The NAMIC Conference will return to New York’s Marriott Marquis Hotel and in-person status on October 11-12, and with it, the organization’s Annual Awards Luncheon set for October 12. And once again, the spotlight will fall on a new group of Next Generation Leaders and Luminaries. 

The Next Generation Leader Awards are NAMIC’s top industry honor, recognizing four individuals who have distinguished themselves as thought leaders, trendsetters and change agents, as well as for their work to advance multiethnic diversity in the industry by educating, advocating and empowering people and organizations.

This year’s Leaders honorees are:

• Kia Painter, Executive VP, Chief People Officer, Cox Communications
• Freddy Rolón, Senior VP, Programming and Scheduling, ESPN;
• Monica Williams, Senior VP, Digital Products & Operations, Content Distribution, NBCUniversal.
• James Hendricks, former Group VP of HR and Administration at Spectrum Reach, who will be honored posthumously.

The Luminary Awards honor up-and-coming leaders with the potential to be tomorrow’s movers and shakers. They demonstrate strong leadership skills and embrace NAMIC’s mission by working to advance multiethnic diversity.

The Luminaries to be honored by NAMIC are: 

• Denise Bennett, VP, Brand Strategy & Idea Lab, iHeartMedia;
• Rahman Khan, VP, Community Impact, Charter Communications;
• Noel Manzano, VP, International Programming and Development, AMC Networks;
• Grace Moss, VP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Programs, Warner Bros. Discovery;
• John Singleton, VP, Operations, Charter Communications;
• Tonya Walley, VP, Field Operations Strategy, Cox Communications;
• Chin Wang, VP, Visual Storytelling, Digital Media, ESPN;
• Sophia Zeinu, VP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Workforce, Warner Bros. Discovery.

This year, NAMIC is introducing a new honor, the Diversity in Technology Award, which will go to Franklyn Athias, senior VP of emerging technology and services at Comcast Cable (see profile below). Juju Chang, co-anchor of ABC’s Nightline, will receive the Mickey Leland Humanitarian Award. 

The 36th annual NAMIC Conference, themed “Resilience: The Courage to Lead,” is part of the cable industry’s Diversity Week, set to feature in-person events for the first time since before the pandemic. For more information or to register, go to namic.com/annual-namic-conference. 

Next Generation Leaders

James Hendricks
Group VP, HR & Administration, Spectrum Reach
Charter Communications
December 8, 1972-September 18, 2022
(Presented posthumously)

James Hendricks was group VP, human resources & administration for Spectrum Reach, the advertising sales and production services division of Charter Communications. With more than 25 years of progressive HR leadership experience, James led a team of 85 people, supporting 3,000 employees in 182 locations. Hendricks was responsible for Spectrum Reach’s HR generalists, talent acquisition, Diversity & Inclusion, learning and development, facilities and in-house project-management organization. He previously held key HR leadership roles at ESPN and General Electric (NBC, Telemundo, MSNBC). 

Hendricks was a participating member of NAMIC, CTHRA/C2HR, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the National Black MBA Association. He also served on the board of directors for Safe Horizon as well as the board of directors for New Light Baptist Church. James earned his MBA and bachelor’s degrees in business management and psychology from Case Western Reserve Unviersity. He participated in the GE Human Resources Leadership Program and the International Scholar Program at the University of Seville in Spain.

“It’s my honor to receive this prestigious award and to be included with this group of accomplished fellow award recipients in the media industry,” Hendricks said. “I’m proud of the efforts that our Spectrum Reach team has made in advancing D&I since I joined, and I remain focused on continual improvement and accountability.”

Kia Painter
Executive VP, Chief People Officer
Cox Communications

Kia Painter is Cox’s incoming executive VP and chief people officer, responsible for leading the  cable operator’s HR and talent organization. Prior to this role, Painter was senior VP, HR business bartnerships. She has led the company’s key talent practices including compensation, inclusion and diversity, leadership development, organization design, and succession planning, and employee engagement.   

Painter joined Cox in 1998, after college, as a part-time HR assistant in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Over more than 24 years, she has risen through the company’s ranks and led HR in Cox regions and markets across the Southeast, notably in Virginia, Florida, and Louisiana.  In 2015, she moved to Atlanta to establish the company’s employee experience and organization design practices.  

She was named a 2021 Horizon Women to Watch by The WICT Network Southeast and was named a NAMIC Luminary in 2011, to the Multichannel News 40 Under 40 in 2014 and was on CableFax’s Diversity List in 2019, 2020 and 2021. 

She earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from James Madison University, a master’s degree in human and organizational development from The George Washington Unversity and an MBA from Tulane University.  

“I have had many career-changing experiences because of NAMIC’s impact on my life,” Painter said. “My time in NAMIC’s Mentoring Program, Leadership Seminar, and ELDP prepared me for today. To receive the Next Generation Leadership award from an organization that has enriched me so tremendously is the apex and quite extraordinary. Thank you NAMIC.”

Freddy Rolón
Senior VP, Programming and Scheduling
ESPN

Freddy Rolón was promoted into the role of senior VP, programming and scheduling at ESPN last September. He is responsible for leading the overall content strategy and schedule for ESPN’s linear networks, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPNEWS. He also oversees all aspects of the ESPN Deportes business. 

Rolón has played an integral role in the development of the company’s content strategy to reach bilingual Hispanics consuming sports content across all of ESPN’s English-language platforms.  He works closely with ESPN’s programming, production, audio, digital and print media teams, to maximize the relevance and appeal of its English-language products to U.S. Hispanic fans.

Rolón serves as a member of The Walt Disney Co.’s CEO Diversity & Inclusion Council and is on the board of NAMIC and Partnership with Children.

“I thank NAMIC humbly for this award and for decades of vital leadership in our industry,” Rolón said. “I am grateful to be recognized by an organization I so deeply respect and for impactful work I feel immensely proud to be a part of at ESPN and The Walt Disney Co.”

Monica Williams
Senior VP, Digital Products & Operations, Content Distribution GroupNBCUniversal

Monica Williams’s current role at NBCUniversal encompasses content fulfillment of on-demand and linear channels, as well as developing innovative experiences through product and data solutions. Following consumer attention, Williams and her team apply a human-centered design approach and developed a metadata optimization initiative that drives efficient content discovery to meet business needs. 

Williams is a founding member and leader of “Asian Pacific Americans@NBCUniversal,” She is also a founding member of Chief in Los Angeles, serves on the advisory board for StreamTV, the global advisory board for NBCU TechWomen and is on the board of directors for Youth Design Center.

She graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor of science in industrial operations engineering and earned an MBA from Claremont Graduate University’s Peter Drucker School of Management. She isa graduate of Harvard Business School’s Cable Executive Management Program.

“I am honored to accept NAMIC’s Next Generation Leaders Award alongside such deserving peers,” Williams said. “Recognition like this inspires me to continue to bring an all-important diversity lens to everything we do and leverage diversity as a business imperative in the industry. Thank you to NAMIC for helping us create cultures of belonging in our industries and workplaces.”

Luminaries

Denise Bennett
VP, Brand Strategy
iHeart Media

As VP of brand strategy at iHeart Media, Denise Bennet specializes in multicultural marketing partnerships. Her 20-year career has included roles at WarnerMedia, NBCUniversal, the NBA, TV One and Viacom. 

She has held various leadership roles with NAMIC New York, including two terms as chapter president, and in 2019 completed the NAMIC Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. She also serves as a professor at both the Fordham University Gabelli School of Business and New York University. 

Her many accolades include The Network Journal's 2019 40 Under 40 Achievement Award; 2020 Council of Urban Professionals (CUP) Technology Catalyst; 2021 Advertising Club of New York Rock Star Award; and Black Women in Media Trailblazer Honoree.

Bennett has a bachelor of science in music business from Indiana State University and an MBA in marketing and media & communications from Fordham University.  

Away from the office, she is a classically trained pianist, an avid world traveler and a proud and active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

“I owe so much of my fundamental career development to NAMIC,” Bennett said. “NAMIC provided me with access to relationships and leadership opportunities that I value and evangelize daily. It’s from NAMIC that I learned my most valuable mantra of ‘build your bridge before you need it.’ ”

Rahman Khan
VP, Community Impact
Charter Communications

Rahman Khan leads strategic philanthropic and employee engagement programs for Charter under the Spectrum brand. As VP, community impact, he develops and executes the company’s mission to improve communities. He led the 2021 launch of Charter’s largest-ever philanthropic program, Spectrum Community Center Assist, a $30 million, five-year effort to revitalize local community centers and invest in job training. 

Khan also led the development of Spectrum Digital Education, a grant program that helps seniors and families understand the benefits of broadband and how to use it to improve their lives. To date, this program has committed more than $8 million to local community organizations. The work of his Community Impact team for Charter has been recognized by the state of Connecticut and the Los Angeles City Council, among other distinctions.

Khan received his business and graduate education degrees from Florida A&M University. He is a graduate of NAMIC’s Executive Leadership Development Program.
“It is a great honor to be recognized as a Luminary by NAMIC, an organization I’ve long supported,” he said, “NAMIC’s efforts to advance diversity and inclusion in our industry, paired with the actions we take as individuals, make us all stronger.”

Noel Manzano
Head, International Programming
AMC Networks

Noel Manzano is head of international programming at AMC Networks, working across AMC, AMC Plus, SundanceNow and BBC America. He identifies and develops original content with creative talent around the world, and works within the AMC Networks Entertainment Group to move existing projects forward. Notable projects include epic crime saga Gangs of London, from Gareth Evans, and 61st Street from visionary creator Peter Moffat. 

Prior to AMC, Manzano was the director of development for Hoodlum Entertainment, where he ran the company’s U.S. content development slate and strategy and drove internationally produced projects. He started his career at WME in feature films and then moved into television at Sierra/Affinity and Dynamic Television. Manzano is a graduate of New York University.

“It’s an honor to be recognized amongst so many outstanding executives by NAMIC — an organization I’m proud to be a part of,” Manzano said. “An honor like this inspires me to do more of what I can to champion and lift up the voices of my colleagues from all communities. Thank you.”

Grace Moss
VP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Warner Bros. Discovery

As VP of diversity, equity and inclusion, Grace Moss helps oversee Warner Bros. Discovery’s efforts to expand the pool of historically-excluded talent and to break down barriers through a comprehensive suite of pipeline programs and extensive engagements with prestigious film festivals and creative conferences.

Prior to WBD, Moss was the head of talent development and inclusion for NBC Entertainment, where she spearheaded multiple programs that focused on cultivating and showcasing talented writers and directors of diverse backgrounds. Before NBC, she was a development executive at the Style Network, and prior to that a freelance reality producer and director.  

Moss’s leadership training includes the Johnson & Johnson Corporate Athlete Training Program, Comcast’s Know Your Value initiative and Harvard Business School’s Leadership Consortium. She graduated from UCLA with a bachelor of arts in English, minoring in Asian-American Studies.  

“Back in 2011, I was a newly promoted manager and experienced my very first leadership seminar through NAMIC,” Moss recalled. “I was well-equipped with important, foundational knowledge that I have implemented along my professional journey over the past decade. To now be honored with this Luminary Award is truly a full-circle moment.”

John Singleton Jr.
VP, Network Operations
Charter Communications

John Singleton is VP of network operations at Charter Communications, responsible for solution acceptance, product improvement, troubleshooting and vendor analysis across the video infrastructure. These primary functions require close coordination with Charter’s Product and Engineering organizations to ensure optimal deployment and operation of all products.

His current focus is on centralizing and consolidating distributed architectures to enhance reliability and availability across Charter’s footprint, while ensuring the landscape remains competitive and up-to-date.  

Previously, Singleton served in various capacities across Charter’s Network Operations team at Charter and assisted in post-acquisition activities involving Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks.

Before joining Charter, he worked at Cox Communications, where he was responsible for video operations, strategy and product development.  

With more than 20 years of telecommunications experience, Singleton enjoys mentoring engineers and leaders on their paths to successfully achieve their career goals.

“Being a NAMIC Luminary award recipient serves as not only a personal achievement but an accomplishment on behalf of all diverse talent within our industry,” he said. “This opportunity is only possible due to the individuals who have come before me, dedicating their careers to ensuring professional development is possible for all.

Tonya Walley
VP, Field Operations Strategy
Cox Communications

Tonya Walley leads Cox’s field operations in 21 states, including residential and business customer installations, maintenance of 116,000 miles of network and the company’s continued focus on customer excellence. She began her cable industry career more than 25 years ago as a front-line field technician then progressed to various leadership roles. When she joined Cox in 2018 as VP of field operations in Virginia, Walley immediately focused on delivering a data-based approach to the customer and employee experience, all while paying it forward. 

A native of New Jersey, Walley completed her undergraduate degree at Saint Peter’s College, majoring in computer science. She also holds dual master’s degrees from Stevens Institute of Technology in telecommunications management and network engineering. She is passionate about continuous learning and has demonstrated that through her most recent Strategy and Execution certificate from Harvard Business School and completion of NAMIC’s Executive Development Leadership Program. 

“I am thrilled and honored to receive this recognition from NAMIC and will continue to live and breathe the values of NAMIC by mentoring, giving back and paying it forward,” Walley said. “I am truly humbled and will continue to inspire, encourage, and engage our future leaders with impact.”

Chin Wang
VP, Visual Storytelling
ESPN

Chin Wang was promoted to VP, visual storytelling in ESPN’s creative studio department in September 2021. Wang, who joined the sports programmer in 2012 as senior art director of ESPN The Magazine, had worked for 11 months as senior director, visual storytelling.  

Wang leads a team of visual journalists, photo editors, web developers, designers, concept artists and animators whose work reaches every ESPN platform. She is responsible for editorial design and photography on the ESPN website and app, including custom microsites, special projects, branding, key art, illustration and data visualization. She also manages the team that concepts, designs and directs television graphics packages from studio shows to live events across all networks, as well as ESPN Plus and 30 for 30 Films & Originals. In addition, she defines the visual identity for Andscape (formerly The Undefeated).  

“As someone who strives to embody the mission of NAMIC, I am beyond honored to be recognized as a Luminary,” Wang said. “Advocating for diversity in our industry is more imperative now than ever and to play a part in that effort at ESPN truly adds meaning to my work.”

Sophia Zeinu
VP, Equity & Inclusion Strategies
Warner Bros. Discovery

Sophia Zeinu, VP of equity & inclusion strategies for Warner Bros. Discovery, uses a data-driven, systems-based approach to develop and operationalize global diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies. She focuses on redesigning talent and organizational systems with an equity lens, building leadership and employee DEI capabilities, fostering a more inclusive culture and enabling measurement and accountability at the enterprise and business-unit level.

Prior to WBD, Zeinu worked in Deloitte Consulting’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practice where she helped numerous global organizations navigate DEI transformations and facilitated DEI sessions for thousands of employees at Fortune 500 organizations. She has also authored and contributed to DEI thoughtware, including Support Your Black Workforce, Now; 10 Ways HR Can Support the Black Workforce; and Becoming an Equitable Enterprise. 

Zeinu has a bachelor of arts in sociology from Georgetown University and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. 

“I feel deeply honored and grateful to be recognized by NAMIC amongst so many incredible leaders,” she said. “NAMIC has a long history of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and I am committed to continuing to champion the work to make a lasting impact on our industry and beyond.”

Diversity in Technology Award

Franklyn Athias
Senior VP, Emerging Technology and Services
Comcast Cable

Franklyn Athias leads the convergence of Comcast’s mobile product with its broadband connectivity services. He drives the roadmap for delivering new converged connectivity services as well as the growth strategy for related platforms and features for both mobile and broadband.

Since joining Comcast in 1995, Athias has been responsible for developing and deploying strategic growth opportunities to launch services for TV, internet, digital voice and wireless, most recently leading the integration of Xfinity Mobile into Comcast’s next-generation product portfolio.

During his 27-year career with Comcast, Athias has spearheaded several IP architecture programs for cable-modem broadband services. Notable accomplishments include serving as lead architect for the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) voice strategy, for Comcast’s first residential and business broadband launches and for the Comcast.net internet service, as well as leading the evaluation of the industry’s first VoIP service using cable modems.

Athias is an executive sponsor of the BENgineers, technologists and engineers who are part of Comcast’s Black Employee Network (BEN). He actively participates in many standards-making and professional advocacy organizations in the technology and engineering industries, including SCTE, NAMIC, NSBE, NSPE, and IEEE, and founded computer-coding programs in his local community to develop STEM/STEAM skills among minority youth.

Athias holds more than two dozen U.S. patents and received his bachelor’s degree in computer science from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

“I’m honored and grateful to be nominated by my peers and to be selected by NAMIC for this inaugural award,” Athias said. “Diversity in technology and a mission for change have always been a passion of mine and I’m inspired by the progress that is being made to strengthen inclusive opportunities in our industry.” ■

The National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications is celebrating its 2021 class of Next Generation Leaders and Luminaries, a group of industry executives who’ve made indelible marks within their companies and in the industry at large.
The group of 12 honorees was recognized Oct. 6 at NAMIC’s virtual Annual Awards Ceremony, part of the industry’s annual Diversity Week events. 

The Next Generation Leader Awards are NAMIC’s top industry honor, recognizing four individuals who have distinguished themselves as thought leaders, trendsetters and change agents, and have actively worked to advance multi-ethnic diversity in the industry by educating, advocating and empowering people and organizations. Multichannel News partners with NAMIC in annually saluting these individuals who are making a difference in the media industry.

This year’s Next Generation Leaders are:

• Rhonda Crichlow, senior VP, chief diversity officer, Charter Communications;

• Rob King, senior VP and editor at large, ESPN Content;

• Joiava Philpott, senior VP, law and policy, Cox Communications;

• Jessica Prois, editorial director, NBC Asian America, NBC News Digital.

The Luminary Awards honor up-and-coming leaders with the potential to be tomorrow’s movers and shakers. They demonstrate strong leadership skills and embrace NAMIC’s mission by working to advance multiethnic diversity.

This year’s Luminaries are:

• Rosetta Ellis-Pilie, VP, talent development and negotiations, ESPN;

• Gregg Fujimoto, senior VP, field operations, Charter Communications;

• Karen Horne, senior VP, equity and inclusion programs, WarnerMedia;

• Raina Kelley, VP and editor-in-chief, The Undefeated, ESPN;

• Nikki Love, VP, development and production, ALLBLK, AMC Networks;

• Samata Narra, senior VP, equity and inclusion, content, WarnerMedia;

• Manoj Shamdasani, VP, programming and brand partnerships for News 12 Networks, Altice USA;

• MyKhanh Shelton, senior VP, equity and inclusion, workforce, WarnerMedia.

For more on this year’s honorees, read the profiles below. 

Next Generation Leaders

Rhonda Nesmith Crichlow
Senior VP and Chief Diversity Officer, Charter Communications 

As a member of Charter’s executive leadership team, Rhonda Crichlow develops and manages the Stamford, Connecticut-based MSO’s diversity and inclusion (D&I) strategy, including its D&I Center of Excellence. In 2019, her portfolio was expanded to include leadership of Charter Community Impact, which encompasses the company’s strategic philanthropic investments and volunteer initiatives involving more than 95,000 employees. 

Prior to joining Charter, she worked at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, where she was VP and head, U.S. Diversity & Inclusion, president of the Novartis U.S. Foundation and a member of the Innovative Medicines Executive Committee. She joined Novartis in 2006 as executive director, philanthropic and community development. Under her leadership, Novartis was recognized by DiversityInc as a leading company for D&I in 2014 and 2015. 

An attorney who practiced law in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., earlier in her career, she was involved in several landmark class-action racial discrimination lawsuits brought by African-American farmers and also worked as a corporate tax attorney. She served as a clerk for U.S. District Court Judge Ronald L. Buckwalter. She holds a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University, a master’s of public policy from Duke University and a law degree from the University of Virginia.   

“I am honored to receive this recognition from NAMIC, and I will work earnestly to continue opening doors and empowering emerging leaders in our industry,” Crichlow said. 

Rob King
Senior VP and Editor-At-Large, ESPN Content

Rob King is responsible for ESPN’s overall journalistic direction, working closely with leaders across ESPN Films, original content, digital content, social media, multiplatform journalism and storytelling and global content. Named to his current post in March 2020, he advises ESPN’s senior leadership team on editorial issues and leads ESPN’s Inclusive Content Committee, tasked with serving as a diverse resource for the company’s content creators. 

King joined ESPN in 2004, previously serving as senior VP, original content, focusing on longform storytelling and enterprise journalism. His content portfolio included ESPN Films, the “30 for 30” series and ESPN Plus original series; domestic and international longform journalism, including ESPN the Magazine, The Undefeated, espnW, E: 60 and features; and ESPN’s investigative journalism unit and newsmagazine series Outside the Lines. He also served as senior VP, SportsCenter and news, and oversaw all global and digital content from 2007 to 2014. 

Originally a newspaper journalist, King worked at The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Louisville Courier-Journal, the Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and the Commercial-News in Danville, Illinois. He is a graduate of Wesleyan University and the inaugural class of Penn State University’s School of Communications. He is a past Pulitzer Prize judge; a member of the AP board of directors; the National Sports Journalism Center’s advisory board; the Poynter Institute’s National Advisory Board, where he is chair; and the board of the Center for Investigative Reporting. 

“NAMIC’s mission to empower BIPOC leaders has enriched not only our industry, but also our society,” King said. “So I am breathlessly honored to count myself among those who have been recognized by NAMIC for our commitment to our colleagues and to this incalculably essential work.”

Joiava Philpott
Senior VP, General Counsel, Cox Communications

Joiava Philpott joined Atlanta-based cable operator Cox as senior VP and general counsel after serving as general counsel at Astro Turf LLC, a prior stint at Cox as VP, government affairs and after working as assistant general counsel at KMC Telecom. Philpott began her career in the city of Atlanta’s Law Department as a telecommunications and cable law adviser. 

She has served in a variety of leadership and board roles on such nonprofits as the American Corporate Counsel Association, NAMIC, the Federal Communications Bar Association and the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential. Philpott has been recognized by Black Enterprise magazine, Diversity & the Bar magazine and Cablefax. 

She holds a law degree and an MBA from American University and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Hamptons University. She completed executive development programs at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, the WICT Betsy Magness Leadership Institute and the NAMIC Executive Leadership Development Program with the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.

“Promoting diversity and inclusion is part of my DNA as a leader and is a top business priority,” Philpott said. “It has become ingrained into my leadership ethos. To be recognized for something as meaningful to me as my primary expertise as a business and legal executive is truly humbling.”

Jessica Prois
Editorial Director, NBC Asian America, NBC News Digital

Under the direction of Jessica Prois, NBC Asian America has become the fastest-growing vertical on NBCNews.com. Prior to joining NBC News, she launched HuffPost Asian Voices and served as the section’s executive editor. 

Prois’s work has appeared in such outlets as New York magazine, National Public Radio, Elle and more. She was the recipient of a S.I. Newhouse journalism fellowship and a Johns Hopkins/Gates Foundation fellowship.

“I'm honored to receive an NAMIC Next Generation Leader award,” Prois said. “I feel so lucky to have the privilege of telling the wonderfully diverse stories of our community, and my commitment is and always will be to our readers at NBC Asian America.”

Luminaries

Rosetta Ellis-Pilie
VP, Talent Development & Negotiations, ESPN

Rosetta Ellis-Pilie leads the day-to-day efforts of ESPN’s Talent Office, responsible for hiring, developing and guiding the programmer’s commentator team, negotiating contracts and collaborating with ESPN departments and external contacts on any matters related to commentator roles and responsibilities. 

A U.S. Army veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm, Ellis-Pilie graduated from Seton Hall University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a minor in business administration. The New Jersey native earned her juris doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law. She is also a graduate of the NAMIC Executive Leadership Program Class XIV.

“As a graduate of NAMIC’s Executive Leadership Program, I have a deep appreciation for the values this organization champions,” Ellis-Pilie said. “I am honored to be recognized and will continue the endeavor to advance NAMIC’s goals as our ESPN team develops, advocates for and empowers a diverse group of on-air talent.”  

Gregg Fujimoto
Senior VP, Field Operations, Charter Communications

Gregg Fujimoto is tasked with providing strategic and tactical leadership and oversight for Charter’s Hawaii franchise. His mission is to build on and enhance the goal of providing Spectrum customers with best-in-class service. 

A graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, he began his cable career at Time Warner Cable, where he was senior VP, brand strategy and marketing communications for residential services, and led the MSO’s rapidly growing digital sales channel. 

Fujimoto, who comes from a fourth-generation Hawaiian family, continues to build new relationships and give back to the local community. He is a member of the American Red Cross board, the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council, the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Broadband Assistance Advisory Council and Cable Advisory Committee, and a board member for the REACH after school initiative. 

“I am honored to represent Charter in receiving NAMIC’s recognition,” Fujimoto said. “NAMIC’s mission to educate, advocate and empower multiethnic diversity mirrors my personal and professional ambitions. I am proud to support and enhance NAMIC’s ambitions today and into the future.”

Karen Horne
Senior VP, Equity and Inclusion Programs, WarnerMedia

Karen Horne is a senior executive with 20 years of entertainment industry experience who has been recognized as a diversity and inclusion pioneer and pipeline-builder.

She joined WarnerMedia in 2020 after serving as senior VP, programming, talent development and inclusion at NBC Entertainment and Universal Television Studios, where she was responsible for overseeing primetime diversity efforts both in front of and behind the camera for NBC and Universal Television.  

She also served as director, creative affairs at IDT Animation and designed, implemented and oversaw Nickelodeon’s Writer Fellowship Program. Horne also was a director of writer development and special projects and studio liaison for the Walt Disney Studios Fellowship Program at Walt Disney Network Television. She served as director, West Coast, for the Black Filmmaker Foundation in Los Angeles. 

Horne also worked at HBO in Los Angeles as a co-producer for the Emmy Award-winning animated series Spawn. She worked as executive assistant to the president of ABC Entertainment and held positions at the network and at ABC Sports. She serves on the boards of Montclair State University’s School of Communication and Media; USC’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative; and The Alliance of Women Directors. 

“Since its inception, NAMIC has been a true champion for the communication industry’s multiethnic community,” Horne said. “It is truly an honor to be recognized by an organization whose mission to educate, advocate and empower is so aligned with the work my team and I do at WarnerMedia.”

Nikki Love
VP of Development and Original Production, ALLBLK, AMC Networks

Nikki Love oversees the expanding slate of scripted originals for streaming service ALLBLK (formerly Urban Movie Channel). Since signing on in January of 2019, she has executive produced such highly ranked shows as A House Divided, Double Cross and Behind Her Faith. 

Love serves as a liaison between the streaming service for Black TV and film and its content creators throughout script development, production and postproduction. She is the on-set executive for all original series, supervising such hits as Craig Ross Jr.’s Monogamy; Stuck With You; Terror Lake Drive; For the Love of Jason; A Closer Look and Millennials.

Before joining ALLBLK, Love was a producer of feature films, short films, web series and music videos. Notable projects included indie film The Last Fall, directed by Oscar winner Matthew Cherry; 2018 Sundance Film Festival entry A Boy. A Girl. A Dream; multiple films for BET and the “Chloe x Halle: Warrior” music video for the soundtrack to A Wrinkle in Time. 

She founded JNL Media, where she produced films for more than 10 years, and founded the industry networking organization REEL Ladies.

“I feel truly humbled and blessed to receive this year’s award and to be included in such a powerful group of my peers,” Love said. “I am not only honored to continue the mission of NAMIC but motivated to carry the torch and make an impact in our industry. Thank you!”

Raina Kelley
VP and Editor-in-Chief, The Undefeated, ESPN

Since May 2021, Raina Kelley has set the editorial direction, policies, oversight and strategy for The Undefeated, ESPN’s multiplatform content initiative exploring the intersection of sports, race and culture. She succeeded launch editor Kevin Merida after serving as managing editor for five years. 

As managing editor, Kelley steered The Undefeated’s content expansion efforts across Disney, including the “Music for the Movement” series with Hollywood Records, The Undefeated Presents: Hamilton In-Depth with Kelley Carter on Disney Plus and other partnerships. She leads ESPN’s Black History Always initiative, which highlights the contributions of African-Americans through long- and short-form storytelling across media platforms beyond Black History Month. Her work earned The Undefeated awards from the AP Sports Editors and the National Association of Black Journalists’ Salute to Excellence, among others. 

Kelley joined ESPN in 2011 as a senior editor at ESPN the Magazine, rising to deputy editor. She also worked at Newsweek/The Daily Beast from 2003 to 2011, where she wrote a column on American culture, race, gender and politics. There, she won the 2010 Newswomen’s Club of New York Front Page Award for a package titled “The Beauty Advantage.” She graduated from Yale University in 1992. 

“I sincerely thank NAMIC for inducting me into this year’s Luminaries class,” Kelley said. “The NAMIC Executive Leadership Development Program already gave me so much, including clarity and precision of my mission and goals in a safe and exhilarating environment. I am honored and grateful for this award and will continue to make diversity and inclusion the foundation of everything we do at The Undefeated and ESPN.”

Samata Narra
VP of Enterprise Inclusion, Content Strategy, WarnerMedia 

Samata Narra is responsible for building innovative tools and global systems across WarnerMedia to facilitate the advancement of diversity in its storytelling. She recently joined the company from Fox, where she was senior VP of comedy development and current programming. 

At Fox, Narra developed and oversaw live action and animated comedy series, including The Last Man on Earth, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, New Girl, Bob’s Burgers and The Mindy Project.   

She also spent a part of her career in representation at Fineman Entertainment and The William Morris Agency. While at Fineman, she developed the series Lights Out for FX and produced the Emmy-nominated romantic comedy documentary Meet the Patels.  

She is on the board of Film2Future, a nonprofit providing equitable access to the entertainment industry for underrepresented Los Angeles youth, as well as Colour Entertainment and South Asian Women in Entertainment (SAWIE). 

A native of Pikeville, Kentucky, Narra earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing from the Boston University School of Management. 

“I feel incredibly honored to be recognized by NAMIC, an organization with such a longstanding commitment to building the next generation of leaders,” she said. “I am looking forward to continuing the tradition as a leader at WarnerMedia.”

Manoj Shamdasani
VP, Programming and Brand Partnerships, News 12 Networks

Manoj Shamdasani guides the editorial coverage for news programming and specials across all seven of Altice USA’s News 12 channels, which operate in the cable company’s New York City-area Optimum territories. He also works with ad sales on sponsorship opportunities. 

Shamdasani joined News 12 The Bronx and News 12 Brooklyn in 2013 as assistant news director before being promoted to news director. He has also worked in Pennsylvania and Singapore in local and international news. He grew up in Hong Kong, where his dad made sure both Manoj and his sister watched World News Tonight with Peter Jennings every evening, followed by the local news and weather. He not only preaches about diversity and inclusion in the newsroom but encourages others to find their voice and be heard.

“Diversity in the newsroom is paramount to the success of a news organization so they can best reflect the people, ideas and values of the communities that they serve,” Shamdasani said. “It’s an honor to be recognized as a leader in the field and an industry Luminary by NAMIC.” 

MyKhanh Shelton
Senior VP, Enterprise Inclusion, WarnerMedia

MyKhanh Shelton is responsible for leading WarnerMedia’s workforce and production safety initiatives and for working closely with the human resources team and business units to create consistent measurements, practices and systems to increase the recruitment, retention and advancement of underrepresented groups. 

In a previous role as senior VP, global inclusion at 21st Century Fox, she led the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategies and worked closely with business leaders to design initiatives to increase diversity and inclusion across its film, television, sports, news and digital portfolio. A central focus of the Global Inclusion Team’s work was spearheading internal programs and external partnerships to increase diverse stories, portrayals, and representation in the entertainment industry, including the Fox Filmmakers Lab, the Fox Writers Lab, the Television Directors Lab, the Fox DP Lab (focused on female directors of photography) and the Fox Creative Lab: Taiwan. Shelton also led the development of a global strategy and roadmap for the creation of Colleague Network and Resource Groups, which led to the successful launch of Fox Noir, APEX, Hola, Women@Fox, Fox Vets and Pride.   

A graduate of UCLA and the University of California at Berkeley Law School, she began her law career at a firm before joining Fox as counsel, advancing to senior VP, Fox Group Legal. She is an international and Los Angeles board member of the nonprofit group Facing History and Ourselves. 

“It is an honor to be recognized by an organization that is so highly respected and impactful as NAMIC is and has been for so many decades,” Shelton said. “I am grateful to NAMIC for this recognition and even more so for their unwavering commitment to diversity in the communications industry.”

The National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) Tuesday named its 2018 Next Generation Leaders Awards honorees.

NAMIC, in partnership with Multichannel News, will honor the executives – recognized for their emerging multicultural business leaders in the media and entertainment industry for their career successes and commitment to fostering diversity in the workplace – during its annual NAMIC Awards Luncheon, scheduled for Oct. 17.

The 2018 Next Generation Leader Awards in four categories are as follows:

Cable MSO: Tamara Bowens, Group VP, Field Marketing and Sales Enablement, Spectrum Enterprise, Charter Communications

Cable Programmer: Veronica Molina, Executive Director, News Standards & Practices, CNN Worldwide

Creative Discipline: Jennifer Perri, VP, Univision Creator Network, Univision Communications Inc.

Tech Company/Discipline: Saleem Malkana, VP, Product, New Digital Business, AMC Networks

“This year’s class of Next Generation Leaders and Luminaries are powerful advocates for inclusion and diversity in the workplace and are bringing tremendous value to their companies and our industry,” said Joiava Philpott, vice president, Regulatory Affairs, Law & Policy Department, Cox Communications and chairperson of the NAMIC National Board of Directors in a statement. “We should all be inspired by the talent, leadership and commitment of these honorees and the paths they are creating for those who follow in their footsteps.”

In addition NAMIC will also recognize 10 emerging executives in its 2018 Luminaries Class. Those honorees include James An, VP, Business Integration and Implementation, Charter Communications; Darshan Arneja, Executive Director, CRM Strategy and Planning, Cox Communications; Angel Arocho, Executive Director, Compliance, Comcast Cable; Tom Chiang, VP, Video Products, Charter Communications; Roy Cho, VP, Distribution, AMC Networks; Brendan Gabriel, VP, Production & Creative Director, The Africa Channel; Cherisse McKenzie, VP, Production, REVOLT Media & TV; Toni Murphy, VP, Comcast Business, Comcast Cable; Sheereen Russell, VP, Ad Sales & Partner Solutions, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network; Jose Zamora, SVP, Strategic Communications, News, Univision Communications Inc.

The National Association of Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) is calling for nominations for its 2018 Next Generation Leaders Awards, which will be presented during the NAMIC Annual Awards Luncheon this October.

The awards, which honors multi-ethnic executives for their leadership and contributions to their companies and the industry, will be presented in four categories: Cable MSO, Cable Programmer, Technology Company/Disciplines and Creative Disciplines. Nominations deadline for this year’s Next Generation Leaders Awards is June 1, according to NAMIC.

Winners of the 2018 Next Generation Leaders Awards -- presented in partnership with Multichannel News – will be honored Oct. 17 at the 32nd Annual NAMIC Conference in New York.

“We are excited to acknowledge and celebrate our industry’s innovative and inspiring leaders,” said Joiava Philpott, vice president, Regulatory Affairs, Law & Policy Department, Cox Communications and chairperson of the NAMIC Board in a statement. “Their remarkable achievements and dedication empower the workplace and our diverse communities."  

NEW YORK — This year, National Asssociation for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications will do lunch with its 2017 class of Next Generation Leaders and Luminaries.

NAMIC’s Annual Awards Breakfast, long a staple of the now-defunct INTX trade show, is now the NAMIC Awards Luncheon and will be held Wednesday, Sept. 27, during the 31st Annual NAMIC Conference at the New York Marriott Marquis from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Related: PAR, AIM Surveys Highlight Diversity Week

The Next Generation Leaders Awards, presented in partnership with Multichannel News, recognize four emerging business leaders of color in in the media and entertainment industry for their career successes and commitment to fostering diversity in the workplace. Ten additional emerging executives of color will be honored in NAMIC’s 2017 Luminaries class.

NEXT GENERATION LEADERS

LINDA PAN
Senior VP, New Digital Business AMC Networks

Linda Pan oversees the development and growth of new direct-to-consumer subscription streaming video services, including Sundance Now and horror service Shudder, where she is general manager.

Pan joined AMC Networks in 2013, arriving from Feeln, where she was vice president of business strategy and operations, as well as chief of staff. Prior to her time at Feeln, Pan worked at Netflix and MRC Studios.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Cornell University, her master’s in electrical engineering from Stanford University, and her MBA from Harvard Business School.

“I am enormously proud to receive this honor from NAMIC, whose efforts around diversity are so important,” she said. “At a time when the entertainment industry is evolving, NAMIC’s work is more crucial than ever to ensure opportunities and inclusion for people of all backgrounds.”

EBONNE L. RUFFINS
Vice President, Local Media Development, Comcast

Ebonne L. Ruffins oversees a suite of technologies and programming to advance Comcast’s local reach, relationships, and business advantage. The Local Media Development portfolio includes: public, educational, and governmental (PEG) programming; the EveryBlock platform; Comcast Newsmakers; and the award-winning commemorative programming initiative, Voices of the Civil Rights Movement.

Before joining Comcast’s LMD team in 2016, Ruffins led Comcast’s diversity media communications, spanning national diversity advertising; national surveys; and executive consulting. In that role, she developed Comcast’s first mandatory diversity training module; launched Comcast NBCUniversal’s public diversity report and digital platform; and produced Comcast’s first Diversity Summit.

Prior to joining Comcast in 2011, Ruffins was an English and Spanish producer for CNN’s award-winning platform, CNN Heroes; an on-air reporter for CBS affiliate WCAX in Burlington, Vt.; a reporter/contributor for National Public Radio station WAMU in Washington, D.C., and a CNN Fellow and contributor, also in Washington.

“To be recognized by NAMIC, a leading voice for multi-ethnicity in the communications industry, is a special honor that I share with my Comcast family. I am privileged to work for a company that so proudly validates, celebrates, and actively demonstrates diversity and inclusion.”

ROMINA ROSADO
Senior VP Content and Editor in Chief, E! News

Romina Rosado is an experienced content professional versed in creating content, building an audience and driving monetization across In her current role, she oversees all content, news gathering, audience development and programming for E! News. She also oversees the creation of content-first, revenue-generating programs and works with the NBCUniversal sales organization to develop new ways to monetize and develop branded content.

Earlier in her career, she advised some of the world’s leading brands and government agencies on their digital strategies, including Adidas, General Motors, NATO, the World Bank, the U.S. State Department and UNICEF, and was a consultant to the European Central Bank ahead of the introduction of the Euro.

A truly global thinker, Rosado is trilingual and has worked in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East.

“I am thrilled and humbled to be recognized by NAMIC. Diversity — in all its forms — is no longer just the ‘nice’ thing to do, it is an imperative for organizations that want to succeed, and I am proud to work for Comcast/NBCUniversal, a trailblazer in giving minorities a seat at the table.”

DANIEL EILEMBERG
President, Fusion TV

Daniel Eilemberg is a journalist, producer and new media entrepreneur working in digital media, publishing, film and television. As president of Fusion TV, he oversees programming and operations for the cable network.

Prior to his current role, he served as chief digital officer, overseeing Fusion’s digital news operation.

Fusion TV is a part of the Fusion Media Group (FMG), which also includes such web original media brands as Gizmodo, Deadspin, Jezebel, Jalopnik, Kotaku, Lifehacker, Splinter, The Root, The Onion, The A.V. Club, and Clickhole, as well as FMG’s content development and production unit Story House Entertainment.

Eilemberg is founder and chairman of Animal Politico, Mexico’s leading political news platform and Pajaro Politico, the first news platform to launch exclusively on Twitter in Mexico.

He is the founder and managing director of the ABC Fellows program, and a 2014 visiting Nieman Fellow at Harvard University.

LUMINARIES

CHARLOTTE CASTILLO
Senior Vice President, International Brand Management & Creative, NVCP/VIMN

A 12-year veteran of Viacom, Charlotte Castillo manages the strategic development, planning and creative direction for Viacom International Media Networks’s licensed intellectual property. She leads a team of 35 people around the world. Prior to Viacom, Charlotte was marketing and creative services director at Latina magazine, where she developed trade and consumer marketing initiatives, drove strategic partnerships with major Latino and women’s organizations, and spearheaded advertising/sponsorship- based relationships with companies including Chevrolet, Unilever and L’Oreal.

MIGUEL SANTOS
General Manager, Myx TV

Miguel Santos, of the multicultural Asian-American entertainment network Myx TV, has 14-plus years of experience leading international broadcast media companies. Santos evolved Myx TV from a linear, music-based channel into a multiplatform entertainment network. Santos started his career with MTV Networks Asia, quickly rising up the ranks to be one of the heads of production and on-air promotions.

JANET HAN VISSERING
Senior Vice President of Development and Production, Nat Geo Wild

Janet Han Vissering is responsible for over 150 hours of programming commissioned each year globally. Vissering manages Nat Geo Wild’s development team, working with the world’s leading independent producers, distributors, creative agencies and strategic broadcast partners to create the network’s signature series, specials and events. She also provides daily oversight of production to ensure creative continuity and that all network programming objectives are being met.

NAVIN KAMATH
Vice President of Account Management, Global Distribution, HBO

Navin Kamath is responsible for the strategic account management of several of HBO’s streaming subscriber and transactional partners. He oversees relationships with prominent digital accounts including Apple, Sony, Microsoft, Samsung, Roku and Fandango NOW. Kamath has helped launch both HBO Now and HBO Go on various platforms, devices, affiliate portals and applications. Kamath has worked in various capacities at HBO since 2006, managing HBO On Demand, Cinemax On Demand and affiliate online marketing.

HOLLY TANG
Chief Financial Officer, Bravo and Oxygen Media

Holly Tang is responsible for Bravo and Oxygen Media’s financial oversight including the development of strategic and long-range plans. She identifies growth drivers and new revenue streams for the networks as well as plays a vital role in defining and building strategic initiatives. Based in New York, she reports to Frances Berwick, president, lifestyle metworks, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. Prior to joining Bravo, Tang was director of finance at Comedy Central, overseeing general accounting operations and budgets for programming, marketing, digital media and all ancillary businesses. Previously she held various positions at MTV Networks.

P. SEAN GUPTA
Vice President of Strategy and Operations, BET Networks

At BET Networks, P. Sean Gupta is responsible for programming and network level strategy and growth initiatives that involve researching, analyzing and building strategic recommendations on everything from program launches, growth areas, to delivery of content on multiple platforms. Prior to Viacom, Gupta was a senior director managing business development and business affairs for Time Warner Cable’s advertising division, TWC Media. Before TWC, Sean was an investment banker at Deutsche Bank on Wall Street for six and a half years.

SAMEEL OSURI
Senior VP, Global Content Operations, Discovery Communications

A 14-year Discovery veteran, Sameel Osuri has a wide range of experience across Discovery’s corporate, U.S. Networks and International divisions. He currently is responsible for content-related data, systems and financial analysis worldwide. Prior roles for Discovery include: CFO for the Discovery Channel Group, Domestic Distribution and Discovery Education; VP of finance for the U.S. division’s advertising-sales team; financial planning director for the International division’s global content team; and in corporate finance.

STEPHANIE JACKSON
Vice President, Ad Sales, Western Region, Scripps Networks Interactive

Stephanie Jackson is responsible for overseeing the strategic national sales initiatives for TV and online at Food Network and Cooking Channel. Jackon’s role also requires her to develop strategic marketing partnerships to meet her client’s needs. Prior to her role managing the Food Network’s Los Angeles sales team, Jackson spent 10 years as a senior salesperson responsible for driving sales revenue. Earlier, Jackson worked in radio advertising sales for ABC Radio Networks under the Radio Disney brand.

TONY SONG
Vice President, Ad Sales & Partnerships, AMC Networks

At AMC Networks and its properties AMC, BBC America, IFC, SundanceTV and WE tv, Tony Song oversees all advertiser and marketer spending, helps set revenue projections and guides all negotiations for all WE tv and IFC media assets, including linear, advanced platform/digital, events and branded content. He initiates and implements AMC Networks’s upfront and scatter tactics team, leveraging all networks. He also serves as one of two key strategists directing the day-to-day operations of his department and is crucial in gaining new business and growing current business. Previously, he was director of East Coast national media sales for BET Networks.

TWYLA HUANG-DISIMONE
Vice President, News Content Partnerships, Turner Ignite

Twyla Huang-DiSimone is responsible for harnessing the strength of Turner’s news brands to develop creative and innovative solutions for advertising partners. She is also responsible for developing brand positioning and a powerful voice in the marketplace for each of Turner’s multiplatform news brands: CNN, HLN and Great Big Story. Prior to joining the company in January 2015, Twyla held a number of leadership positions at both established and startup media companies, such as Advance Publications, Style Coalition, Condé Nast Digital and XO Group.

NAMIC has tapped four cable executives for its annual Next Generation Leaders Awards, the diversity organization announced Tuesday.

The awards, which recognize emerging business leaders of color in the media and entertainment industry for their career successes and commitment to fostering diversity in the workplace, will be presented to Ebonne Ruffins, vice president of local media development for Comcast Cable in the Cable MSO category; Daniel Eilemberg, president and chief content officer for Fusion TV (Cable Programmer); Linda Pan, senior vice president of new digital business for AMC Networks (Tech Company/Discipline) and Romina Rosado, senior vice president and editor-in-chief, E! News & Online, NBC Universal (Creative Discipline).

The executives will be honored at the 31st NAMIC Annual Conference Awards Luncheon on Sept. 27 at the New York Marriott Marquis.

In addition to honoring the four Next Generation Leaders, NAMIC will also honor during the luncheon 10 emerging executives of color in its 2017 Luminaries Class. The honorees include Charlotte Castillo, SVP, International Brand Management & Creative, Viacom International Media Networks; Twyla Huang-DiSimone, VP, News Content Partnerships, Turner Ignite, Turner; P. Sean Gupta, VP, Strategy and Operations, BET Networks; Navin Kamath, VP, Account Management, Global Distribution, HBO; Stephanie Jackson, VP, Ad Sales, Western Region, Food Network & Cooking Channel, Scripps Networks Interactive; Sameel Osuri, SVP, Global Content Operations, Discovery Communications; Miguel Santos, General Manager, Myx TV; Tony Song, VP, Ad Sales, AMC Networks; Holly Tang, Chief Financial Officer, Bravo and Oxygen Media, NBCUniversal; and Janet Han Vissering, SVP, Development & Production, Nat Geo WILD.

“Cultural diversity is an imperative in the communications industry and this year’s class of Next Generation Leaders are steadfast advocates for inclusion in the workplace,” said NAMIC President and CEO Eglon E. Simons in a statement. “They personify excellence, empower and educate others, and most important, serve as beacons for those who will follow in their footsteps. We are grateful for the industry’s ongoing support and look forward to celebrating the honorees at this year’s awards luncheon.”

Get complete coverage of #INTX2016.

The National Association of Multi-ethnicity in Communications honored its Next Generation Leaders and Luminaries during its annual awards breakfast at the INTX show Wednesday morning, which also featured a trailer for History’s Roots reboot.

NAMIC recognized four Next Generation Leaders — emerging executives of color under the age of 45 who exemplify NAMIC’s mission of education, advocacy and empowerment to foster multiethnic diversity and inclusion in the cable industry — as well as 10 Luminaries who have demonstrated a high level of business acumen while fostering diversity and inclusion.

“They are trendsetters, thought leaders and change agents,” NAMIC president Eglon Simons said of the honorees. “They are spreading NAMIC’s vision for advocacy within their organizations.”

The diversity organization also honored Noticiero Univision anchor Maria Elena Salinas with the organization’s 2016 Mickey Leland Humanitarian Achievement Award, given to an executive for their lifelong advocacy in social justice and equality for people around the world. Salinas said in her acceptance speech that as a member of the Spanish-language media, she felt a responsibility to go beyond the headlines in reporting the news.

“I always believed that there would have to be a social service component to our job,” Salinas said. “ After all, we do serve an audience that has additional needs and a community that depends on us for information that will help make their lives more manageable."

Actor LeVar Burton also addressed breakfast attendees as an executive producer of History’s eight-hour miniseries reboot of Alex Haley’s 1970s miniseries Roots about the journey of an African-American family through slavery.

Burton, who starred as Kunta Kinte in the original Roots, said he was at first skeptical of History’s plans to remake the classic 1970s miniseries, but was won over after Mark Wolper -- the son of original Roots executive producer David Wolper -- said that the nearly 40 year-old miniseries didn’t speak to his kids when they watched it.

“It is a reality that there is an entire generation of Americans who do not know this very important story,” Burton said.

BOSTON — The National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications will recognize four executives at this week’s INTX: The Internet & Television Expo in Boston as Next Generation Leaders for 2016.

The Next Generation Leaders Awards, presented in partnership with Multichannel News, will honor emerging executives of color under the age of 45 for demonstrating exceptional business acumen and for exemplifying NAMIC’s mission of education, advocacy and empowerment to foster multiethnic diversity and inclusion in the cable industry.

Winners were selected from a distinguished group of nominees in four categories: Programmer, Technology, Creative and MSO.

NAMIC will also honor 10 Luminaries, a group of emerging executives who have demonstrated a high level of business acumen while fostering diversity and inclusion.

“NAMIC applauds this distinguished group of executives who are making innovative and strategic contributions within their companies while exemplifying NAMIC’s mission to educate, advocate and empower for the advancement of diversity and inclusion,” NAMIC president and CEO Eglon E. Simons said. “We appreciate and welcome the industry’s continued support as we celebrate diversity and the accomplishments of these emerging business leaders at this year’s Annual Awards Breakfast.”

The Leaders and Luminaries will be honored at the NAMIC Annual Awards Breakfast, set for Wednesday morning from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center as part of the day’s INTX activities.

NEXT GENERATION LEADERS

PROGRAMMER

Urvashi Shivdasani
Senior Vice President of Finance
Discovery Networks International

Urvashi Shivdasani is senior vice president of finance for Discovery Networks International. With more than 18 years of financial management and leadership experience, Shivdasani is a global leader and an inspiration in her field.

She was previously the chief financial officer of Discovery Channel and TLC, and prior to that, served as the vice president of financial planning and analysis for Discovery’s Digital Media , Ecommerce and Education divisions.

Shivdasani, who holds an MBA in Corporate Finance from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and a Bachelor’s in Economics from Lady Shri Ram College in India, has used her expertise to partner on strategy to drive growth while managing cost and operational alignment.

“It’s an honor to be named among such esteemed company as one of NAMIC’s Next Generation Leaders,” Shivdasani said. “I look forward to continuing to empower and motivate tomorrow’s leaders and champion diversity in the industry and beyond.”

TECHNOLOGY

Sean Cohan
President of International and Digital Media
A+E Networks

Sean Cohan, A+E Network’s president of International and Digital Media, oversees the company’s brands, content and services outside the United States, helping expand the company’s global footprint. A+E Networks operates 85 branded channel feeds abroad, reaching more than 335 million homes in over 200 territories.

Cohan also manages A+E Networks’ Digital Media, including all strategic, operational, editorial and distribution functions for the company’s digital efforts around the world.

He has also built a top factual content sales and formats organization; driven co-productions such as World Wars and Barbarians and acclaimed local versions for Seven Year Switch, 60 Days In, Pawn Stars and Dance Moms; launched a global television movie distribution unit in the market and a drama distribution effort, with critically acclaimed events such as Lifetime’s Unreal and History’s highly anticipated Roots.

“I am an extremely proud honoree. Being recognized speaks to the great team and empowering, inclusive environment we have built at A+E Networks,” Cohan said. “As a leader my No. 1 role is to recruit, motivate and grow great people, and help maintain a culture of excellence, accountability, learning and fun.”

CREATIVE DISCIPLINE

Detavio Samuels
President
One Solution and Interactive One

Detavio Samuels is president of Radio One’s One Solution and Interactive One initiatives. Reporting directly to Radio One CEO Alfred Liggins, Samuels is responsible for pursuing growth opportunities across the company’s multiplatform portfolio through new and existing brand partnerships and branded content.

Samuels oversees One Solution, the company’s cross-platform sales and integrated marketing group that works with brands and agencies to create campaigns and initiatives across television, radio, interactive, social media and live events.

In 2015, he launched OneX, a new branded content studio that harnesses black culture to ignite brands through the creation of content that can thrive across multichannel environments. This includes identifying and creating premium content and native advertising opportunities to be distributed by Radio One’s platforms.

In December 2015, Samuels added president of Interactive One to his responsibilities. The division reaches millions of African-Americans through social content, news, information, and entertainment.

“I believe leadership is the art of giving people a platform for spreading ideas that work,” Samuels said. “Consequently I am honored and thankful for NAMIC, which is leading the way when it comes to recognizing and celebrating those who are leveraging the platforms they’ve been gifted to do amazing things with amazing people from diverse backgrounds.”

CABLE MSO

Bobby Amirshahi
Vice President, Public Relations
Time Warner Cable

As Time Warner Cable’s vice president of public relations, Bobby Amirshahi serves as a senior spokesperson and oversees the corporate team of PR professionals responsible for promoting the company’s broadband-powered consumer services, as well as TWC’s fast-growing commercial services division. Amirshahi also leads financial-related media relations, CSR-related communications and coordinates with TWC’s Washington, D.C., government affairs office.

He previously served as the head of communications for TWC’s flagship cable system in New York City.

Before joining Time Warner Cable in 2011, he held numerous roles at Cox Enterprises in Atlanta and, before that, led West Coast publicity for Viacom’s Comedy Central and Spike brands.

Amirshahi is a former board member of the Association of Cable Communicators and is currently a member of the Public Relations Society of America. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va.

“I’m very proud to be part of the continuing efforts led by NAMIC to expand our understanding of multiculturalism in our society and in our companies,” Amirshahi said. “I believe that we are at our best when we encourage each other to be vocal advocates for the inclusion of talented and prepared diverse professionals as agents of change in our vibrant, dynamic companies.”

LUMINARIES

Fabienne Clermont
Vice President, Legal Affairs
Discovery Communications

Fabienne Clermont, vice president of legal affairs at Discovery Communications, provides legal support to the company on all matters related to U.S. employment law.

Clermont, a 10-year Discovery veteran, also spearheads global employee compliance efforts across the company’s international network of offices. This role has recently grown to include oversight of Discovery’s global Code of Ethics training program.

Clermont is chairperson of Discovery’s Women’s Leadership Network, an employee resource group supporting development and networking for women.

Prior to Discovery, Clermont served as assistant general counsel at AOL in Dulles , Va. She began her career at the law firm of Arent Fox in Washington, D.C.

Clermont received a bachelor’s degree from University of Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C. She currently lives in Chevy Chase, Md., with her husband and two children.

“I am so appreciative that NAMIC has chosen to recognize me for this honor as it further affirms my mission to support diversity and inclusion in both my company and the community,” Clermont said. “NAMIC’s efforts to foster and drive diversity in our industry should guide us collectively in our daily efforts to advance diversity in our own companies.”

Boris Gartner
Chief Strategy Officer
Fusion

Fusion chief strategy officer Boris Gartner leads corporate strategy, business development and global revenue for the company. He has been a driving force in developing strategies to reach a young multicultural audience, create new sustainable business models, and find ways to use the reach and influence of the company’s platforms to empower and create positive social change.

Gartner was part of the team that launched Fusion, then a joint venture between Univision Communications and Disney/ABC Television Group. The multiplatform media company serves a young and diverse millennial audience, reaching more than 27 million viewers every month across television, digital and social platforms.

Gartner holds an advanced management degree in media and entertainment from IESE Business School, an advanced project management degree from Stanford University, a master’s degree in international business from Florida International University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Universidad de Los Andes in Colombia.

“It’s an honor to be recognized alongside a group that shares an appreciation for the true power of diversity,” Gartner said. “The demographic shifts happening in this country are a key reason Fusion exists. We’re committed to elevating diverse, underrepresented voices through the stories we tell and the people who bring them to life.”

Meghan Hooper White
Vice President, Program Acquisitions
Lifetime Networks

Meghan Hooper White, vice president of program acquisitions for Lifetime Networks since 2011, oversees development and production of original “pre-buy” films, co-productions and program acquisitions for Lifetime and Lifetime Movie Network.

Hooper White has spearheaded a number of films, including A Deadly Adoption, Seasons of Love and Mother, May I Sleep With Danger.

Before Lifetime, Hooper White was director of program acquisitions for NBCUniversal, where she managed acquisitions and program inventory for USA Network. From 2005 to 2007, she was director of development at Just Singer Entertainment, working on such projects as Disney Channel’s Return to Halloweentown.

Hooper White began her career at entertainment and sports agency Creative Arts Agency before joining Disney Channel, where she oversaw script coordination for such hits as High School Musical and Twitches.

Hooper White earned a bachelor’s of science in speech, graduating with honors in communication studies with a minor in psychology, from Northwestern University.

“I am honored, and humbled, to be recognized by NAMIC, an organization that I deeply respect,” White said. “As a member of the creative community, I feel it is my duty to make sure the conversation surrounding diversity is not just a conversation, but a practice.”

Marisol Martinez
Vice President, Marketing Acquisition and CRM
Time Warner Cable

Marisol Martinez is responsible for driving the marketing strategy for all of the company’s multicultural segment marketing, as well as its Movers Program, Bulk MDU and Verizon Wireless partnership across the MSO’s footprint.

With more than 15 years of marketing and agency client relations experience, Martinez is experienced in developing integrated marketing communications and in product positioning and planning.

In 2013, Martinez was named “Multicultural Maven” by Hispanic Executive Magazine. In 2011, she was recognized as one of Multichannel News’s 40 Under 40 and was listed among the most influential minorities in cable by Cablefax: The Magazine.

Prior to joining TWC, Martinez held marketing positions at Unilever and Verizon Communications. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College and a master’s degree in from Columbia University.

“I feel extremely grateful and humble to have been named a 2016 Luminary. Being recognized as one of the industry’s bright and shining stars represents an amazing honor,” Martinez said. “I’m tremendously thankful to NAMIC for creating a platform that promotes the accomplishments of diverse and talented professionals in our field.”

Valerie Meraz
Vice President of Content Acquisitions
Turner

Valerie Meraz is vice president of content acquisitions for Turner’s entertainment networks. In that role, she negotiates deals for films and off-network television series for TNT, TBS, Turner Classic Movies and truTV, as well as Cartoon Network , Adult Swim and Boomerang.

The content acquired by Meraz and her colleagues supports original programming and rebranding efforts for TNT and TBS, and currently accounts for 90% of the programming on those networks.

Meraz joined Turner after serving as vice president of content acquisitions for Showtime Networks. Prior to Showtime, Meraz held positions in Disney’s Buena Vista Motion Pictures Group and in the exhibitor services and international promotions departments at 20th Century Fox.

Meraz holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from the University of California, Los Angeles and a master’s degree in motion picture producing from the Peter Stark Producing Program at the University of Southern California.

“I owe much of my achievement to the support of mentors I met while participating in NAMIC events as an undergraduate at UCLA,” Meraz said. “NAMIC provided a forum through which I made lifelong friends and met successful executives who encouraged me on my career journey.”

Oscar Ramos
General Manager
ESPN Deportes Radio
Senior Director
ESPN Deportes Content

Oscar Ramos joined ESPN in 2006 to lead ESPN Deportes Radio. Since 2012, his responsibilities expanded to include ESPN Deportes’s digital and television content.

Ramos is responsible for the operations of ESPN Deportes Radio including talent, staffing, national programming content, scheduling, and event production. Under Ramos’s leadership, ESPN Deportes Radio has expanded to 33 affiliates nationwide, reaching close to 70% of the Hispanic market.

Ramos also oversees the content and operation of ESPN Deportes’ television and digital efforts working with editorial, production and programming teams to deliver and integrate content across platforms.

Prior to joining ESPN, Ramos sent more than 15 years with ABC Radio Networks, where he focused his efforts on marketing to the Hispanic community in the United States and radio stations across the world.

“I am honored to be recognized among such a distinguished group of professionals and by NAMIC ,” Ramos said. “At ESPN, we strive to reflect the diversity of our audience across our content and I am proud of this recognition.”

Jhamal Robinson
Vice President of Production Management
TLC and Discovery Life

Jhamal Robinson serves as vice president of production management for TLC and Discovery Life. He leads the team responsible for tracking the financial, logistical and qualitative performances of TLC and Discovery Life’s production plans while ensuring that all financial policies are being met.

Specializing in scheduling and budgeting, he is also responsible for analyzing production budgets and establishing workflow processes to create a link between departments and business and legal affairs.

Prior to his current role, Robinson was head of production at Yahoo Video, Style and E!. Robinson has garnered four Emmy nominations and a 2010 Daytime Emmy Award Winner for Outstanding Special Class Program.

Robinson earned a bachelor’s degree at Bethany College where he currently serves as a member of the board of trustees. He is also a member of NAMIC.

“I’m honored to be recognized with such a talented group of individuals who go to great lengths to celebrate, educate, advocate for diversity in the communications industry,” Robinson said. “I want to thank NAMIC for their commitment to ensuring the industry is inclusive of all.”

Talia Robinson
Vice President of Human Resources
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network

As vice president of human resources at OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, Talia Robinson serves as the primary liaison between the network and potential employees, facilitating the informational and formal interviewing process.

Robinson came to OWN from Talent Acquisition, where she was a consultant and talent acquisition specialist. While there, she oversaw local and national searches for professionals at all levels. Before that, she was vice president at PR Talent, performing national and international talent searches, as well as counseling clients on competitive salary structuring, benefits packaging and succession planning.

Robinson earned an Advanced Bachelor of Arts degree from Occidental College and is a member of the Los Angeles Creative Club and the Ladies Who Brunch.

“Building an inclusive and diverse workplace is a mission I am proud to take on and grateful to have such strong industry support through an organization like NAMIC, whose impact I have both personally and professionally gained so much from,” Robinson said. “I am deeply honored to be named a Luminary and to continue to support the NAMIC motto that when you embrace diversity, you embrace success.”

Theresa Vargas-Wyatt
Chief of Staff
El Rey Network

Theresa Vargas-Wyatt, El Rey Network’s chief of staff, joined the network in 2014 devising campaigns targeting the “the new mainstream,” with the goal of transforming the network into the largest, most diverse multiplatform in history.

Prior to El Rey, Vargas-Wyatt was with Muñoz & Co., where she helped grow revenue by 110% over a five-year period. Subsequently, she advised Fortune 100 brands such as Google, Target, and AT&T on market strategies targeting English-speaking Latino consumers in the United States.

In 2014, Vargas-Wyatt coordinated efforts between Mark Zuckerberg, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Google, Yahoo and Don Graham to establish a $36 million scholarship fund for undocumented young people.

She holds a juris doctor and master’s of business administration from St. Mary’s University and a bachelor of arts from Texas A&M University. She resides in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband and two sons.

“At this important time in our country’s history, I’m honored to stand next to my fellow honorees who are creating and leading the narrative of our future,” Vargas - Wyatt said. “One that is innovative, accessible and most of all inclusive. I’m so happy to be on this journey with you. I cannot wait to see what we build together!”

Alaka Williams
Senior Vice President, Network Human Resources
Scripps Networks Interactive

In her role as senior vice president of network human resources at Scripps Networks Interactive, Alaka Williams , is responsible for human resources leadership of SNI’s domestic Home, Travel and Food categories.

Prior to her current role, Williams served as vice president of human resources and was responsible for providing organizational, leadership and individual performance counsel to various business units.

Williams joined Scripps Networks in 2010 after eight years with Live Nation as director of human resources and director of employee relations. She has also served as a human resources manager for Clear Channel Communications.

She is a graduate of James Madison University with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and is a Certified Human Resources Professional. Williams is also involved in the Emma Bowen Foundation’s Youth and Young Professionals program and the Year Up program in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

“It is a true honor to be recognized by NAMIC, an industry-leading organization that raises the standards and goals for diversity in media and entertainment across all platforms,” Williams said. “I look forward to continuing to partner with NAMIC to champion this critical work that is necessary for all organizations in our industry.”

The National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) Wednesday announced four cable executives as its 2016 Next Generation Leaders.

The winners of the awards, which honor emerging executives of color 45 years old and younger for their efforts to foster industry multiethnic diversity and inclusion, include Malek Robert Amirshahi, vice president, Public Relations, Time Warner Cable (Cable MSO Award); Detavio Samuels, president, One Solution & Interactive One (Creative Discipline); Sean Cohan, president, International and Digital Media, A+E Networks (Technology Company or Discipline) and Urvashi Shivdasani, senior vice president, Finance, Discovery Networks International, Discovery Communications (Cable Programmer), said NAMIC.

NAMIC will present the awards May 18 at its annual Awards Breakfast at INTX: The Internet & Television Expo.

"NAMIC applauds this distinguished group of executives who are making innovative and strategic contributions within their companies while exemplifying NAMIC's mission to educate, advocate and empower for the advancement of diversity and inclusion," said Eglon E. Simons, president and CEO, NAMIC in a statement. "We appreciate and welcome the industry's continued support as we celebrate diversity and the accomplishments of these emerging business leaders at this year's Annual Awards Breakfast." 

In addition to honoring the four Next Generation Leaders, 10 emerging executives will be honored as NAMIC Luminaries. Also recognized for their professional achievements and commitment to fostering multiethnic diversity, members of the 2016 NAMIC Luminaries class include:  Boris Gartner, senior vice president and chief strategy officer, Fusion Media Network; Fabienne Clermont, vice president, Legal Affairs, Discovery Communications; Meghan Hooper White, vice president, Program Acquisitions, Lifetime Networks; Marisol Martinez, vice president, Marketing Acquisition and CRM, Time Warner Cable; Valerie Meraz, vice president, Content Acquisitions, Turner; Oscar Ramos, general manager, ESPN Deportes Radio and senior director, ESPN Deportes Content, ESPN; Jhamal Robinson, vice president, Production Management, TLC & Discovery Life, Discovery Communications; Talia Robinson, vice president, Human Resources, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network; Theresa Vargas Wyatt, chief of staff, El Rey Network; and Alaka Williams, senior vice president, Network Human Resources, Scripps Networks Interactive.

NAMIC will award its 2015 Next Generation Leaders Awards to executives from BET, Suddenlink, Turner and Univision during its Annual Awards Breakfast in May, the network said Friday.

The awards, which honor emerging executives for their professional achievements as well as their efforts in fostering multi-ethnic diversity and inclusion, will be presented to Eddie Hill, senior vice president, Consumer Marketing, BET Networks; Quincy Johnson, vice president, Digital Advertising Systems, Media Software and Services, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.; Jessica Rodriguez, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Univision Communications Inc.; and Chandni Thakrar-Ochoa, vice president, Technology Integration, Suddenlink Communications.

The awards ceremonies, presented in partnership with Multichannel News, will take place during the NAMIC Annual Awards Breakfast on May 7 as part of the INTX: The Internet & Television Expo in Chicago.

“Through our education, leadership and professional development programs, NAMIC is continually working to ensure that our industry has access to a robust pipeline of executives of color,” said Eglon E. Simons, NAMIC’s president and chief executive officer.  “With the support of our event sponsors and industry partners, NAMIC is honored to have the opportunity to celebrate this impressive group of leaders that are contributing to the success of their respective companies, while advocating for increased diversity and inclusion.”

During the breakfast NAMIC will also present the organization’s 2015 Next Generation Leaders Luminaries class, which includes Fernando Alem, vice president, Corporate Systems & Compliance, , Discovery Communications; Aja Byrd, vice president, Business & Legal Affairs, Al Jazeera America; Jennifer Giddins, vice president, Marketing, Sprout, NBCUniversal; Dawn Holiday-Mack, vice president, Audience Strategy & Insights, El Rey Network; Tina Perry, executive vice president, Business & Legal Affairs, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network; James Rollins, vice president, Digital Video Distribution, Affiliate Sales and Marketing, Disney and ESPN Media Networks; Freddy Rolon, vice president, Programming and Business Initiatives, ESPN Deportes; Rydne Williams, vice president, Field Operations, Comcast Cable Corporation;

Inae Wilson, senior vice president, Broadcast Distribution, FOX Broadcasting Company; and Julie Yoo, senior vice president, Corporate Development, Scripps Networks Interactive.