In Roman mythology, Janus is the god of endings, transitions and new beginnings. He is usually depicted as having two faces since he looks not only to the future but also to the past. And assuming my new role as Executive Director of the Walter Kaitz Foundation entails both a look back and a look forward for an organization charged with leading the discussion around diversity, equity and inclusion.
With the 35th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner behind us, it offered us a moment to reflect on the impact we have had in the industry on diversity and inclusion while providing us with clarity around how much more work we need to do in supporting our partner organizations at NAMIC, WICT and the Emma L. Bowen Foundation. Our partners continue to develop innovative programs and initiatives that the Foundation stands firmly behind. Beginning in 2019, the Foundation will welcome the T. Howard Foundation which works to increase the number of diverse and under-represented students within the media and entertainment industry by providing two-year internships.
Looking forward, the Foundation is proud to announce that our 10th Annual Hollywood Creative Forum will be held on February 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. The program is unlike any other in our business and directly connects diverse content creators with key programming decision-makers in media and entertainment.
Preparations are also underway for our industry’s preeminent research reports, NAMIC’s AIM* (*Advancement Investment Measurement) and the WICT PAR* Initiative (*Pay Equity, Advancement Opportunities, and Resources for Work/Life Integration). Both studies are administered by Mercer, a global consulting leader and funded entirely through the monetary support of the Walter Kaitz Foundation. The survey will benchmark data which is vital to the advancement of ethnic and gender diversity throughout our industry and will be rolled out during Diversity Week 2019 in New York City.
At the Walter Kaitz Foundation, we are also focused on our continued support of LGBTQ programs and initiatives, veteran’s engagement and those with disabilities. We know that being inclusive means finding ways for our industry to lead in representing all facets of society. That also includes a renewed focus on the ways that technology is changing our industry and we look forward to forming partnerships that dovetail with our goals and objectives.
The new year offers a myriad of opportunities to learn more, do more and share more in our ever-changing and evolving industry and we are just getting started.
Click here to listen to the MMTC Podcast featuring Michelle Ray.