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News & Views

Observations

Happy Holidays to all of our NAMIC members!

As the year comes to a close, we want to thank all of you for your contributions – personally, professionally and monetarily – in support of NAMIC. 

More than ever, NAMIC remains committed to advancing diversity in the telecommunications industry and our programs exemplify that goal.  We hope that you and your companies have benefited from the educational and professional networking opportunities we provide throughout the year.  Our local chapter network also works diligently to enhance the career growth and development of NAMIC members and they appreciate your support, as well.

During this past year, we have had the pleasure of seeing our programs and membership grow as a result of our industry’s continued embrace of the principles of diversity.  Our 2010 accomplishments include:

• Growing our membership by more than 30%
• The celebration of our 30th anniversary milestone
• The launch of Class X of our highly-esteemed Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP)
• The continued growth and success of our Leadership Seminars for middle managers
• The launch of “Mentoring Corner” webinars for participants of our L. Patrick Mellon Mentorship Program
• A celebration of “Next Generation Leaders” at our Annual Awards Breakfast during Cable Connection-Spring
• The Annual NAMIC Conference’s triumphant return to New York City as part of an all-new Diversity Week
• Strong collaborations with our sponsoring companies to advance the business case for multi-ethnic diversity in all aspects of our business

We look forward to another year of excitement, change and opportunities.  On behalf of the NAMIC board of directors and staff, thank you, again, for your generosity and commitment to our mission.

Best wishes for a happy holiday season and a prosperous and healthy new year.

Regards,

Kathy A. Johnson
President

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Video Content from the 24th Annual NAMIC Conference Now Available on DiversityLive

Visit www.diversitylive.net to view content from the general sessions and luncheons at the 24th Annual NAMIC Conference, October 14-15 at the Hilton New York.  In case you missed the conference, you many now view highlights online.

NAMIC Conference highlights include:

• Keynote address delivered by The Honorable Mignon Clyburn, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission
• The opening general session, 3D: Diversity, Digital, Demographics, featuring leading industry executives, including: Cesar Conde, President, Univision Networks; Patrick Esser, President, Cox Communications; Kyle McSlarrow, President & CEO, NCTA; Scott Mills, President & COO, BET Networks; Laureen Ong, President, Travel Channel, along with Leobardo Estrada, PhD, Associate Professor of Urban Planning, School of Public Affairs, UCLA.  Moderated by Juju Chang, News Anchor for ABC’s “Good Morning America,” this panel focused on the results of the 2010 Census, while addressing the implications of this data for the communications industry, its workforce and consumer base.
• The New Original panel, featuring top-level television executives in a conversation about the importance of investing time and resources in the creation of multi-ethnic programming. Moderated by Don Lemon, Anchor, “CNN Newsroom,” the panel included Loretha Jones, President, Original Programming, BET Networks; Geraldine Moriba, Executive Producer of CNN Worldwide’s “In America”; and Ligiah Villalobos, Former Writer-Producer for “Go Diego Go.”
• Keynote address by Eric Liu, Author, Former Clinton Speechwriter and Creator of the Guiding Lights Network at the L. Patrick Mellon Mentorship Program Luncheon.
• Presentation of the 2010 Mickey Leland Humanitarian Achievement Award to MTV Networks at the closing luncheon of the Conference.

Serving as NAMIC’s online digital community in partnership with Motorola, www.diversitylive.net showcases user-generated video content, and features professional networking opportunities, industry resources, professional development information, diversity news, a live blog, webinars and other exclusive educational offerings.

Be sure to also create a profile, upload photos, videos, and blogs!

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Leadership; Fellowship; Sponsorship; Mentorship; and Partnership.  It all adds up to NAMIC Membership.

You may be asking yourself, “What’s in NAMIC for me?”  When you join NAMIC, you become part of a community dedicated to creating a communications industry that values and demonstrates diversity in leadership, programming, employment, ownership and supply chain.  Whether you are an individual who aspires to advance in your career, or a practitioner who is looking for resources and intelligence to escalate your company’s diversity initiatives, NAMIC delivers the knowledge, strategic networking and insights that the new generation of business demands.  And now, more than ever, that equates to your success.   

Click here to join or renew now!

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Call for Entries Announced for 2011 Vision Awards.  Entry Deadline: Friday, January 14, 2011

NAMIC-Southern California will again salute and recognize original content shown on television and/or digital platforms that is reflective of the depth and breadth of the lives, spirit and contributions of people of color.

Click here to download an entry form.

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Congratulations to the Newly Elected 2011 NAMIC Chapter Board Leaders

NAMIC's chapters actively engage in keeping our mission alive at the local level by providing local members with educational and networking opportunities. Newly elected and incumbent chapter officers, representing many of the communications industry’s leading corporations will serve one year terms starting January 2011.

NAMIC–Atlanta
President - Quincy Johnson, Senior Director, Digital Ad Systems, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.; Vice President - William B. Cossey, Jr., Executive Director, Supply Chain, Cox Communications; Treasurer - April Smith, Associate, Network Strategy, Turner Entertainment Networks; Secretary - Joyclan Sumpter, Director, Affiliate Operations, The Weather Channel Companies.

NAMIC–Carolinas
President - Alana Moton, Director, Field Marketing, Discovery Communications; Vice President - Wendye Martin, Director, Marketing, Time Warner Cable; Treasurer - Garth M. David, Regional Director, Finance, Time Warner Cable Carolina;  Secretary - Khanspasha Feaster, Customer Care Training Manager, Time Warner Cable.

NAMIC–Chicago
President - Stephen Thomas, Area Vice President, Comcast; Vice President - Angelynne Amores, Regional Director, Corporate Communications, Comcast;  Treasurer - Micaelle Alexis, Human Resources Manager, Comcast; Secretary - Roger Williamson, Collections Manager, Comcast Cable.

NAMIC–Denver
President - Carolina Espinoza, Manager, Marketing Operations, Comcast; Vice President - Laurel (Shih-Fang) Ling, VOD Content Manager, International Media Distribution; Treasurer - Chad Dixon, Account Executive, Disney and ESPN Media Networks; Secretary - Nisha Pinto, Inventory Management Administrator, Starz Entertainment.

NAMIC–Houston
President - Zinah Mineyahl, Vice President, Customer Care, Comcast; Vice President - Nikia Farria-Green, Senior Manager of Business Operations, Comcast; Secretary - Felicia Turner, Director of Sales Operations, Fox Networks.

NAMIC–Mid-Atlantic
President - Sherry Hubbard, Director of Operations, Cox Enterprises; Vice President - Joelle Patience, Director of Production/Creative Services, BET Networks; Treasurer - Patrick B. Castro, Manager, Marketing & Research, Cox Media; Secretary - Melanie Babb, Regional Account Executive, TBD-TV (News Channel 8).
 
NAMIC–Minnesota
President - Tommy McNeal, Sales Manager, Comcast; Vice President - Bethany Rector, Call Center Manager, Comcast; Treasurer - James Randle, Senior Manager, Human Resources, Comcast Communications, Inc.; Secretary - Raimoon “Sally” Sattaur, Work Order Management Lead, Comcast.

NAMIC–New York
President - Denise L. Bennett, Manager, Integrated Sales & Marketing, Women at NBCU, NBC Universal; Vice President - Anthony Gallegos, National Accounts Coordinator, MTV Networks; Treasurer - Nicole Granston, Financial Account Manager, Showtime Networks Inc.; Secretary - Tiffany Ashitey, Special Events Coordinator, ORT America.
 
NAMIC–Philadelphia
President - Andrea A. Agnew, Director, Diversity & Inclusion, Comcast; Vice President - Keesha Boyd, Executive Director, Center of Expertise, Frontline Leadership, Comcast University; Treasurer - Wilfredo Colón, Vice President, Plant Performance, Comcast Cable.

NAMIC–South Florida
President - Lucia Rodríguez, Director of Multicultural Marketing, Comcast South Florida Region; Vice President - Stanley Thomas, Human Resources Manager, Comcast; Treasurer - Carleesha Porter, Regional Project Manager, Comcast Cable Communications; Secretary - Felix A. Soza, Customer Retention Manager, Comcast.

NAMIC–Southern California
President - Marco Williams, Director, Talent Sourcing, Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.; Vice President - Debra Langford, Vice President, Inclusion & Business Diversity, NBC Universal; Secretary - Mitchell Christopher, Vice President, Operations Southern California, Time Warner Cable.

NAMIC–Tennessee
President - Sybil Devine, Programming Operations Coordinator, Scripps Networks; Vice President - Thomas Tedford, Marketing Manager, Scripps Networks; Treasurer - Natasha Powell, Manager Corporate Communications, CMT; Secretary - Sarah Gaffney, Coordinator, Public Affairs, Country Music Television (CMT).

NAMIC–Western Pennsylvania
President - Averi D. Richardson, IP Technical Support Supervisor, Comcast; Vice President - Rayna Smith, Quality Control Representative, Comcast; Treasurer - Nicole K. Caldwell, Administrative Assistant, Comcast; Secretary - Chimere Allen, Lead Customer Account Executive, Comcast.

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Raymond Gutierrez to Chair NAMIC Board of Directors

The results of the 2011 NAMIC Board of Directors elections are in. Four new officers were elected to serve two-year terms commencing on November 1, 2010. Seven new directors were also elected.

Raymond Gutierrez, Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Administration, CBS Television Networks will serve as Chair. Joining him on the NAMIC, Inc. Executive Committee are: Lucinda Martinez-Desir, Vice President, Acquisitions and Multi-cultural Marketing, HBO (Vice-Chair); Marsha J. Conaway, Regional Vice President, Human Resources, Midwest Region, Time Warner Cable (Secretary); and Danielle Wade, Vice President, Customer Service & Marketing, Bright House Networks (Treasurer). Mark Garner, Senior Vice President, Distribution, Marketing & Business Development, A&E Television Networks will now serve as Immediate Past Chair.

The newly-elected NAMIC Board Directors are: Rosalind Clay Carter, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, A&E Television Networks; Timothy Goodly, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, CNN Worldwide; Rishi Malhotra, Managing Partner, 212Media; Diana Mogollon, General Manager, mun2; Meeri Park Cunniff, Senior Vice Presideny, Programming Strategy, MTV; Donna Rattley Washington, Vice President, Government Affairs, Comcast; and Wanda Townsend, Vice President, Government Relations, NCTA.

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Career Corner

 

Visit www.diversitylive.net and click on “Blog” to read Tracy Lawrence’s new post on Playing The Corporate Game. Tracy L. Lawrence Associates is a human capital company specializing in executive leadership coaching, executive search, and organizational development consulting. They work across the spectrum of industries, providing real world solutions to today’s leadership challenges.  You can visit them at www.tracyllawrence.com.

 

 

 

Do you Know How to Play the Corporate Game?

My first job out of business school was in brand management, a field in which the executive has to work across multiple functional areas with a broad diversity of personalities in order to move business forward. I worked hard, was always prepared, and had a number of accomplishments under my belt after a year on the job. I was fortunate to have a boss who was straightforward and blunt (almost to a fault). In my annual review, she explained that my coworkers didn’t feel that they knew me well and weren’t connecting with me enough. She went on further to say that she wasn’t sure I was excited enough about the job and therefore she didn’t feel we were coming together as a team.

I was really taken aback with this feedback. At 25 years old, this was the first time anyone had ever told me that my personal relationships were important on the job! I felt like I was at a disadvantage vs. some of my coworkers who had grown up in families that worked in corporate settings, and who more naturally understood how to behave in these situations. Up until this time, I thought if I worked hard, like I had in school, I would be successful. Perhaps it was timing, but the feedback from my boss really resonated with me. I began to relax more at work and actually enjoyed getting to know my boss and some of my other coworkers, and letting them get to know me. Although the technical quality of my work remained the same, the feedback I got from my superiors improved dramatically.
Today in my work as an executive coach and recruiter, I see this same dynamic play out on a daily basis. More often than not, it’s the inability of a candidate to connect with others, or to understand how s/he is perceived in the interview process that negatively affects his or her ability to get a job offer. In coaching, I quite frequently encounter executives who are frustrated and often move from job to job, not understanding the need to learn to work within the corporate culture.
Here’s the bottom line: If you want a career in corporate American, you MUST learn to work in a complex and imperfect corporate culture that involves such things as politics. And yes, sometimes it’s not fair. The biggest mistake you can make is convincing yourself that it doesn’t matter as long as you do your job. It will matter, and your career could suffer.

If you find yourself confused by such matters, it is important to first find people you trust and get some honest feedback. Start with people you are comfortable with, but I would also encourage talking with people who are different from you. Have an open mind to the feedback. After all, it’s better to get it informally than to have it written up in a bad review.

The good news is that there are many resources to help develop leadership skills that include learning to work more effectively in a corporate setting. These skills can be particularly difficult for diverse executives who don’t have prior experience with such matters. NAMIC is a great resource to start with, so don’t hesitate to reach out!

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Call for Nominations for 2011 Leadership Seminars Open to All Communications Professionals

The two-day educational forum targets all eligible communications industry professionals, regardless of race and ethnicity, in the comparatively early stages of career development. 

The program’s curriculum is derived from the most respected theories and academic research dealing with approaches to developing effective leaders in organizations where diversity is a business imperative.  Additionally, the new curriculum reflects today’s dynamic communications industry landscape, and the professional opportunities and challenges that result from the continuous change.

Applications are being accepted for the next Leadership Seminar Session XVII on March 17-18 in Los Angeles, CA. For more information, please email info@namic.com or call the NAMIC National Office at 212-594-5985. Also feel free to visit our website by clicking here.

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Recruiting Diverse Candidates? Post Open Positions on the NAMIC Job Bank

The NAMIC Job Bank is the leading resource for connecting employers and highly qualified diverse job candidates in the communications industry.

Click here to access the Job Bank.

Featured Jobs from AETN:

Distribution Marketing Specialist:
This position supports Distribution Marketing initiatives for all AETN services, inclusive of 10 linear and 7 HD networks, 3 OnDemand channels and various other product offerings (e.g. mobile, iTV, broadband, etc).  Responsibilities include providing ongoing support for Custom Show presentations, communication tools, asset aggregation & tracking and various affiliate requests. This position is the primary point for ordering all video - spots and footage - for various distributor touch points.  The Specialist is also responsible for keeping the department budget – including invoice processing and monthly accruals.

Distribution New Media Specialist:
Launch and manage new media initiatives including VOD, Enhanced TV, broadband, mobile and iTV. Develop close relationship with internal and external stakeholders to ensure new media products are rolled out in a timely and effective manner consistent with Distribution, Ad Sales, and brand objectives.

Please visit http://www.aetn.com/ for more information.

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Chapter News

Chapter Happenings Around the Nation

Build your network, perfect your resume and interview skills and take charge of your career through Time Warner Cable led workshops offered at NAMIC-Carolina’s Career Development Workshop December 15.

Good Friends, Good Cheer. That's what you'll find at NAMIC-New York's Holiday Soiree Thursday, December 16 at the NBC Experience Store. This event is free and for members-only by invitation.

For more information and a complete listing of upcoming chapter events, visit http://www.namic.com/events

Please visit www.diversitylive.net and click on “Channels” to find photos and recaps of the most recent chapter events.

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'Tis the Season: Motorola Gives NFL Tickets to NAMIC Chapters

Among their numerous generous contributions, Motorola offered to help drive NAMIC membership this year by offering tickets to multiple NFL games around the country.  Chapters offered the tickets as raffle prizes in various formats to new and renewed members and event attendees.

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People

Q&A with Raymond Gutierrez, Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Administration, CBS Television Networks and newly elected Chair of NAMIC Board of Directors

How and why did you first become involved with NAMIC?
I joined the NAMIC Board of Directors eight years ago after I’d been invited to a Board meeting by a colleague.  Showtime had been focusing on diversity for a long time, and I understood the importance of NAMIC’s mission.  Our Chairman & CEO, Matt Blank, has always been very supportive of NAMIC and thought it would be a great idea if I could be part of the Board. 

How has NAMIC directly benefited you?
One of the reasons I was attracted to working in Human Resources is because it offers the chance to help others with their careers.  NAMIC does the same thing. 

As someone whose parents and grandparents are from Mexico and Spain, I can relate to those in business with multicultural backgrounds.  NAMIC’s mission of promoting diversity, building leadership skills, and providing opportunities is vitally important.  It’s great to feel that you are giving back.
 
Why do you think NAMIC has had such an impact on the industry when it comes to its educational programs, leadership development, mentoring and recognizing high achievers?
NAMIC has proven itself to be an invaluable resource to our industry.  Its educational programs such as the Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP), the Leadership Seminar for middle managers, the L. Patrick Mellon Mentorship Program and the annual NAMIC Conference are one of a kind.  Everyone who’s participated raves about the programs.  Other events, such as the Annual NAMIC breakfast at the NCTA show, are important forums for recognizing up-and-coming leaders, and have become integral parts of our industry. 

What does the future hold for NAMIC?
I think, by and large, companies recognize the need to have a diverse workforce that reflects our multicultural society.  NAMIC’s efforts to develop talent and increase the pool of qualified applicants are highly valued.  Industry support for NAMIC is very strong and I’d venture to say will remain so. 

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Join NAMIC On DiversityLive, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter

Create a profile, upload content and connect with local fellow NAMIC members on DiversityLive.
NAMIC's user-generated online destination presented in partnership with the Motorola Foundation

Become a fan of NAMIC on Facebook - also be sure to search for your local chapter's page.
Search for "NAMIC - National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications"
under "Pages"

Join the NAMIC group on LinkedIn - also be sure to search for your local chapter's page.
Search for "NAMIC (National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications)"
under "Groups"

Follow NAMIC on Twitter

Search for "NAMICNational"

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Movers & Shakers

NAMIC’s Multicultural Marketing Committee member, Orlena Blanchard has been elevated to SVP, Digital Media, TV One

NAMIC ELDP class VII alumnae, Rosalyn Durant, VP & GM, ESPNU, was named in Essence magazine’s October 2010, “Power Issue,” celebrating Black women under 40

NAMIC-Tennessee President, Lucia Folk,  Director Public Affairs, CMT won the 2010 Nashville Emerging Leader Award in the Arts, Entertainment and Music Business category, which is sponsored by the Nashville Chamber of Commerce

NAMIC-Atlanta President, Quincy Johnson has been promoted to Senior Director, Digital Ad Systems within the SAS Platform and Systems Execution group, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

NAMIC-Mid-Atlantic Past President, Jaye Linnen has joined the Washington Post as a PR Specialist

NAMIC-Tennessee’s Ralph Silvan, Director of Call Center Operations for the Comcast Memphis system, has accepted the position of Call Center Senior Director for Comcast in Knoxville and East Tennessee

NAMIC ELDP class III alumnus Kent Takano was named to the new post of Executive Producer, Branded Entertainment at DIY Network

Travel Channel names NAMIC-New York member and ELDP class IX alumnae Patalia Tate SVP Marketing, Creative and Brand Strategy

NAMIC-South Florida’s Maribel Viteri has been named International Marketing Manager at Flor de Caña

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Brightest Leaders Unite.  Welcome New NAMIC Members!

NAMIC extends a warm welcome to all of our new members.  We look forward to providing you with the resources you need to accelerate your careers and to advance multi-ethnic diversity in the communications industry.

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Upcoming Events

December 15
NAMIC-Carolinas
Career Development Workshop
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Sierra Hotel
Cost: Free for members. $10 for Non-members
Click here to RSVP

December 16
NAMIC-New York
Holiday Soiree
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
NBC Experience Store
Admission is FREE (by invitation only)
The guest list is full. To join the waiting list, please email namic.ny.events@gmail.com

 

2011 Upcoming Events

February 9-11
Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP)
Class X – Session 3
(by invitation only)
UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management, Los Angeles, CA

March 17-18
NAMIC Leadership Seminar (by application with company support)
Venue TBD
Los Angeles, CA

May 4-6
Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP)
Class X – Session 4
(by invitation only)
UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management, Los Angeles, CA

May 5
Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP)
Class X Graduation
(by invitation only)
UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management, Los Angeles, CA

June 16
Annual Awards Breakfast
(as part of Cable Connection-Spring)
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL

October 4-5
25th Annual NAMIC Conference (as part of Diversity Week)
Hilton New York
New York, NY

October 27-28
NAMIC Leadership Seminar (by application with company support)
Venue TBD
Philadelphia, PA

Please visit www.namic.com/events for the latest upcoming events.

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NAMIC Staff

Kathy A. Johnson, President
James C. Jones, VP, Education Programs
Daphne Leroy, VP, Marketing & Communications
Daniel J. McGlone, VP, Fund Development
Sandra Girado, Director, Meetings & Events
Faride Precil, Manager, Education Programs
Susan Waldman, Manager, Research & Publications
Monique Wells, Manager, Operations
Maria Acevedo, Project Coordinator

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2010 Issue 4