WICT Speed Networking - March 27, 2008

On the evening of March 27th, the chapter hosted a speed networking session with
local cable industry executives. Taking place at the offices of National Geographic
Channel in Washington, more than 80 attendees got the chance to speak with and
learn from eight senior executives.

Discovery & WICT DC/BALT Host Networking Event at 1DP

On March 17, over 100 Discovery employees gathered at One Discovery Place to learn more about Women in Cable & Telecommunications from Discovery and WICT leaders. Men and women from across the company mingled during the wine and cheese reception before turning their attention to the esteemed panel.

Elizabeth Hillman, SVP of Communications for Discovery Channel and Communications Chair for the Washington/Baltiomore WICT Chapter, kicked things off welcoming the diverse crowd. Hillman has been a WICT member for 12 years, finding great value in the mentoring, networking and development opportunities.

Discovery HR leader Adria Alpert-Romm followed highlighting the fact that 58% of Discovery's workforce is comprised of women (well above the industry's 35.8% average), with many in leadership roles. "Discovery is a fabulous place for women, to grow our careers," she continued. Alpert-Romm also encouraged employees to consider what they can do for WICT and what it could do for them. Human Resources is currently looking at sponsored membership opportunities for Discovery

employees, with information to be made available at a later date.

The audience gave a wonderful welcome to WICT President & CEO Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, who emphasized the organization's commitment to develop women of all levels and to work with companies like Discovery to ensure individual and group successes. Women in Cable & Telecommunications was founded in 1979 and is the oldest and largest organization serving women professionals in the industry. Membership has skyrocketed in the last year, growing 23% to over 7,000 in the last year. Mosley, a 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist, highlighted the various programs and opportunities that WICT offers and encouraged men and women to visit www.wict.org to learn more about membership and achieving "gold medals" in their own lives.

Jennifer Dangar, SVP of Domestic Distribution at Discovery and a National WICT Chair, added that she looks forward to "keeping the momentum going and complementing all the great things Discovery does for women." An 18-year member, Dangar credits the organization with expanding her horizons. Domestic Distribution Divisional Marketing Officer Lori McFarling continued by recounting the benefits she has found through WICT participation, calling it "an investment in yourself." Before the reception resumed, VP of Diversity, Debbie Smith Rayford emphasized the role that Discovery's Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play — including the Women's Leadership Network (formerly the Women's Leadership Group). WLN Co-Chair Mara Cummings also encouraged employees to send an email and join the group as it evolves as a thriving, active community that hopes to set the standard for other ERGs.

Guests put off their St. Patrick's Day celebrations a bit longer to mingle with the panelists and colleagues, gathering information on WICT as they left. If you missed the event, explore the links below for more on just a few of the ways you can enhance your professional development through WICT and Discovery.

Touchstones of Leadership Awards Luncheon - June 5, 2006

WICT Wine & Wednesdays - March 2006

2006 Chapter
Leadership Conference