Cablefax The Magazine September 2023 - 9

Vicki Ariyasu
SVP, Content, Education & Inclusion
Disney Branded Television
THE WHY: During the past year, Ariyasu brought inclusive stories to families and
children, including " The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, " which won outstanding
animated series at this year's NAACP Image Awards, and " Marvel's Moon Girl
and Devil Dinosaur, " which was honored with the Critics Choice Association seal
of female empowerment in entertainment. She's also worked with the White House
on Educational Excellence for Hispanics and initiatives for native Hawaiians, Asian
Americans and Pacific Islanders.
SHE SAYS... " Kids and families have more of an opportunity to see inclusive
characters and stories on screen. They have the chance to see themselves better and positively reflected in our storytelling
and see others from diverse backgrounds. "
WHAT MOVIE OR SHOW IS A MUST-WATCH FOR CELEBRATING DIVERSITY? " American Born Chinese. "
It's an American story and an epic journey.
Wally Bakare
Regional VP, Field
Operations, Northwest
Region
Charter Communications
THE WHY: Bakare is a founding
co-chair of Charter's Spectrum Multicultural
Business Resource Group,
which he uses to extend the company's
commitment to promoting an
inclusive and empowering culture.
He's also a co-chair of the University
of California, Riverside's Beyond
Brilliant fundraising initiative, which
seeks to raise $50 million toward
broadening education access and
fostering a culturally diverse campus
community. And he founded
the Tilga Fund for the Arts-which
supports young contemporary African
artists.
HE SAYS... " One area that needs
continuous intentional focus is
disability. By really focusing on this
at Spectrum, we've been able to
enhance our products and services
from an accessibility perspective. "
CablefaxDiversity.com
Michele Barney
Co-President, Networks &
Streaming Distribution
Warner Bros. Discovery
THE WHY: Barney played a key role
in expanding the reach of discovery+
in the U.S. through launches on
Sling TV, DISH TV and DirecTV, and
she drove new business opportunities
overseeing WBD's distribution
strategy in Canada. Internally, she's
focused on building teams with rich,
cultural, ethnic, age and geographical
diversity represented in management,
sales and support levels. She
also sets a strong example for DEI
evolution as a mentor and volunteer.
SHE SAYS... " When I first started,
the focus was really just on diversity
(i.e., the number of diverse individuals).
Over the years, the focus has
shifted to include the " E " and the " I. "
PLACE I WOULD LOVE TO
RETIRE TO: Spain! I just spent two
weeks there on vacation and loved it!
Anthony Bowling
SVP, Greater Boston Region
Comcast
THE WHY: Bowling ushered in
a new DEI Council to help grow
awareness and educate the greater
Boston area of the importance
of giving everyone a seat at the
table. He's the company's Northeast
Division's Executive Advisor
to its ERG which supports veteran
employees and their spouses, active-duty
members, National Guard
and Reserve through volunteering,
advocacy and career development
programs.
HE SAYS... " For me, it comes
down to empowerment and providing
employees with the opportunity
to bring their true selves to work. "
HOW HAVE ATTITUDES
ABOUT DEI CHANGED
SINCE YOU BEGAN YOUR
CAREER? We continue our focus
on hiring, development and advancement
strategies to ensure
equitable practices.
September 2023
9

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Cablefax The Magazine September 2023

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