candidates to run for the open positions.
For those of you who are thinking about running and want to know what it takes to run and serve, we’ve asked three current board members, Renita Griskel (Immediate Past President), Shelley Hoffmann (President) and Gimette DeLaughter (Vice President) some key questions that may help guide your decision making.
From left to right: Renita Griskel (Immediate Past President), Shelley Hoffmann (President) and Gimette DeLaughter (Vice President)
What made you decide to make a run for a position on the WICT board?
Renita Griskel (RG): I’ve always enjoyed attending WICT events and helping out behind the scenes. At the time when I submitted my nomination, it was after talking with friends who were on the board. Those conversations nudged me out of my comfort zone and into a board position.
Shelley Hoffmann (SH): I had recently moved to Atlanta after having been active in the New York chapter, as well as having participated in the Rising Leaders and Executive Development programs offered by WICT HQ. My motivation was twofold: I was looking to network within my new community and I wanted to give back to WICT since it had been such an integral part of my personal and professional development. I immediately transferred my membership to the Southeast chapter and started to volunteer at events. This eventually lead to my interest in a board position. I wanted to do more. I’ve always grounded myself in the goal of how I can be of service. I wanted to make an impact. And I knew this was one way to do both.
Gimette DeLaughter (GD): I ran into the current president at the WICT Leadership Conference in New York and established a relationship. I then kept in touch to see where they had the greatest need and applied for that role!
How did you prepare for the campaign?
RG: I did some research about the position and then determined what I would do in that role to add to the success of the chapter if I were to be elected.
SH: The way I found myself on the board was a bit untraditional. I volunteered as much as I could. I networked with members and current board members as much as I could. I attended every Atlanta event. Eventually, I decided to run for Director of Programming – Georgia. And I lost. I was disappointed. But I was undeterred. About halfway through the year, I reached out to Anne Loescher, the then-President of WICT Southeast, and asked her if she needed any additional help. And she said, “You know what? One of the programming positions just opened up.” So I submitted a personal statement to the board explaining my commitment to the chapter and was voted in.
GD: I leaned into my network and asked for their support!
After you were elected, what was your commitment (meetings, conference calls, events, etc.) on top of your day job?
RG: The commitment ebbs and flows. There are times when I’m on call’s multiple times a day and multiple days a week. There are also times when I may not have a WICT call during the week. There are always emails or slack messages daily, but there is also help available when needed for an event or program. The board is very supportive and understanding that there is work, WICT, and life balance.
SH: It really depends on the role. Some positions are intense for a short period of time like Mentoring, Partnerships, Red Letter Awards. Others are consistent throughout the year like Programming, Marketing and Membership. We are a working board. We are deft at balancing responsibilities in our careers and at home. While there are some days that feel primarily WICT-focused more than others, as professionals, we all know how to incorporate our WICT work into our day to day. Is it hard work? Yes. There are many calls and emails depending on the week or month. It takes dedicated individuals for the board to hum and sing. But the reward is so much greater than the effort.
GD: This is my fourth year on the Board, and it varies by position. As secretary there was some administrative setup in the beginning of the year, but the rest of the year focused around the monthly board meetings. As part of the Red Letter Awards team it ramped up to crescendo for the main event in October. Where VP is a steady stream throughout the year.
What impact has the WICT Southeast board had on your career?
RG: I have had an opportunity to connect one on one with executives at my own company and other companies which has been helpful from a networking standpoint.
SH: Experience on the board gives you the opportunity to get outside of your comfort zone and expand your professional tool box beyond your daily responsibilities. Because of my board experience, I am a better people manager. I’ve gained skills in marketing and negotiating and have opportunities to practice my public speaking as well as my active listening – as I do my best to be responsive to our membership. I’m positively impacted and mentored by my fellow board members across Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama and because of that, I learn something new every day. It’s invaluable to my career.
GD: My involvement in WICT has inspired me to pursue new challenges and has provided me the opportunity to develop and grow my leadership skills. It’s especially relevant where I get to practice skills outside my daily work responsibilities to grow my resume experience.
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to run for the board?
RG: If you have a passion for WICT and what it stands for and want to channel that passion to help continue the successful impact that WICTSE has had on its members for nearly 40 years, then the board is for you! It is hard work, it takes up some of your time and some of your energy, but the tradeoff is what you’ll remember the most. The work you do on the board is rewarding, far-reaching and allows you to offer the membership base multiple developmental and professional growth opportunities.
SH: Be transparent with your manager about the time commitment. Talk to current and former board members to get their perspective. Do your due diligence. Bring your enthusiasm, fresh perspective and commitment to our mission of creating women leaders in our industry. And plan to receive a huge return on your investment.
GD: If you would have told me four years ago I’d be VP and the incoming President, I would not have believed you. But I should have because here I am. Lean in and give it a go, you may surprise yourself on where you end up. I did!
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WICT Southeast is currently looking for enthusiastic, organized, and dedicated members who would like to run for the 2022 Board of Directors! Serving on the Board is a great way to expand your leadership skills, connect with a diverse group of professionals, and make a positive impact on the industry. Click here for more information.
I’m a black woman. And because I’m a black woman, unfortunately the recent senseless acts fueled by systemic racism isn’t new to me. But the collective response that extends outside of my community and spills over into the streets via protests and rallies in all 50 states and 14 countries is quite different than what I’ve experienced in my lifetime.
Even with all of the attention and heightened concern, I still have questions. What happens next? What’s the long-term plan? And, specifically what’s the role of my colleagues in the telecommunications and cable industry?
By now you’ve probably heard that you need to listen to black voices.
Let’s take it one step further and both listen and learn. Now is the time to increase your network beyond the one black team member that you call on when you have a question. Listen to multiple voices, invite new people to the conversation that wouldn’t normally have a seat at the table. And let’s give ourselves permission to be ok with both formal and informal listening sessions. Now on to the learning. Listening isn’t enough. Be intentional about learning what you don’t know and re-learning what you think you already know. In our industry we are vital to the information that is consumed by the masses. Before we make major decisions, we need to listen and learn to better understand the cause and effect of systemic racism.
Everyone is watching.
Speaking of content, all eyes are glued to their screens right now. In the past few months because of the disruption caused by COVID-19, families are at home and the consumption of television shows, movies and documentaries is at an all-time high. How can we be better stewards of diversifying that content? Let’s be honest, technology has turned black voices into the biggest media company in the world. Is your company paying attention? Are you amplifying black stories and movies that have black lead actors beyond black history month?
Pace yourself for the long-haul.
Yes, the outcry is loud right now. And we all know that it will only take one major news story for the momentum to dwindle. So, what commitment will we make now, as voices in our industry to ensure that the work done today continues to show up tomorrow?
There are many questions that have yet to be answered. And our industry is perfectly positioned to encourage the continuation of race-based conversations and to even provide a stage not only for awareness but also change.
What are your thoughts? What can our industry do to spark change and keep the conversation and momentum going? Feel free to share in the comments section below.
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As an organization whose mission is based on equality, WICT is committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life. We stand firm with our partners and the communities we serve to eradicate systemic racism like that we witnessed with George Floyd and many others. WICT stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. In addition, we will address the civil unrest during all of our programs for the foreseeable future. We will never stop using our platform to shine a spotlight on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. All of us wish for peace and wellness for all of our brothers and sisters in our extended community.
Our hope is that together, we will rise above and emerge more united than ever before. Be well, stay strong.
WICT Southeast sat down with Angela Cannon, Vice President, Channel Manager for UP Faith & Family, to ask her six burning questions and tell us why, now more than ever, it’s essential to renew your membership or join WICT Southeast.
Tell me 3 personal things that people might find surprising.
Angela Cannon Vice President, Channel Manager UP Faith and Family
Let’s see…
When I first started college, I had every intention to attend medical school to become an OBGYN. I worked as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and later worked at a hospital as a Phlebotomist to earn money for college.
I ran a half marathon in Kona, Hawaii, to raise funds for stroke victims.
I’m an author of a children’s book, “Who Am I? I’m God’s Princess” and I own an e-commerce beauty store, called I Love Us.
Briefly, tell us about your path to your current position at UP Family & Family!
My career path has definitely had some interesting twists along the way. I majored in Biology during college, and upon graduation, immediately moved to Los Angeles. After a few disappointing interviews to be a lab technician, I landed a research analyst role at Warner Bros. While working in research, I caught the entertainment bug, and also wanted to further my education. I decided to obtain a post-graduate degree and earned an MBA with a concentration in marketing. After graduating, I was working at Walt Disney as a Sr. Research Analyst and abruptly decided to take a leap of faith to move to Atlanta. I began a new role at Gospel Music Channel/UP Entertainment three weeks prior to the launch of the network and 15 years later, I’m still here.
My journey at UP Entertainment has afforded me extensive experience to launch new networks, including UPtv and aspire TV, as well as the direct-to-consumer Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) service, UP Faith & Family, across technologies, distribution platforms, and devices. I’ve also worked in content distribution and marketing, and international program sales.
I began my career at Gospel Music Channel/UP Entertainment creating research affiliate and ad sales decks, which led to building the affiliate marketing department, which led to becoming VP, Affiliate Marketing and VP, National Accounts, Content Distribution and Marketing. In this role, not only was I lead marketer with top distributors DIRECTV, DISH and Amazon, but one of my most notable accomplishments was being a key member of the team that conceptualized and launched aspire TV, in partnership with Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Aspire TV is the entertainment destination that reflects, shares and celebrates the experiences of black culture and urban lifestyle.
I was fortunate to lead all marketing efforts for our SVOD service, UP Faith & Family. After several years working on the SVOD service with distributors and serving a pivotal role in relaunching the direct to consumer app, I am now Vice President and Channel Manager, heading up the service for the past year and a half. I oversee strategic planning and business strategy, while orchestrating daily operations including technology, management of P&L, content acquisition, programming, marketing, distribution, data science, operations, planning and analysis.
Working at UP Entertainment, aspire TV and ultimately, UP Faith & Family, have afforded me the opportunity to get up each day and work for brands that unapologetically hold true to inspiring others to be a better version of themselves through positive and uplifting entertainment. Who wouldn’t love to say inspiring others is my true passion?
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Oh, do you mean just 5 years ago? Just kidding. Well, looking back, I would tell myself to “be fearless”, “get comfortable, being uncomfortable”, because that’s where growth is and “never second guess yourself or your abilities.” There are moments in my career where taking the easy road seemed to be best choice. However, had I just been fearless and looked at life as a gift worth living to the fullest, I definitely would have made some different decisions. I’m also a believer that you are exactly where you are supposed to be. Where I sit right now in this iteration of our swiftly evolving, video streaming industry, I’m truly blessed.
I would also tell myself to be more mindful of the gifts God gave me. Being an innovator, motivator, conceptualist, executor and confidant are my corporate gifts. It all works for our good, but we must recognize our unique gifts and be grateful for them.
In our industry, change seems to be happening more quickly than ever. How do you personally deal with unexpected change and how do you help your team navigate it?
In this ever-evolving world, it’s very important to stay informed on new technologies, monitor changes and advances in the industry, and be relentless about how to continue to build your skillsets within it. Streaming, although on a growth trajectory, is still a relatively small industry. Networking and getting involved in industry events, webinars, conferences are key. I’m proud to say I serve as a mentor for the Women in Streaming Media Pilot Mentorship Program and have built a strong network of mentors in the industry to help me navigate the nuances of this ever-evolving industry.
For the team I lead, this narrative is no different. I encourage them to get involved in industry organizations, seminars, events, webinars etc., network, create alliances with colleagues in the industry, and above all else, continue to take advantage of all educational opportunities. You can never know enough and the advances in technology, digital marketing strategies, and best practices evolve on a daily basis. The core of what we do is to optimize and test everything. If it was good the first time, then it can be great the next time.
I’m a motivator by nature. I expect a great deal of my team. I constantly ask the hard questions, encourage excellence and push them to always be forward-thinking. In this streaming world, there is no status-quo. Therefore, we can’t be status quo either. That is why I love this industry so much. No day, no problem, and no solution are the same.
What guidance do you have for someone who is looking to advance their career in the cable industry during this tumultuous time of cord cutting and now COVID-19?
My advice would be to become an expert in understanding the shifts in the industry. You must be vigilant in your efforts to understand how SVOD, AVOD, TVOD, Live-Linear, e-commerce, mobile, etc., fit into your current career path. Television, and particularly cable television, is still a vital business. However, the new digital video space is a true force that has shaken up the way we program our networks, market to and connect with our viewers and produce new or acquire content. Additionally, the technologies we use, data and audience insights are all being impacted by streaming.
Some companies were already remote-friendly, but with the onset of COVID-19, other companies had to pivot and adapt very quickly. Therefore, offering positions that can easily be performed remotely are going to become more of the norm, and frankly, more of what the work-force expects. If you aren’t tech savvy, take a class. There are plenty of courses that are accessible and available for no to low cost. If you’re interested in digital marketing, data science, social media, graphic design or omni-channel opportunities (email, SMS, Push, social media, etc.), then by all means, take the time to learn as much as you can.
This year’s theme for WICT Southeast is “Connect to your peers, your industry and everything around you.” In what way does this resonate with you and why do you think this message is important now more than ever for people who have not joined or renewed their WICT membership?
I don’t know about you, but living in the midst of a pandemic, communication is now relegated to Zoom meetings, Facetime or Microsoft Teams calls, which aided in re-evaluating my priorities. Creating space to “be still” has afforded me the opportunity to better connect with family, friends and co-workers on a level I was not able to before.
Life seemed to pass so quickly prior to March 2020. It was filled with work, home and church, other hobbies and my activities with WICT. But the weeks were long and weekends felt super short to non-existent. Although I have been blessed to continue to work and be home with family, I have made a focused priority to continue to lead by learning. I connect through webinars (WICT offers great topics), seek out classes, research other companies’ best practices, dive deeply into our KPI’s (Key performance Indicators) and continue to analyze strengths and weaknesses to enhance the strategic stake in the marketplace for the SVOD service I lead, as well as for myself and my team.
WICT, by far, is an organization that never fails its members. Even in a pandemic, the opportunities to learn and grow your career and personal life were/are vast. From lunch & learns on financial tips in uncertain times, to continuous webinars on industry topics to pro-social efforts, WICT is a well-rounded “essential” organization. I for one, am a proud member. Advancing career opportunities and an increased network of strong industry professionals, make it all worth it. If you have not joined or renewed your WICT membership, do it today!
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WICT offers four levels of membership. Membership dues are based on your career level, providing a more affordable alternative to those just starting out. It’s easy to join! For more information on what a WICT membership can do for you or to renew your membership, go here for more information.
Aww, networking events. The word networking invokes many different emotions in people. Fear, dread, excitement and maybe a bit of nausea. Attending a networking event can be and should be fun. There are tips to reduce anxiety so that networking can be fun and purposeful.
It starts with planning for the evening. I find that if I plan before any event, my mind is put a little more at ease. Do some research about the event and the other participants (if able). A little recon can make sure that you have something to talk about with others of interest. If you discover that there will be participants from a company you are interested in, you can plan to have a conversation with those participants.
Plan to listen. Listen not just to formulate an answer. You want to make others feel as important as you like to feel. No glazing over as you try to make yourself remember their names or look over the shoulder to find the shrimp tray. Everyone you meet could be the way to your next opportunity, so pay attention.
After speaking with a person or group, do you find yourself forgetting names or essential details? During the event, find a quiet corner or even the restroom to write down short notes. You don’t have to write an essay; little notes will suffice. Did someone say something particularly interesting? Notate it on the back of their business card. You will use these notes when you follow up with these people in the following days.
Most importantly, attending a networking event can be an opportunity to learn something new, gain new clients, get career advice, or talk with others in your industry- away from the office. Relax and realize that participation in the event is a choice. Reframe how you think about the event. Is this a night to enjoy some delicious snacks and drinks? Is it a couple of hours away from home? Focus on the positive and the time will fly by.
The thing to remember is that the more you network, the more comfortable you become with it. Seek out networking opportunities and network with everyone! Join WICT Southeast for Taste of WICT on Tuesday, March 3rd, in Atlanta and Thursday, March 12th, in Knoxville to test out these new tips and hear from our dynamic keynote speakers. Watch our calendar for other WICT Southeast networking opportunities.
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Saquonna Duncan is among all other things a devourer of books of all genres (in spurts after the house is quiet). She is the Subpoena Coordinator at Cox Communications, Inc. in the Legal department, aspiring lawyer and soon to be retired Navy Veteran.
Aww, networking events. The word networking invokes many different emotions in people. Fear, dread, excitement and maybe a bit of nausea. Attending a networking event can be and should be fun. There are tips to reduce anxiety so that networking can be fun and purposeful.