Dear Friend, 
 
The 35th Annual NAMIC Conference is right around the corner, and we are taking things to another level.  
 
Our conference theme, “Removing Obstacles, Magnifying Opportunities” is a clarion call to engage in courageous conversations and actions that advance #DEI in the cable, media and entertainment industry.  
 
In recognizing the strides that our industry continues to make, we have assembled conference topics as diverse and inclusive as the workplaces we hope to achieve. You will be inspired by the career journeys of industry experts and LGBTQ+ leaders and intrigued by a new session tackling diversity in artificial intelligence. We want to keep you energized during mid-day mixes and engaged in the hottest trending topics in our podcast session. There’s something for every aspiring leader, mid-career professional or leading C-suite executive. Don’t forget to register and share with your network. 
 
Here is a sample of seven sessions to get you started: 
ONE
Meet the Execs, Your Journey, Your Story
Wednesday, October 6 | 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM (Live) 

Come and be inspired. Meet and mingle with a few of the industry’s leading executives. Hear their stories, learn about their success strategies and ask questions about their career journey. 

Speakers:  
  1. Christian Divino, Vice President, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, The Walt Disney Company
  2. Kishshana Palmer, CEO, Kishshana & CEO
  3. David Arrington, COO, Arrington Coaching, LLC
TWO
The Mid-Day Mix with DJ Commish (Breakout Stage)
Thursday, October 7 | 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM (Pre-Recorded) 

Sponsor: In Rare Form Consulting 

Take a break and join NAMIC for a mid-day musical interlude with DJ Commish. Then get ready for a series of great afternoon sessions. 

Speakers:  

  1. DJ Commish, The Commish Experience 
THREE
Where Are Our Friends? Setting the Course for Intentional Allyship (Breakout Stage) 
Thursday, October 7 | 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM (Pre-Recorded) 

Sponsor: WarnerMedia 

For many BIPOC, the finish line consistently moves farther away in this race to success. However, having allies who not only carry the baton but rally in the race with us, is more important now than ever. Come hear this rich discussion on ways you can encourage, support and be a true ally in the push for diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Speakers:  

  1. Moderator: J.D. Myers, SVP and Regional Manager, Cox Communications
  2. MyKhanh Shelton, SVP, Equity and Inclusion, Workforce, WarnerMedia
  3. Juliana Stock, EVP, Corporate Brand Strategy and Chief of Staff, A+E Networks
FOUR
Forward and Fierce: Making Space for the LGTBQ Community (Breakout Stage) 
Thursday, October 7 | 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM (Pre-Recorded) 

Sponsor: Comcast NBCUniversal 

Bold, Courageous and Trailblazing. From Stonewall to the Supreme Court, the fight for equality continues. Hear from some of the industry's boldest LGBTQ champions as they discuss the tragedies, trials and triumphs in their leadership journeys while creating their place at the taking, moving forward fiercely. 

Speakers:  

  1. Carl Jones, Jr., Senior Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Comcast NBCUniversal
  2. Tim Nolan, Executive Creative Director, A+E Networks 
FIVE
WHISKEY HUE Podcast + NAMIC National Podcast Hour (Roundtables) 
Thursday, October 7 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Live) 

Sponsor: Whiskey Hue Podcast 

Grab your favorite drink and join us for the WHISKEY HUE Podcast + NAMIC National Podcast Hour 

A podcast hosted by diverse business and startup enthusiasts, and long-time NAMIC members offer a witty and insightful perspective on the stories in media, entertainment, tech and culture. They explore hot media topics, business models, and trends around big ideas, and the people behind them. Their tagline says it all: One cube. Real Whiskey. Real talk. @WhiskeyHue | All podcast platforms. 

Speakers:  

  1. Atul Prashar, Founder & CEO, SAVA360, and Co-Host, Whiskey Hue podcast  
  2. Clyde Lee, Co-Host, Whiskey Hue podcast
  3. Anthony Gallegos, Co-Host, Whiskey Hue podcast 
SIX
SUPER SESSION: Spellbound: Changing the Face of Storytelling (Main Stage) 
Thursday, October 7 | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Pre-Recorded) 

Sponsors: Disney and ESPN Media Networks 

A picture is worth a thousand words. In this digital world, brilliant storytellers, content creators and immersive digital designers are marketing gold. Come hear from digital and creative leaders about how their imagination and efforts push their companies' social responsibility, diversity and inclusion agenda, and brands forward. 

Speakers: 

  1. Moderator: Samata Narra, SVP, Enterprise Inclusion Content Strategy, WarnerMedia
  2. Maureen Carter, Vice President, Design and UX, BET Networks 
  3. Sylvia Bugg, Chief Programming Executive and GM, General Audience Programming, PBS 
  4. Raina Kelley, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief, The Undefeated, ESPN Networks
But wait, there's more...
SEVEN
AI &You : AI and its Impact on Marginalized Communities (Tech Stage) 
Thursday, October 7 | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Pre-Recorded) 
 
Sponsor: Afiniti 
 
Artificial intelligence (AI) can solve the world’s biggest challenges. It can spur economic growth, enhance healthcare, and improve stability in local communities. But, it can also pose risks and perpetuate injustices and bias that negatively impact underrepresented communities. Creating a more inclusive AI ecosystem is critical as new technologies significantly impact consumers and communities around the world. Join this conversation focused on the opportunities and challenges AI brings to multicultural communities.

Speakers:  
 
  1. Moderator: Susan Gonzales, Founder, AI & You
  2. Dr. Brandeis Marshall, data scientist, author and CEO, DataedX

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