Session

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Monday, June 10
4:00pm - 4:45pm
Cascade

Beyond the Backlash: Addressing the Retreat of DEI in the Entertainment Industry

Monday, June 10
4:00pm - 4:45pm
Cascade

Beyond the Backlash: Addressing the Retreat of DEI in the Entertainment Industry

In 2020, many businesses expressed public statements against racism and injustice, and voiced a desire to boost support by creating DEI leadership roles in response to the movement ignited after George Floyd’s death. Cut to 2024 and we’ve witnessed the mass exodus of Black women executives from major Hollywood studios and DEI efforts in the entertainment industry are waning. Were the promises for inclusive hiring practices, diverse partnerships, and financial commitments sustainable or performative? How do we do more than increase awareness and change attitudes, but change behaviors and decision-making to improve entertainment studio bottom-lines? Hear from some of the Black women executives who led the change – their wins and losses, and why they ultimately left - and other DEI executives and practitioners who continue to champion a more inclusive culture, including increased representation in their storytellers and content at their entertainment companies.


Featuring:


Jeanell English

Founder and CEO

Elizabeth, LLC.

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Karen Horne

Founder

The Karen Horne Company

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Moderating:


Elita Fielder Adjei

Vice President, Communications, CBS Stations/Paramount

CBS

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