2022 Chapter President Welcome Message by Gimette DeLaughter

2022 Chapter President Welcome Message by Gimette DeLaughter

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I’m very excited to serve as The WICT Network: Southeast Chapter President for 2022! As we all know, 2021 proved to be another difficult year; however, as conditions change and <fingers crossed> continue to improve, we look forward to bringing back some in-person fun and returning to do what we love—attending special events, seminars, and networking face to face!   A little background about me: I became a member of WICT 20 years ago! The last four years, I’ve been honored to serve on the board of directors. I was Secretary in 2018, transitioned to Director of Red Letter Awards in 2019, continued my journey as Sr. Director of Red Letter Awards in 2020, and was proud to be Vice President last year. I have participated in the Cox Mentoring program and am a proud graduate of the WICT Rising Leaders Program class of 2011. As incoming president, I have given much thought about my goals for 2022. Above all, it’s the continuation of our ongoing commitment to programs that empower and support women, and now not just in cable, but in media, entertainment, and technology as is reflected in our new branding. One of my goals is to explore what that means with our programming and how it can expand our reach with new sponsors, members, and content.  Every WICT chapter president has the honor of selecting a touchstone of leadership that establishes a platform to drive content and provide motivation for the coming year. These benchmarks are meant to help you:

  • Know yourself and what you stand for and where you are headed
  • Communicate with passion and poise – in writing and in person
  • Listen with more than your ears
  • Connect to your peers, your industry, and everything around you
  • Be a catalyst and set the wheels of change in motion
  • Be fearless and confident as you take risks and bring others along
  • Inspire and others will follow

I am enthusiastic to share our chapter’s 2022 touchstone is “Be Fearless.”  Now is the time to take what we’ve learned from the last two years and put those experiences to the test to motivate ourselves and others.  That is the very essence of WICT. We learn. We grow. We share. Our past allows us to drive even more powerful content for the coming year.  As I lean into the idea of being fearless, I found a quote that exemplifies that touchstone and helps me step into my new role. “When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in service of my vision – then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”  ~Audre Lorde, American writer and civil rights activist   This year, I encourage you to get more involved with The WICT Network: Southeast, and all the opportunities available to you. Focus on developing your leadership potential by volunteering on a committee; becoming a mentor or mentee in our distinguished mentoring programs, and attending programming and networking events. Don’t stop there! Become involved with our board of directors—and be transformed! Don’t be intimidated! Be fearless!   Our chapter’s success wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors, so we offer you our deep appreciation for your continued collaboration and commitment to helping us develop and support women leaders in media, entertainment, and technology.    Finally, thank you 2022 board members! I could not take on the role of Chapter President if it weren’t for your confidence in me, and your dedication to providing our members with the best programs, professional development, and networking opportunities any chapter offers.   Here’s to a terrific 2022!

Gimette DeLaughter 2022 The WICT Network:  Southeast President Cox Communications, Corporate Field Operations

 

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