HITS

A dynamic lineup of presentations and discussions awaits attendees of the Nov. 3 Women in Technology Hollywood’s (WiTH) SoCal Women’s Leadership Summit, being held at Nya Studios in Los Angeles.

The full-day event, themed “Us, Our Org, Our Community,” is presented by Qvest with sponsorship by Amazon Studios Technology, Fortinet, UST, Perception Grid and Softtek, and will take place in the heart of Hollywood. The summit will be held both in-person in Los Angeles and virtually via Zoom. The event is being held in conjunction with the Infinity Festival.

Attendees can expect engaging sessions such as “STEM in Media,” “Courageous Leadership,” and “Ethical AI.” Last year’s in-person edition of the summit attracted over 250 attendees, with more than 70 percent representing the media, entertainment, and tech-adjacent industries.

Here’s a look at what’s on the agenda:

• Following welcome remarks by Christina Aguilera, president of the WiTH Foundation, and Vanessa Fiola, VP of Qvest, the event opens with a look at the 2023 Leadership Awards nominees. This session looks at this year’s award nominees along with previous year’s winners.
These individuals not only excel in their professional roles but also embody WiTH’s principles through their work, community engagement, mentoring, and networking. Past recipients of the award include industry luminaries like Nancy Faginas-Cody, Cristina Mancini-Jones, and Theresa Miller.

• Madeline Di Nonno, president and CEO of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, presents the opening keynote “STEM in Media.” As we embark on the day’s transformative journey, Di Nonno will delve into groundbreaking studies and research that shed light on the captivating world of STEM in media and the critical pursuit of closing the STEM gender gap. In a world where media influences perceptions and aspirations, it has become critical to comprehend the current state of women’s portrayal in STEM. Di Nonno will explore how women are currently depicted and their impact on society’s collective mindset. Through compelling examples and eye-opening statistics, she will unveil the trends that shape our perceptions of gender roles, opportunities, and ambitions.

• The panel “Lasting Impact: Empowering the WiTH Community” will feature five individual stories that detail the impact that WiTH has in local communities, personal stories and journeys from the women who have been directly impacted by community engagement efforts over the years. Attendees will also hear what these WiTH supported nonprofits do with their members and for their broader community.

• “Responsible Leadership in the Age of AI” features AI visionaries and practitioners from media and entertainment who will provide a practical introduction to the key leadership issues on AI ethics, including what are the most important steps to take right now to achieve maximum benefits from AI responsibly; what must an organization consider in how it applies AI to avoid ethical pitfalls, and what are those pitfalls; how can AI align with or even enhance DEI goals; and how can we move past fear to create new opportunities in AI where everyone wins?

• The panel “The Power of Feedback” will be designed to empower attendees to be a feedback advocate through an engaging, honest discussion with two female executives. Research shows that women are 20 percent less likely to receive actionable feedback that can contribute to their performance and growth at work. This fireside chat explores the power of feedback and how we can create space to give and receive meaningful, actionable feedback at work.

• The panel “Be Real: Authentic Leadership” will delve deep into the heart of authenticity and empowerment within the tech industry. Our panel of industry experts and leaders will share their personal journeys, insights, and experiences on how to be your authentic self while thriving in the world of technology. Discover how WiTH cultivates a community of authentic, bold women who are shaping the future of tech. Learn from our stories, challenges, and successes, and be inspired to embrace your unique journey with confidence and genuine leadership.

• The afternoon keynote “Elevate your Leadership with Courage and Conviction” will be presented by Kelly Hamilton, CIO of Sony Pictures Entertainment. With a proven track record of leadership in the tech and entertainment industry, Kelly will inspire and empower you to step into your full potential as a leader. Learn how courage and conviction can drive innovation, break down barriers, and shatter glass ceilings. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to gain valuable insights and strategies from one of the industry’s most respected leaders.

• “Leading Effectively Through Changing Times” will be an insightful panel discussion featuring accomplished past recipients of the Women in Technology: Hollywood Foundation Leadership Award. These distinguished women have thrived in the dynamic landscape of the entertainment and technology industry, demonstrating exemplary leadership during times of transformation and uncertainty. Gain valuable insights as they share their experiences, strategies, and visions for adapting and excelling in a rapidly evolving world, offering inspiration and guidance for future leaders in the field. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with these trailblazers and be part of a discussion that promises to empower and inspire.

• The closing keynote of the day — “Legacy of Leadership: Empowering Women in Entertainment and Technology” — comes from Cass Warner, president of Warner Sisters Studios. Discover the captivating journey of our keynote, an accomplished author, screenwriter, and visionary filmmaker, as she takes the stage for an intimate fireside chat. As the granddaughter of Harry Warner, co-founder of Warner Bros., Cass’s insights will illuminate the Warner family’s profound impact on the entertainment industry. Our conversation with Cass Warner will allow us to explore innovation, ethical leadership, and women’s empowerment through the lens of a family legacy that epitomizes “Educate, Entertain, and Enlighten.”

• And to close the stage, from 3:45-5 p.m., the Leadership Awards program will be held, featuring past winners, new winners, and message that support the goals of the WiTH Foundation.

WiTH, founded in 2014, plays a pivotal role in advancing women in entertainment technology. The WiTH Steering Committee, responsible for selecting Leadership Awards winners, comprises representatives from prominent organizations such as Amazon Studios, Microsoft, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, Paramount, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and The Walt Disney Company.

To register for the event click here.