EMMA L. BOWEN FOUNDATION 2008 SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS
EIGHTY-THREE NEW STUDENTS JOIN THE FOUNDATION IN 2008
-Twenty-five of the Foundation's corporate partners selected 83 new students from across the country to participate in the Foundation's multi-year work/study program. Our newest scholars where selected from more than one thousand applicants and join over 200 other students currently participating in the program. Students work each summer at broadcast stations, cable systems, cable program networks, public broadcast stations, advertising firms, and other industry organizations.
SPANISH LANGUAGE PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT CREATED BY FOX TELEVISION 30-second Spanish language PSA was developed by WNYW-Fox New York to assist the Foundation with its recruiting efforts. Broadcast stations, cable systems and cable programmers ran both the English and Spanish PSA's in specific markets where the Foundation was recruiting this spring. The Foundation will continue using the PSA's to help with our recruiting efforts and to raise awareness about our program and the opportunities it provides for our students and graduates.
-Twenty-five of the Foundation's corporate partners selected 83 new students from across the country to participate in the Foundation's multi-year work/study program. Our newest scholars where selected from more than one thousand applicants and join over 200 other students currently participating in the program. Students work each summer at broadcast stations, cable systems, cable program networks, public broadcast stations, advertising firms, and other industry organizations.
SPANISH LANGUAGE PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT CREATED BY FOX TELEVISION 30-second Spanish language PSA was developed by WNYW-Fox New York to assist the Foundation with its recruiting efforts. Broadcast stations, cable systems and cable programmers ran both the English and Spanish PSA's in specific markets where the Foundation was recruiting this spring. The Foundation will continue using the PSA's to help with our recruiting efforts and to raise awareness about our program and the opportunities it provides for our students and graduates.
SUMMER CONFERENCE 2008
New York City was again the site for the Emma Bowen Foundation's annual conference on June 18-21, 2008. More than 200 students attended this year's conference from around the country. Included on the agenda of the 2-1/2 day conference was a session covering the issues and impact of the recent Writers' Guild strike. The discussion was lead by Day Krolik, Senior Vice President of Labor Relations and Employment Contracts for NBC Universal. Our annual graduate panel, a favorite with the students, featured Kameko Jones, Associate Producer at NBC News, Christine Portela, Associate Producer with WTVJ-NBC Miami and Mike Robles, HR Info Systems Analyst with Insight Communications.
Ron Claiborne, News Anchor for ABC's Good Morning America Weekend Edition was the keynote speaker for the Foundation's annual Board / Student Luncheon.
New York City was again the site for the Emma Bowen Foundation's annual conference on June 18-21, 2008. More than 200 students attended this year's conference from around the country. Included on the agenda of the 2-1/2 day conference was a session covering the issues and impact of the recent Writers' Guild strike. The discussion was lead by Day Krolik, Senior Vice President of Labor Relations and Employment Contracts for NBC Universal. Our annual graduate panel, a favorite with the students, featured Kameko Jones, Associate Producer at NBC News, Christine Portela, Associate Producer with WTVJ-NBC Miami and Mike Robles, HR Info Systems Analyst with Insight Communications.
Ron Claiborne, News Anchor for ABC's Good Morning America Weekend Edition was the keynote speaker for the Foundation's annual Board / Student Luncheon.
"Politics and the Media" was the topic of our Thursday afternoon panel. Dari Alexander, News Anchor for the WYYW-Fox 5 at 6 p.m., Ron Allen of NBC News, and Steve Scully, Sr. Executive Producer and Political Editor
for C-SPAN discussed the upcoming Presidential Election and the media's impact on that process.
for C-SPAN discussed the upcoming Presidential Election and the media's impact on that process.
Time Warner, Inc. hosted our "corporate day" during the conference. Issues such as financial, digital, multi-cultural and global strategies, corporate culture and branding,
and helpful information on the transition from "backpack to briefcase" were discussed by Time Warner executives including Richard Plepler, co-President of HBO, Sanjay Prasad, Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions, Time Warner, Alina Cho and Lola Ogunnaike of CNN, actor, Isiah Whitlock of 'the Wire,' Dan Riess, VP Marketing for Turner Broadcasting, Oliva Smashum, EVP of Affiliate Marketing for HBO, and Peter Stern, Chief Strategy Officer for Time Warner Cable, Shelley Fischel, VP HR for HBO, Kerry Davis, SVP for Programming at HBO, Jamal Dawkins, Sr. Counsel, Labor, Time Warner Cable and Christine Lew, Manager Network Strategy at Turner. The day's agenda was developed by a team from Time Warner headed by Seth Feit, Vice President of Talent Acquisition for Time Warner Cable and a member of the Foundation Board of Directors.
and helpful information on the transition from "backpack to briefcase" were discussed by Time Warner executives including Richard Plepler, co-President of HBO, Sanjay Prasad, Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions, Time Warner, Alina Cho and Lola Ogunnaike of CNN, actor, Isiah Whitlock of 'the Wire,' Dan Riess, VP Marketing for Turner Broadcasting, Oliva Smashum, EVP of Affiliate Marketing for HBO, and Peter Stern, Chief Strategy Officer for Time Warner Cable, Shelley Fischel, VP HR for HBO, Kerry Davis, SVP for Programming at HBO, Jamal Dawkins, Sr. Counsel, Labor, Time Warner Cable and Christine Lew, Manager Network Strategy at Turner. The day's agenda was developed by a team from Time Warner headed by Seth Feit, Vice President of Talent Acquisition for Time Warner Cable and a member of the Foundation Board of Directors.
A professional development session on "Managing Your Performance" was conducted on the last day of the conference. The workshop was facilitated by Wris' Booker of Reid Dugger Consulting Group with the help of Bob Apter, ABC (retired) and a Foundation board member, Terri Moore of Time Warner Cable and Eldra Gillman of CBS.
Other conference events included an orientation for students attending the conference for the first time, a reception hosted by Time Warner for all students working at Time Warner businesses, a Link orientation for those students participating in the 2008 Link Mentoring Initiative, a dinner honoring the Class of 2008 with special guest, Rudy Brioche, Legal Advisor for Media Issues for FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, and our annual conference party held at the Paley Media Center.
Other conference events included an orientation for students attending the conference for the first time, a reception hosted by Time Warner for all students working at Time Warner businesses, a Link orientation for those students participating in the 2008 Link Mentoring Initiative, a dinner honoring the Class of 2008 with special guest, Rudy Brioche, Legal Advisor for Media Issues for FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, and our annual conference party held at the Paley Media Center.
MILLENNIALS' PERSPECTIVES IN A DIGITAL AGE
Foundation students Peter Martinez (KCET), Giovani Benitez (CBS), Michelle Redberg (CBS), Britney Empty (Comcast), James Presha (Turner) and Rebecca Wangard (Time Warner Cable) offered their perspectives on the digital age to the Foundation's Board of Directors during the Board's June board meeting. Students discussed their television viewing habits, use of the Internet, and technology in general. It was an excellent opportunity for the board to ask questions of the students and for the students to interact with the board.
Foundation students Peter Martinez (KCET), Giovani Benitez (CBS), Michelle Redberg (CBS), Britney Empty (Comcast), James Presha (Turner) and Rebecca Wangard (Time Warner Cable) offered their perspectives on the digital age to the Foundation's Board of Directors during the Board's June board meeting. Students discussed their television viewing habits, use of the Internet, and technology in general. It was an excellent opportunity for the board to ask questions of the students and for the students to interact with the board.
CLASS OF 2008
- We are pleased to report that many of our seniors have already secured full-time positions in the media. Included are: Giovani Benitez, investigative producer, WFOR-CBS Miami; Gabriela Bird, producer, Emerging Media, Comcast; Stephanie Carter, British Sky Broadcasting in London; Mesfin Fekadu, Production Coordinator, Entertainment News, Associated Press; Tiana Garcia, production assistant, ESPN; Peter Martinez, Desk Assistant, ABC News; Laila Silva, Creative Services Specialist, Advertising Sales, Bright House Networks; Dillon Stevenson, technical operator, NY1, Time Warner Cable, Freddy Sessoms, business services representative, Time Warner Cable; Jackie Burgos and Jeanine Mendez, GE's (NBC Universal) two-year financial management program; Glen Thompson, Digital Service Representative, Ad Sales, Turner Broadcasting ; Debbie Origho, CNN.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS - We especially want to acknowledge the Walter Kaitz Foundation for their ongoing commitment to the Foundation and sponsorship of the 2008 Summer Conference; they have been the major sponsor of the Conference since 2004. In addition, the following companies, organizations and individuals helped in a variety of ways to make this conference possible: The Association of Cable Communicators (for their tenth year of contributions from the proceeds of ACC's annual Silent Auction), the Bresnan Family Foundation, the Motorola Foundation, Fordham University, Dr. Phil Napoli, Seth Feit and his team from Time Warner, and all our Conference speakers. The following companies also donated gift items for our students: Arbitron, Bright House Networks, Cartoon Network, CBS, Charter Communications, CNN, Cox Communications, Hallmark Channel, HBO, HGTV, ION Media Networks, NBC Universal, Procter and Gamble Productions, TBS, Time Warner Cable, Travel Channel, Turner Broadcasting and TVB.
- We are pleased to report that many of our seniors have already secured full-time positions in the media. Included are: Giovani Benitez, investigative producer, WFOR-CBS Miami; Gabriela Bird, producer, Emerging Media, Comcast; Stephanie Carter, British Sky Broadcasting in London; Mesfin Fekadu, Production Coordinator, Entertainment News, Associated Press; Tiana Garcia, production assistant, ESPN; Peter Martinez, Desk Assistant, ABC News; Laila Silva, Creative Services Specialist, Advertising Sales, Bright House Networks; Dillon Stevenson, technical operator, NY1, Time Warner Cable, Freddy Sessoms, business services representative, Time Warner Cable; Jackie Burgos and Jeanine Mendez, GE's (NBC Universal) two-year financial management program; Glen Thompson, Digital Service Representative, Ad Sales, Turner Broadcasting ; Debbie Origho, CNN.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS - We especially want to acknowledge the Walter Kaitz Foundation for their ongoing commitment to the Foundation and sponsorship of the 2008 Summer Conference; they have been the major sponsor of the Conference since 2004. In addition, the following companies, organizations and individuals helped in a variety of ways to make this conference possible: The Association of Cable Communicators (for their tenth year of contributions from the proceeds of ACC's annual Silent Auction), the Bresnan Family Foundation, the Motorola Foundation, Fordham University, Dr. Phil Napoli, Seth Feit and his team from Time Warner, and all our Conference speakers. The following companies also donated gift items for our students: Arbitron, Bright House Networks, Cartoon Network, CBS, Charter Communications, CNN, Cox Communications, Hallmark Channel, HBO, HGTV, ION Media Networks, NBC Universal, Procter and Gamble Productions, TBS, Time Warner Cable, Travel Channel, Turner Broadcasting and TVB.
2008 STUDENTS OF THE YEAR HONORED
- Giovani Benitez and Stephanie Carter were named the co-recipients of the Emma L. Bowen Foundation's 2008 Student of the Year Award at the annual Board of Directors/Student Luncheon held in conjunction with the annual Summer Conference in New York City. The award recognizes the achievements of an outstanding male and female senior and serves as an incentive to other Foundation students to continue to strive for excellence.
Criteria for the award include: outstanding work quality; noteworthy professional and personal growth and integrity; academic excellence; creativity and initiative; and special contributions to his/her company, college and/or community. Giovani is a graduate of Florida International University where he earned degrees in Sociology and Anthropology. His corporate sponsor was CBS-WFOR in Miami, FL. Giovani continues to work at WFOR as an investigative producer. Giovani was the recipient of an Emmy for his work on a 17-part series called
"The Forgotten Floor."
Giovanni was recently elected to the Board of Governors of the Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy for Television Arts and Sciences. Stephanie Carter is a graduate of the University of Utah where she earned a degree in Communications. Her corporate sponsor was KSPU-Fox 13 in Salt Lake City. Stephanie will be working for British Sky Broadcasting in London. Twenty-six students were nominated by their corporate partners for the Award. A special thanks to Henry Rivera, Esq. of Wiley Rein, Reginald Ragland of the DC Chapter of the Journalism Education Association and Parthavi Das of Women in Cable Telecommunications for serving as our 2008 judges.
- Giovani Benitez and Stephanie Carter were named the co-recipients of the Emma L. Bowen Foundation's 2008 Student of the Year Award at the annual Board of Directors/Student Luncheon held in conjunction with the annual Summer Conference in New York City. The award recognizes the achievements of an outstanding male and female senior and serves as an incentive to other Foundation students to continue to strive for excellence.
Criteria for the award include: outstanding work quality; noteworthy professional and personal growth and integrity; academic excellence; creativity and initiative; and special contributions to his/her company, college and/or community. Giovani is a graduate of Florida International University where he earned degrees in Sociology and Anthropology. His corporate sponsor was CBS-WFOR in Miami, FL. Giovani continues to work at WFOR as an investigative producer. Giovani was the recipient of an Emmy for his work on a 17-part series called
"The Forgotten Floor."
Giovanni was recently elected to the Board of Governors of the Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy for Television Arts and Sciences. Stephanie Carter is a graduate of the University of Utah where she earned a degree in Communications. Her corporate sponsor was KSPU-Fox 13 in Salt Lake City. Stephanie will be working for British Sky Broadcasting in London. Twenty-six students were nominated by their corporate partners for the Award. A special thanks to Henry Rivera, Esq. of Wiley Rein, Reginald Ragland of the DC Chapter of the Journalism Education Association and Parthavi Das of Women in Cable Telecommunications for serving as our 2008 judges.
ACADEMIC AWARDS PRESENTED
- 39 students were presented with the Foundation's top academic award for earning a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher during the 2007-2008 school year. There was a 25% increase in award recipients over the previous year. Each award winner received a certificate and a cash award during the Foundation's Awards Luncheon. Following is a list of the award recipients:
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Lindsey Alston, Emerson College, Time Warner Tiffany Bain, Florida A&M University, Comcast Nicole Barden, Spelman College,Comcast Candace Barnes, Montclair State University, Comcast Tiffany Blevins, Univ. of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, Fox Matthew Braham, Georgia State University, Comcast Ashley Brown, Evangel University, Media General Re-Essa Buckels, St. Xavier University, Charter Javier Burgos, MIT, Nielsen Michele Byrd, Hampton University, Turner Zyanya Chan, Barnard College, TVB Stephanie Claytor, Syracuse University, Fox Adrianne Cordero, New York University, Comcast Samantha Ealy, Howard University,Comcast Joseph Flowers, Univ. of MD , CPB Alejandro Fonseca, Miami Dade College,NBC Patricia Gamus, Cal State Long Beach, ABC Rhana Gittens, University of Florida, Comcast Shardae Givan, Univ.of AL, Media General Amirah Heath, Penn State, Comcast |
Lauren Jackson, Hampton University, NABEF Adrienne Lucas, University of Pittsburgh, Fox Brittany Moncrease, Howard University,Comcast Dorea Novaez, Rice University, Tribune Success Okoronkwo Towson University, C-SPAN Maria Pacheco, Purdue University, Comcast Kimberly Quan, UC-Berkeley, Comcast Michelle Redberg, University of Minnesota, CBS Christopher Robinson, George Mason University,Fox Monique Robinson, Rutgers University, NBC Universal Raquel Rodriguez, University of Central Florida, Fox Sofia Sheth, New York University, NBC Universal Savannah Squires, Lee University, Scripps Networks Vanessa Velez, Iona College, Comcast Jane Walton, Bennett College, Cox Alexandra West, University of MN-Twin Cities, Comcast Jessica Wright, St. Augustine's College, Comcast Jane Wu, Carnegie Mellon University, Comcast Ian Yue, Wheaton College, CPB |
KATHY SHEPHERD COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS NAMED
- The Kathy Shepherd Community Service Award was created to encourage student involvement in community service activities and recognize those who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of others. In 2008, the Foundation recognized Erica Edwards (WNYC) and Stephani Ruiz (Time Warner Cable). Erica worked with the Organization of the United Black Family to help feed the homeless in Brooklyn and Harlem at Thanksgiving. Stephani's sorority, Lambda Theta Nu, sponsors a variety of programs to promote leadership, education and community awareness in the Latino community. Each organization will receive a $500 contribution on behalf of Erica and Stephanie. Kathy Shepherd was Vice President of Production and Community Affairs at WPIX in New York and a member of the Foundation's Board of Directors until her untimely death in 2001. This award was created to honor her commitment to community service.
- The Kathy Shepherd Community Service Award was created to encourage student involvement in community service activities and recognize those who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of others. In 2008, the Foundation recognized Erica Edwards (WNYC) and Stephani Ruiz (Time Warner Cable). Erica worked with the Organization of the United Black Family to help feed the homeless in Brooklyn and Harlem at Thanksgiving. Stephani's sorority, Lambda Theta Nu, sponsors a variety of programs to promote leadership, education and community awareness in the Latino community. Each organization will receive a $500 contribution on behalf of Erica and Stephanie. Kathy Shepherd was Vice President of Production and Community Affairs at WPIX in New York and a member of the Foundation's Board of Directors until her untimely death in 2001. This award was created to honor her commitment to community service.
CO-FOUNDER OF THE EMMA L. BOWEN FOUNDATION HONORED - Dr. Everett C. Parker
was honored at this year's Summer Conference. In addition to helping him celebrate his 95th year, a video highlighting Dr. Parker's contributions to the civil rights movement and diversity in the media industry was produced by Melvin McCray of ABC News. ABC Correspondent Deborah Roberts and a group of Foundation students and graduates interviewed Dr. Parker for the video about his life. A clip of the video was shown at the 2008 Board / Student Luncheon and the full video was shown at a conference event at the Paley Media Center.
Mr. McCray introduced the video to the students.
Everett C. Parker served as director of the Office of Communication of the United Church of Christ from 1954 until 1983. He is better known, however, for two other contributions: his leadership in the development of an influential media reform and citizen action movement in broadcasting; and his activism directed at improved broadcast employment prospects for women and minorities. Dr. Parker worked with Emma Bowen to form the Foundation for Minority Interests in Media (which was later renamed for Emma Bowen after her death in 1996). Dr. Parker continues to serve as an officer and member of the Board of Directors of the Emma Bowen Foundation as well as the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council.
was honored at this year's Summer Conference. In addition to helping him celebrate his 95th year, a video highlighting Dr. Parker's contributions to the civil rights movement and diversity in the media industry was produced by Melvin McCray of ABC News. ABC Correspondent Deborah Roberts and a group of Foundation students and graduates interviewed Dr. Parker for the video about his life. A clip of the video was shown at the 2008 Board / Student Luncheon and the full video was shown at a conference event at the Paley Media Center.
Mr. McCray introduced the video to the students.
Everett C. Parker served as director of the Office of Communication of the United Church of Christ from 1954 until 1983. He is better known, however, for two other contributions: his leadership in the development of an influential media reform and citizen action movement in broadcasting; and his activism directed at improved broadcast employment prospects for women and minorities. Dr. Parker worked with Emma Bowen to form the Foundation for Minority Interests in Media (which was later renamed for Emma Bowen after her death in 1996). Dr. Parker continues to serve as an officer and member of the Board of Directors of the Emma Bowen Foundation as well as the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council.
2008 ILINK MENTORING PROGRAM
- For the sixth consecutive year, the Walter Kaitz Foundation funded our Link Mentoring Program.
In 2008, we conducted four workshops in New York and Washington, DC for nearly 100 mentees.
Each Link Intensive workshop is a 2-day professional development session that brings together industry executives with Foundation students to introduce such concepts as diverse work styles (utilizing the DiSC assessment tool), group dynamics, unspoken corporate rules, managing up, leadership when you are not in charge, and the challenges of professionals of color in the workplace.
Guided by a professional facilitator, Wris' Booker of Reid Dugger Consulting Group, mentors work with teams of 3-5 students to answer their questions and concentrate on strategies that build strong careers.
- For the sixth consecutive year, the Walter Kaitz Foundation funded our Link Mentoring Program.
In 2008, we conducted four workshops in New York and Washington, DC for nearly 100 mentees.
Each Link Intensive workshop is a 2-day professional development session that brings together industry executives with Foundation students to introduce such concepts as diverse work styles (utilizing the DiSC assessment tool), group dynamics, unspoken corporate rules, managing up, leadership when you are not in charge, and the challenges of professionals of color in the workplace.
Guided by a professional facilitator, Wris' Booker of Reid Dugger Consulting Group, mentors work with teams of 3-5 students to answer their questions and concentrate on strategies that build strong careers.
EMMA BOWEN FOUNDATION STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD ELECTS NEW REPRESENTATIVES
- The Foundation established a Student Advisory Board in 2007 to better serve the students and insure that the programs developed by the Foundation for students remain relevant both in topics and technology. The Advisory Board was instrumental in developing the 2008 Conference agenda. Each class elects two representatives for a two-year term. The 2008-2009 Advisory Board includes:
Class of 2009 - Rebecca Wangard (Time Warner) and James Presha (Turner)
Class of 2010 - Arnell Davis (Arbitron) and Kenneth Wright (Comcast)
Class of 2011 - Taylor Tomczyszyn (C-SPAN) and Steven Martinez (Katz Media)
Class of 2012 - Shauna Bennett (CBS) and Jasmine Rushum (Comcast)
The Advisory Board will be actively involved in helping to develop the Foundation's 20th Anniversary year activities.
Class of 2009 - Rebecca Wangard (Time Warner) and James Presha (Turner)
Class of 2010 - Arnell Davis (Arbitron) and Kenneth Wright (Comcast)
Class of 2011 - Taylor Tomczyszyn (C-SPAN) and Steven Martinez (Katz Media)
Class of 2012 - Shauna Bennett (CBS) and Jasmine Rushum (Comcast)
The Advisory Board will be actively involved in helping to develop the Foundation's 20th Anniversary year activities.
FOUNDATION GRADUATE HELPS TO CREATE NEW NAMIC CHAPTER AT DEPAUL UNIVERSITY
- Michael Alvarez, a 2008 graduate of DePaul University and the Foundation's work/study program, was instrumental in establishing a NAMIC (National Association of Multi-ethnicity in Communications) chapter at DePaul. Michael worked closely with Kathy Johnson, NAMIC's national president, as well as DePaul faculty to make this a reality. The chapter was launched in April, 2008 and Tiffany Saxon-Davis will serve as the first DePaul chapter president. Both Michael and Tiffany attended NAMIC Leadership Conference in Miami in May, 2008. Currently, DePaul's chapter is the only university-based chapter of NAMIC. Michael's Foundation corporate sponsor was CBS.
- Michael Alvarez, a 2008 graduate of DePaul University and the Foundation's work/study program, was instrumental in establishing a NAMIC (National Association of Multi-ethnicity in Communications) chapter at DePaul. Michael worked closely with Kathy Johnson, NAMIC's national president, as well as DePaul faculty to make this a reality. The chapter was launched in April, 2008 and Tiffany Saxon-Davis will serve as the first DePaul chapter president. Both Michael and Tiffany attended NAMIC Leadership Conference in Miami in May, 2008. Currently, DePaul's chapter is the only university-based chapter of NAMIC. Michael's Foundation corporate sponsor was CBS.
EMMA BOWEN FOUNDATION STUDENTS HEAD TO BEIJING FOR THE OLYMPICS
- Five Emma Bowen Foundation students were selected by NBC Universal for a unique opportunity to work at the Beijing Olympics during the month of August. Denise Horn, Joseph Sutton, Michelle Jackson, Jenna Hanchard and Michael Benjamin were the lucky selectees. Watch for an upcoming report on their experiences.
OTHER FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES
TVB MARKETING CONFERENCE - For the sixth year, the Foundation was invited to participate in the Television Bureau of Advertising's Annual Marketing Conference in New York City. Students and graduates attending the conference had the opportunity to meet executives in television broadcasting and learn about the latest research and trends.
- Five Emma Bowen Foundation students were selected by NBC Universal for a unique opportunity to work at the Beijing Olympics during the month of August. Denise Horn, Joseph Sutton, Michelle Jackson, Jenna Hanchard and Michael Benjamin were the lucky selectees. Watch for an upcoming report on their experiences.
OTHER FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES
TVB MARKETING CONFERENCE - For the sixth year, the Foundation was invited to participate in the Television Bureau of Advertising's Annual Marketing Conference in New York City. Students and graduates attending the conference had the opportunity to meet executives in television broadcasting and learn about the latest research and trends.
ASSOCIATION OF CABLE COMMUNICATORS LAUNCHED ANNUAL FORUM WITH SILENT AUCTION TO BENEFIT THE EMMA BOWEN FOUNDATION
- For the tenth consecutive year, the ACC (formerly the Cable Television Public Affairs Association) sponsored a Silent Auction to benefit the Emma Bowen Foundation. Foundation student, Denise Horn, had the opportunity to attend the Auction and meet members of the ACC. Nickelodeon hosted the Auction reception.
FOUNDATION STUDENTS PURCHASE BOOKS FOR NEW ORLEANS STUDENTS - Through a joint effort of professional organizations within the cable television industry, a book drive to restore school libraries and classroom books in New Orleans' schools was launched in conjunction with the 2008 National Cable Show in New Orleans in April. Foundation students and the Emma Bowen Foundation contributed $2,500 to purchase schoolbooks for their fellow students in New Orleans. The total industry effort raised nearly $30,000 for schools books.
FOUNDATION STUDENTS ATTEND MSNBC'S MEETING DAVID WILSON PREMIER AND TOWN HALL MEETING AT HOWARD UNIVERSI
UNIVERSITY. - Foundation students at Howard University were invited to attend MSNBC's premier screening of "Meeting David Wilson" and the town hall meeting with Brian Williams that followed on April 11th at the Howard University campus.
(Meeting David Wilson is a feature length documentary about the enduring legacy of slavery in today's young black society. David Wilson, a 28-year-old African-American journalist, journeys into his family's past to find answers to America's racial divide. Along the way he meets another David Wilson, the descendant of his family's slave master. This discovery leads to a momentous encounter between these two men of the same name but whose ancestors were on the opposite sides of freedom. - MSNBC.)
- For the tenth consecutive year, the ACC (formerly the Cable Television Public Affairs Association) sponsored a Silent Auction to benefit the Emma Bowen Foundation. Foundation student, Denise Horn, had the opportunity to attend the Auction and meet members of the ACC. Nickelodeon hosted the Auction reception.
FOUNDATION STUDENTS PURCHASE BOOKS FOR NEW ORLEANS STUDENTS - Through a joint effort of professional organizations within the cable television industry, a book drive to restore school libraries and classroom books in New Orleans' schools was launched in conjunction with the 2008 National Cable Show in New Orleans in April. Foundation students and the Emma Bowen Foundation contributed $2,500 to purchase schoolbooks for their fellow students in New Orleans. The total industry effort raised nearly $30,000 for schools books.
FOUNDATION STUDENTS ATTEND MSNBC'S MEETING DAVID WILSON PREMIER AND TOWN HALL MEETING AT HOWARD UNIVERSI
UNIVERSITY. - Foundation students at Howard University were invited to attend MSNBC's premier screening of "Meeting David Wilson" and the town hall meeting with Brian Williams that followed on April 11th at the Howard University campus.
(Meeting David Wilson is a feature length documentary about the enduring legacy of slavery in today's young black society. David Wilson, a 28-year-old African-American journalist, journeys into his family's past to find answers to America's racial divide. Along the way he meets another David Wilson, the descendant of his family's slave master. This discovery leads to a momentous encounter between these two men of the same name but whose ancestors were on the opposite sides of freedom. - MSNBC.)
AMERICAN WOMEN IN RADIO AND TELEVISION'S GRACIES
- Seven Foundation students had the opportunity to participate in the American Women in Radio and Television's (AWRT) Gracie Allen Awards Gala at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on May 28, 2008. Erica Edwards (CPB), Erin Johnson (Hallmark), Tiffany Lee (The Weather Channel), Steven Martinez (Katz Media), Karina Roa (CBS), Raven Suttles (Court TV), and Kellee Blades (ABC) directed guests on the 'red carpet,' assisted backstage and distributed Awards. It was a star-studded evening all around!
FOUNDATION STUDENTS ATTEND NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK-OWNED BROADCASTERS EVENT
- Foundation students Aaron Sinclair and Pierre Roache were guests of Arbitron at NABOB's 24th Annual Communications Awards Dinner on March 5, 2008 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. Marilou Legge, a Foundation board member representing Arbitron hosted the students and Foundation president, Phylis Eagle-Oldson.
EMMA BOWEN FOUNDATION STUDENT INCLUDED AMONG WINNERS OF NAMIC'S EXCELLENCE IN MULTI-CULTURAL MARKETING AWARDS (EMMA) - The National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications sponsors a multi-cultural marketing competition each year for cable operators and program networks. The competition is comprised of a case studies element and a marketing tactics element. Stephanie Jane Martin, a Foundation student working with Comcast in San Ramon, CA was named among the Comcast team winners for a direct mail piece, a table tent piece, and a custom CD focused on Filipino viewers and a preview piece focused on South Asian viewers. Our congratulations to Stephanie Jane and our thanks to Comcast for providing this wonderful opportunity for Stephanie.
TV-ONE STUDENT ATTENDS DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
- Victoria Fortune, an Emma Bowen Foundation student sponsored by the Walter Kaitz Foundation and TV-One, attended the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver with the TV-One crew. 'For a minute I had to pinch myself and remember that some odd years ago African Americans couldn't dare dream of climbing such heights. An African American network, airing the Democratic Convention consisting of the first African American Democratic Candidate and first lady, is nothing less then an accomplishment.' TV-One carried the proceedings live from 8 to 11 each evening during the convention.
- Seven Foundation students had the opportunity to participate in the American Women in Radio and Television's (AWRT) Gracie Allen Awards Gala at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on May 28, 2008. Erica Edwards (CPB), Erin Johnson (Hallmark), Tiffany Lee (The Weather Channel), Steven Martinez (Katz Media), Karina Roa (CBS), Raven Suttles (Court TV), and Kellee Blades (ABC) directed guests on the 'red carpet,' assisted backstage and distributed Awards. It was a star-studded evening all around!
FOUNDATION STUDENTS ATTEND NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK-OWNED BROADCASTERS EVENT
- Foundation students Aaron Sinclair and Pierre Roache were guests of Arbitron at NABOB's 24th Annual Communications Awards Dinner on March 5, 2008 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. Marilou Legge, a Foundation board member representing Arbitron hosted the students and Foundation president, Phylis Eagle-Oldson.
EMMA BOWEN FOUNDATION STUDENT INCLUDED AMONG WINNERS OF NAMIC'S EXCELLENCE IN MULTI-CULTURAL MARKETING AWARDS (EMMA) - The National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications sponsors a multi-cultural marketing competition each year for cable operators and program networks. The competition is comprised of a case studies element and a marketing tactics element. Stephanie Jane Martin, a Foundation student working with Comcast in San Ramon, CA was named among the Comcast team winners for a direct mail piece, a table tent piece, and a custom CD focused on Filipino viewers and a preview piece focused on South Asian viewers. Our congratulations to Stephanie Jane and our thanks to Comcast for providing this wonderful opportunity for Stephanie.
TV-ONE STUDENT ATTENDS DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
- Victoria Fortune, an Emma Bowen Foundation student sponsored by the Walter Kaitz Foundation and TV-One, attended the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver with the TV-One crew. 'For a minute I had to pinch myself and remember that some odd years ago African Americans couldn't dare dream of climbing such heights. An African American network, airing the Democratic Convention consisting of the first African American Democratic Candidate and first lady, is nothing less then an accomplishment.' TV-One carried the proceedings live from 8 to 11 each evening during the convention.
EMMA L. BOWEN FOUNDATION 2007 SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS
Emma Bowen Foundation Conducts Largest Recruiting Season To Date - More than 1,700 applications were received by the Foundation in the spring of 2007 to compete for new work/study positions in the media industry. Eighteen of our corporate partners selected 90 new students in 40 cities throughout the United States in 2007. Thirty-six positions were replacements for graduating college seniors and the balance were newly created opportunities for minority youth. The current Foundation roster stands at 264 students and 229 graduates.
Public Service Announcement Created by Fox Television To Assist Foundation Recruiting - Through the generosity of Dennis Swanson, president of television operations for Fox Television, and the talent of the creative staff at WNYW-Fox New York, a 30-second public service announcement (PSA) was created to support the Foundation's recruiting efforts in 40 cities around the country. Broadcast television stations, cable operators and cable programmers aired the PSA in February and March, 2007. During that time period, visits to the Foundation's web site, www.emmabowenfoundation.com, increased significantly. The Foundation plans to use the PSA in 2008 and develop a Spanish language version as well.
Summer Conference 2007 - For the fourth consecutive
summer, all eligible Emma Bowen Foundation students
convened in New
York City for our annual 2-1/2 day summer conference.
Included among
the highlights of the conference were keynote speeches by NBC Dateline
correspondent, Hoda Kotb, and Senior Vice President and Director of
Consumer Context Planning for Mediavest, Kendra Hatcher.
Students enjoyed the Foundation's graduate panel, an annual favorite.
Included
on the panel was Kim Bowser of NBC; Johann Conforme, an interactive
creative consultant; Kameko Jones (via tape for NBC News in London);
Rokeia Smith, Fox Sales in Atlanta; and Tor Smith, On-Line News, Fox
Philadelphia.
A half-day session on interviewing skills was conducted
by Wrisë Booker of Reid Dugger Consulting Group with the assistance of
industry human resource executives from Time Warner Cable, CBS and
ABC.
 |
| Hoda Kotb with Foundation students. |
 |
| Kendra Hatcher of Mediavest. |
 |
| Foundation graduate, Rokeia Smith, an account executive with Fox. |
 |
| Alison Silver, Sr. VP Int'l. Physical Production for Focus Features Int'l. speaking with Foundation student Arnell Davis after her panel on programming. |
NBC Universal hosted a full day of speakers covering such topics as multiplatform digital innovation, programming and scheduling, and the transition from internships to full-time work. Michael Jack, President and General Manager of WRC-NBC 4, Perkins Miller, Senior Vice President, Digital Media and the Olympics, and Elana Nachmanoff, Vice President,
 |
| From left, Michael Jack, NBC, David Porter, Kaitz Foundation and Daniel Howard, NBC |
 |
| Rob Kennedy of C-SPAN with Ashley Brown, Media General. |
 |
| Jeanine Mendez, WJAR, with Dr. Everett Parker. |
As with any industry conference, it is advantageous to schedule a variety of meetings and events around the central meeting when attendees from around the country are available. The Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Conference was no exception. Seniors attended the annual Senior Dinner; first-time conference attendees participated in a New Student Orientation;
 |
| CBS executive, Peter Dunn, with Native American students from Minneapolis and Seattle. (Micki Ream, Cole Premo, Michelle Redberg and Christina Fairbanks). |
Acknowledgements - We especially want to acknowledge the Walter Kaitz Foundation for their ongoing commitment to the Foundation and sponsorship of the 2007 Summer Conference. In addition, the following companies, organizations and individuals helped in a variety of ways to make this conference possible: The Association of Cable Communicators for their ninth year of contributions, the Bresnan Family Foundation, Fordham University, Dr. Phil Napoli, Ethan Loney, and all our conference speakers. The following companies also donated gift items for our students: BMI, Bresnan Communications, Broadcasting and Cable Magazine, CBS, CNN, Comcast, Hearst-Argyle Television, Lifetime, NCTA, Oxgen, Sci-Fi Channel, Scripps Networks, Time Warner Cable and the TVB.
 |
| Lillian Santana. |
2007 Students of the Year Honored - Lillian Santana and Reggie Lott were named the Emma L. Bowen Foundation's 2007 Students of the Year at the annual Board of Directors/ Student Luncheon held in conjunction with the annual Student Conference in New York City. This award recognizes the achievements of an outstanding senior and serves as an incentive to other Foundation students to continue to strive for excellence. Criteria for the award include: outstanding work quality; noteworthy professional and personal growth and integrity; academic excellence; creativity and initiative; and special contributions to his/her company, college and/or community. Lillian Santana is a graduate of Baruch College where she earned a degree in Finance. Lillian's corporate sponsor was ABC and she continues to work at ABC as a financial analyst with Good Morning America.
 |
| Chris Lammers of Cable Labs with Reggie Lott. |
Class of 2007 - In addition to our Student of Year Award Winners, we are equally proud of our other Class of 2007 graduates. At the end of the summer of 2007, twelve graduates have accepted fulltime positions in the industry in broadcast news, advertising, corporate marketing, sales and cable programming. One of graduates was accepted into the NBC Page Program and two are pursuing advanced degrees in law and business.
Kathy Shepherd Community Service Awards Recipients
Named - WPIX's Tribune Foundation Matches Awards
- The Kathy Shepherd
Community Service Award was created to encourage student involvement
in community service activities and recognize those who have
demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of others. The
Foundation recognized Michael Estimé and Rebecca Wangard for their
community service efforts at the annual Board of Directors/Student
Luncheon in New York on June 21, 2007. Michael attends Central
Michigan University and works at WKBD in Detroit. He volunteered with
Volunteer Center at Central Michigan University and worked during
school breaks to help with post-Katrina rebuilding in Mobile, AL and
Galveston, TX. Rebecca attends the University of Wisconsin at Madison
and works at Time Warner Cable in Milwaukee. She volunteered at the
Summer Camp for Persons with Disabilities sponsored by the Archdiocese
of Milwaukee.
The Foundation thanks Carlos Austin, Director of Local
Production and Community Services, at WPIX for serving as a judge for
the competition, and WPIX for agreeing to match the $500 contributions
that both the Volunteer Center and the Summer Camp received from the
Emma Bowen Foundation on behalf of Michael and Rebecca. Kathy Shepherd
was Vice President of Production and Community Affairs at WPIX until
her untimely death in 2001. She served as an Emma Bowen Foundation
board member since its inception in 1989.
 |
| From left, Rebecca Wangard, Phylis Eagle-Oldson and Carlos Austin |
 |
| Michael Estimé. |
Academic Awards Introduced - While all Foundation students are required to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0, it is particularly noteworthy when students far exceed that requirement. The Emma Bowen Foundation's Academic Awards were established to recognize and reward students that have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher while in college. Award recipients received both a certificate and a cash award. During the 2007 Board of Directors/Student Luncheon, the Foundation presented Academic Awards to the following students:
| Name | University | Corporate Sponsor |
| Jamie Atkinson | Howard University | Comcast |
| Nicole Barden | Spelman College | Comcast |
| Candace Barnes | Montclair State | Comcast Spotlight |
| Jeremy Battle | Morehouse College | FOX - WBRC 6 |
| Tiffany Blevins | Univ.of AL-Tuscaloosa | FOX-WBRC 6 |
| Ashley Brown | Evangel University | Media General |
| Autumn Bruton | New York University | Gannett Broadcasting (WUSA 9) |
| Javier Burgos | MIT | Nielsen Media Research |
| Michele Byrd | Hampton University | Turner |
| Stephanie Claytor | Syracuse University | Fox |
| Arnell Davis | Univ.of Texas at Austin | Arbitron |
| Joseph Flowers | Univ. Of Maryland | WAMU-FM/CPB |
| Jenna Hanchard | Rutgers University | NBC Universal |
| Joseph Hill | Montgomery College | NBC-WCAU 10 |
| Becky Ho | UCLA | NBC Universal |
| Lauren Jackson | Hampton University | NAB-WJLA (ABC-7) |
| Je-Anne Jarrett | Duke University | CBS-Baltimore |
| LeAnn Jenkins | Univ.of Texas at Austin | Fox |
| Adrienne Lucas | Univ.of Pittsburgh | FOX-WNYW 5 |
| Stephanie J.Martin | San Jose State | Comcast |
| Amber Nave | NC A&T State | Turner |
| Success Okoronkwo | Towson University | C-SPAN |
| Michael Orr | University of Miami | Cox Communications |
| Monique Robinson | Rutgers University | NBC News |
| Raquel Rodriguez | Univ. of Central Florida | FOX-WOFL |
| Savannah Squires | Lee University | Scripps Networks |
| Joseph Sutton | Oglethorpe University | Turner Broadcasting |
| Vanessa Valez | Iona College | Comcast |
Emma Bowen Foundation Student Advisory Board
Established -
To better serve the Foundation students and insure that
the programs developed by the Foundation for students remain relevant
both in topics and technology, the Foundation invited the student body
to elect class representatives at the 2007 Summer Conference.
Each
class elected two representatives to serve one-year terms on the
Advisory Board. The Board will meet quarterly with the Foundation's
senior staff to discuss student issues and Foundation programs. Class
representatives for the 2007-2008 school year are:
Class of 2008 - Peter Martinez (CPB) and Michael Alvarez (CBS)
Class of 2009 - Rebecca Wangard (Time Warner) and James Presha (Turner)
Class of 2010 - Arnell Davis (Arbitron) and Kenneth Wright (Comcast)
Class of 2011 - Taylor Tomczyszyn (C-SPAN) and Joseph Hill (NBC)
 |
| The election process at work for the Class of 2008 |
Class of 2008 - Peter Martinez (CPB) and Michael Alvarez (CBS)
Class of 2009 - Rebecca Wangard (Time Warner) and James Presha (Turner)
Class of 2010 - Arnell Davis (Arbitron) and Kenneth Wright (Comcast)
Class of 2011 - Taylor Tomczyszyn (C-SPAN) and Joseph Hill (NBC)
2007 iLink Mentoring Program -
 |
| Miami Link mentees and mentors |
 |
| Chicago iLink |
 |
| Wrise Booker offering pointers to mentees. |
OTHER FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES
TVB Marketing Conference - For the fifth year, the Foundation was invited to participate in the Television Bureau of Advertising's Annual Marketing Conference in New York City on April 12, 2007. Students attending the conference learned about current advertising trends, view-tracking methodologies, sales techniques and career options from key industry executives.
American Women in Radio and Television's Gracies -
Six Foundation
students had the opportunity to work at AWRT's Gracie Awards at the
Marriott Marquis in New York on June 18th. Students directed guests on
the "red carpet," assisted backstage and distributed Awards. It was a
star-studded, inspirational night for these Foundation students!
Foundation student, Kellee Blades, appears on stage with Gracies Host,
Lesley Visser.
 |
Parents' Night Events - Each summer, the Emma L. Bowen Foundation hosts orientation meetings for the parents of new students in our program. In 2007, Parents' Night events were held in New York at the offices of the Food Network; in Miami at NBC; and in Atlanta at Turner Broadcasting. Foundation graduates joined Foundation staff in explaining the goals and benefits of the Foundation's work/study program.
Spirit of Comcast - Fifty-seven students were invited to Comcast's corporate headquarters on July 12-13, 2007 for the third annual Spirit of Comcast session. These Emma Bowen Foundation students (including 41 new students) worked at Comcast facilities around the country and had the opportunity to participate in a 1.5 day session with Comcast executives to learn about business strategy, skill development and maximizing their internships. Included among the guest speakers was Chairman Wendell Holland of the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission.
Corporation for Public Broadcasting Washington Summit.
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting extended an invitation to all Foundation students and graduates working at public broadcast stations around the country for a Washington Summit. Students had the opportunity to meet with senior executives of the CPB including Pat Harrison, CEO, Vinnie Curren, COO and Cheryl Halpern, Chair of the CPB Board of Directors. Students learned about the history and funding of the CPB, programming trends, new technology and the challenges facing the public broadcast industry. They discussed the importance of diversity in programming and met Jennifer Lawson, the producer of the acclaimed Africa series. Students also toured National Public Radio and PBS facilities as well as WETA.
 |
| Pat Harrison, Cheryl Halpern, and Phylis Eagle-Oldson with students and graduates. |
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting extended an invitation to all Foundation students and graduates working at public broadcast stations around the country for a Washington Summit. Students had the opportunity to meet with senior executives of the CPB including Pat Harrison, CEO, Vinnie Curren, COO and Cheryl Halpern, Chair of the CPB Board of Directors. Students learned about the history and funding of the CPB, programming trends, new technology and the challenges facing the public broadcast industry. They discussed the importance of diversity in programming and met Jennifer Lawson, the producer of the acclaimed Africa series. Students also toured National Public Radio and PBS facilities as well as WETA.
Emma Bowen Foundation Honored by Minority Media Telecommunications
Council and the United Church of Christ -
The Emma L. Bowen Foundation
and its president were honored this summer with the Everett C. Parker
Lifetime Achievement Award at the Minority Media Telecommunications
Council's annual conference on July 16, 2007 in Washington, DC. The
Award recognized contributions to diversity in the media industry. The
Donald H. McGannon Award for leadership in advancing the role of
people of color in the media was presented at the United Church of
Christ's Parker Lecture Series in Washington, DC on September 18,
2007.
 |
| From left, Phylis Eagle-Oldson, Henry Rivera, and Gloria Tristani. |
Emma Bowen Foundation Graduates Gather in Los Angeles - The Foundation hosted a reception for Emma Bowen Foundation graduates on the CBS Studio City Lot on September 11, 2007. Grads shared experiences and contact information. Included with Foundation hosts Rita Torres, Sandra Rice and Phylis Eagle-Oldson, were (from left, front row) Becky Ho of ABC, Wrisë Booker (a consultant for the Foundation), Bobbie Bencio of Sander/Moses Productions; Brandi Wilson of NBC Universal, and Lynn Heymont of CBS (and an Emma Bowen Foundation board member). Second row from left: Kristin Vela of Universal Media Studios, Maria Loeza of ABC, Rita Torres, Ashley Rideau of ABC, Ashley Akins of Mark Burnett Productions, Niija Kuykendall of Fox Studios and Sandra Rice.
Emma Bowen Foundation Graduates Win Emmys -
Christine Portela of
WTVJ, NBC 6 in Miramar, FL and Giovani Benitez, WFOR-TV - CBS Miami,
were both awarded Emmies at the 2007 Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards on
Saturday, December 1, 2007 in Kissimmee, Florida. Christine received
an Emmy in the Weather category for her work on "Preparing for the
Storm 2007." Christine is a producer of the South Florida Nightly News
at 7 at WTVJ. She is a graduate of the University of Florida and was
an Emma Bowen Foundation intern with WTVJ while in college. Giovani
received an Emmy in the Continuing Coverage category for his work on a
17 - part series called "The Forgotten Floor" about mentally ill
inmates at the Miami-Dade Detention Center. Giovani is currently a
senior at Florida International University and has been an Emma Bowen
Foundation intern with WFOR since 2003. Congratulations to Christine
and Giovani!
 |
| Christine and Giovanni. |
Alfonso Rosales, one of the Foundation’s 2006 Student of the Year Award recipients, spoke at the Walter
Kaitz Foundation’s 2006 Annual Fundraising Dinner in New York on September 13, 2006. He told the audience
of nearly 1,300 cable executives about his experiences as an Emma Bowen Foundation student working at
Discovery Communications for five years. Following his graduation from New York University in June,
Alfonso accepted a full-time position at Discovery working at the Travel Channel as a production
coordinator. Alfonso shared the stage with Kyle McSlarrow, President & CEO of NCTA, Johnathan Rodgers,
President & CEO of TV One, Pat Esser, President of Cox Communications, Judy McGrath, Chief Executive of
MTV Networks, David Porter, Executive Director of the Kaitz Foundation, and Congresswoman Hilda Solis.
Television Week, an industry trade publication, reported: "The star of the Walter Kaitz Foundation's
annual fundraising dinner last week was Alfonso Rosales, a young man working for Discovery Networks
who interned at the company through a diversity program run by the Emma L. Bowen Foundation.
The quality of Mr. Rosales’ speech reminded the cable executives attending the dinner that promoting
diversity in the television industry generates its own rewards."
Summer Conference - June 21-24, 2006 - New York, NY - For the third consecutive summer, we have brought together all Emma Bowen Foundation students for our annual summer conference. One hundred and eighty-three students and sixteen graduates attended this year’s 2-1/2 day conference.
Included among the highlights of the conference were presentations by Dennis Swanson, President of Station Operations for Fox Television, on My Network TV, followed by Tom Remiszewski’s counterpoint on the CW.
A prestigious panel of Foundation graduates offered their views on careers in the media and their Emma L. Bowen Foundation work/study experience. Included on the panel was Jada Miranda, VP of Programming for HBO; Alturo Rhymes, a producer at CBS Newspath, Willie Sanchez, web producer for Fox Radio; and Adela Uchida, evening anchor for WILX in Lansing, MI.
On Friday of the Conference, participants learned about the key issues involved in multi-platform content delivery with a tutorial by (photo from left to right) Ron Stitt, Vice President, Digital Media & Internet Solutions, Fox Television Stations; Robert Cohen, President, Scarborough Research; and Alex Gonzalez, Associate Director, Digital Media, ABC. A survey was designed specifically for our students regarding their “new media” knowledge and consumption patterns. Students completed the on-line survey prior to the conference and the results were incorporated into the tutorial.
Our experts were then joined by Dr. Margot Hardenberg, Fordham University; Ty Ahmad-Taylor, Director, Cross Platform Applications, Comcast; Tom Hjelm, Senior Director, Internet Content, NBC Universal; Stephen Harkness, Business Manager, New Media, C-SPAN; and Howard Shimmel, Senior Vice President, Client Insights, Nielsen Media Research.
Diane Sutter of Shooting Star Broadcasting was Friday’s luncheon speaker, and offered her insights as an independent broadcaster. The Friday afternoon session included representatives from the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the Native American Journalists Association.
They highlighted issues and concerns of Unity Alliance members and each organization's goals. Nefertiti Jaquez, a 2005 Foundation graduate and a reporter with WFOR in Miami, served as moderator, and the panelists included Derrick Henry, Senior Web Producer, The New York Times; and Herb Lowe, Newsday. Mr. Henry serves as director with the Unity Journalists of Color and Mr. Lowe is a former president of NABJ.
On Saturday, Wrisë Booker of Reid Dugger Consulting Group and a group of human resource executives introduced students to the Foundation’s new Career Guide: Strategies for Success.
Additional details about the guide appear later in the Highlights. Grace Killelea and Barb Cowan of
Comcast, Sue Wombacher of Adelphia, Robin Bona and Jessica Gibson of CBS, Terri Moore of Time Warner
and Bob Apter, formerly of ABC Sports, all participated in the half-day workshop on career strategies.
To balance the full daytime schedule with some evening fun, the seniors gathered for our traditional
senior dinner and the entire group enjoyed a dinner cruise around Manhattan on the last night of the
conference.
We especially want to acknowledge the organizations that provided the key funding for our conference
this year: The Walter Kaitz Foundation, Wal-Mart, the Bresnan Family Foundation, the Reynolds Family
Foundation, Court TV, and, for the eighth consecutive year, the Cable Television Public Affairs Association. In addition, the following companies and individuals helped us in a variety of ways to make this conference possible: ABC, American Legacy Magazine, Atlantic Records, BMI, Broadcasting & Cable Magazine, CBS, Clear Channel, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, C-SPAN, Discovery, Hearst-Argyle, Lifetime, Nielsen Media, Procter & Gamble, Time Warner, Television Bureau of Advertising, Oxygen Media, Scripps Networks, and Vinson & Elkins. A special thanks to NAMIC, the National Association of Multi-ethnicity in Communications, for providing free membership to our graduating seniors
Link Mentoring Initiative - Los Angeles, CA - For the fourth consecutive year, the Foundation conducted its Link Mentoring Initiative. Link was designed to unite a group of talented college students preparing for careers in the media industry with seasoned managers interested in offering these rising stars insights on corporate life and professional development. The mentees and mentors met in a group setting over the course of the summer and participated in five skill-based sessions facilitated by Wrisë Booker of Reid Dugger Consulting Group. The Link Mentoring Initiative was funded through a grant from the Walter Kaitz Foundation.
Each of the five 4.5-hour sessions consisted of a specific theme discussion, a group project development and a mentee/mentor Q&A session called Fabulous Forum. Session I of the Initiative focused on behavioral styles and their potential impact on work situations.
With insights on background and behavioral styles, the mentees selected group projects that would highlight the corporate experience. The objectives for Session II were to increase mentees’ skills in acknowledging others’ positive work performance, to raise awareness of effective networking techniques, and to analyze perspectives that affect productivity. Expanding development feedback skills, understanding the basis for use of organizational politics, exploring tips for optimizing the performance review process and discussing workplace issues encountered by professionals of color were the focus of Session III. Session IV offered students valuable tips for making
professional presentations.
Session V was dedicated to group presentations on topics including "Taking the Lead When You’re Not in Charge," "Managing Conflict in the Workplace," "Uncovering the Unspoken Rules," and "Obtaining and Utilizing A Network of Mentors."
Parents' Night - Each summer, the Emma L. Bowen Foundation hosts orientation meetings for the parents of new students in our program. In 2006, a Parents’ Night event was held in New York at ABC’s corporate offices. Students, parents, Foundation graduates and staff discussed the mission and benefits of the Emma Bowen Foundation program. Sade Baderinwa, a WABC news anchor, shared her personal and professional experiences to the delight of all who atttended. Other Parents’ Night events are planned for Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington, DC during 2006.
Spirit of Comcast Day - Twenty-five students joined Comcast on June 20-21, 2006 for the second annual Spirit of Comcast Day. Emma Bowen Foundation students working at Comcast facilities around the country and their direct supervisors were invited to corporate headquarters for a unique opportunity to meet with senior management. Included on the day’s agenda were meetings with Ralph Roberts, Brian Roberts, Steve Burke, David Cohen, Marvin Davis, Mark Coblitz, Joe Waz, Charisse Lillie, David Jensen, Marlene Dooner, Bret Perkins, Payne Brown, and Susan Gonzalez.
I’ve never had to drink from a "Colored-only" water fountain. I’ve never been forced to give up my seat to a white person on the bus. I have been in classrooms where I’ve been the only black face, but never been forced to be in classes with only black faces. To begin this year’s Black History Month, I wanted to reflect on the life of Mrs. Coretta Scott King. Because of her many accomplishments, there are so many things that I don’t have to see.
One hundred thirty students traveled to New York City to meet with media executives, discuss industry trends, and practice their networking skills. Thanks to the generosity of the GE Foundation, the Walter Kaitz Foundation, the P&G Fund, and the Cable Television Public Affairs Association, resources were provided to cover the cost of the 2-1/2 day event.
The conference agenda included a financial session on corporate annual reports with executives from Time Warner, Inc. and a full day of sessions on advertising--from the basics to new trends--with executives from Katz Media, NBC, Time Warner Cable, Starcom MediaVest, Arbitron and the Television Bureau of Advertising.
Maximizing opportunities was the theme of the Foundation graduates' panel, and Foundation student and film producer, Daniel Howard, screened his award winning documentary, "Bullets in the Hood" for an enthusiastic audience of fellow students.
Kameko is an honors graduate of American University with a degree in International Relations. Her corporate sponsor was NBC News. While in the work/study program, Kameko spent a summer working for NBC at their news bureau in Cairo, Egypt. Kameko has accepted a full-time position with NBC News and will be working in their London office. Tor Smith is an honors graduate of Temple University where he earned a degree in Broadcasting and was awarded the prestigious President's Award. Tor's corporate sponsor was WTFX Fox Philadelphia and he is currently participating in Fox Sales Training program.
Two of our graduates are attending graduate school and three are actively interviewing for positions in the industry. All of the Emma Bowen Foundation students that completed the program have maintained a 3.0 or better GPA and have met or exceeded the requirements of their sponsoring company while working. They are all well prepared to launch their professional careers.
During the annual conference, seniors attended an exclusive dinner in their honor and were joined by David Scott, a producer at ABC News (second row, third from right).
The mentees and mentors meet in a group setting over the course of the summer and participate in four skill-based sessions facilitated by Wrise Booker of Reid Dugger Consulting Group. The Link Mentoring Initiative is funded through a grant from the Walter Kaitz Foundation.
Each of the four 4.5-hour sessions consists of a specific theme discussion, group project development and a mentee/mentor Q&A session called Fabulous Forum. Session I of the Initiative focuses on behavioral styles and their potential impact on work situations. With insights on background and behavioral styles, the mentees select group projects that will highlight the corporate experience. The objectives for Session II are to increase mentees' skills in acknowledging others' positive work performance, to raise awareness of effective networking techniques, and to analyze perspectives that affect productivity. Expanding development feedback skills, understanding the basis for use of organizational politics, exploring tips for optimizing the performance review process and discussing workplace issues encountered by professionals of color are the topics of Session III. Session IV is dedicated to group presentations on topics such as "Taking the Lead When You're Not in Charge," "Managing Conflict in the Workplace," "Uncovering the Unspoken Rules," and "Obtaining and Utilizing A Network of Mentors."
Fifteen mentors and eighteen mentees participated in the summer-long program in Atlanta, GA. Executives from CNN, Cox Communications, Fox Television, Susquehanna Radio, Turner Broadcasting, and The Weather Channel served as mentors to Foundation students from Comcast, Cox Communications, Fox Television, Katz Media, Scientific Atlanta, Susquehanna Radio, Turner Broadcasting and the Weather Channel. This year's Link program was hosted by CNN.
In addition to the 2005 Link Initiative conducted in Atlanta, the Foundation hosted reunions of the more than fifty Link mentees and mentors that participated in the program in 2003 in New York and 2004 in Washington, DC. The New York reunion
was held on August 16th at NBC and the Washington, DC reunion was held on August 12th at NAB.
TVB Marketing Conference - New York City - For the third year, Eastern Region students were invited to participate in the Television Bureau of Advertising's Annual Marketing Conference in New York City in April.
Two Foundation graduates currently working in sales attended the conference as well. Attendees learned firsthand about current advertising trends, viewer tracking methodologies, sales techniques and career options from key industry executives.
2005 Recruiting - The spring of 2005 was a busy recruiting season for the Foundation. Eighty-seven new students in fifty-six cities entered the Foundation's work/study program this summer. Twenty-three positions are replacements for graduating seniors and the balance are newly created slots. In the last five years, our industry has increased opportunities for Emma Bowen Foundation students by 200%.
Spirit of Comcast Day - Eighteen Emma Bowen Foundation students joined Comcast on July 26th for a Spirit of Comcast Day. This is the first time a Foundation corporate sponsor has invited its students to corporate headquarters to learn more about the company and meet with senior management. Students from New York, Washington, DC, Georgia, Tennessee, Michigan, Illinois, Texas, Colorado and California met David Cohen, Executive Vice President, Bret Perkins, Vice President of Government Affairs, and Steve Burke, Chief Operating Officer, among other corporate executives.
Bringing
all Foundation students from across the country together in
one venue allows us to provide a more comprehensive conference
agenda, encourages networking, and provides the inspiration
and motivation for the younger students to observe what the
older students have experienced and achieved. 
Career
breakout sessions focusing on sales, news, programming and
operations gave students an opportunity for one-on-one discussions
with industry panelists in their chosen fields. Conference
attendees examined music licensing issues with a songwriter
and executives from BMI, and pending FCC issues were highlighted
in a forum with the Director of the McGannon Communication
Research Center at Fordham. 
Students
also attended personal development sessions on Creating a
Professional Image and Financial Planning 101. Citibank and
the Board of the American Museum of the Moving Image hosted
an evening reception at the Museum for a little fun and relaxation.
The conference concluded with the Foundation's Annual Board
of Directors / Student Luncheon and the 2004 Student of the
Year Award ceremony. 
named
the Foundation's 2004 Student of the Year. Candice worked
at WBRC Fox-Birmingham while in college and was hired as a
full-time associate producer at the station in June. Dennis
Leonard, FOX-6's Vice President and General Manager said,
We knew when Candice was selected as an Emma Bowen Foundation
intern during her senior year in high school that she was
a leader. Not only did Candice excel in the classroom, she
contributed and distinguished herself in our market-leading
Fox 6 newsroom. We are delighted that Candice will begin her
broadcast career at Fox 6 as a full-time news producer.
have
accepted on-air positions in Miami, FL, Milwaukee, WI, and
Rochester, MN; one has been accepted into the FOX sales training
programming; one has been accepted into the NBC Page Program;
three
have been hired full-time at their sponsoring stations (FOX
and NBC); one has been hired by a start-up programmer; and
one has been hired by the Washington Post. 
students
that completed the program have maintained a 3.0 or better
GPA and have met or exceeded the requirements of their sponsoring
company while working. They are all well prepared to launch
their professional careers. 
acknowledging
others' positive work performance, to raise awareness of effective
networking techniques, and to analyze perspectives that affect
productivity. Expanding development feedback skills, understanding
the basis for use of organization politics, exploring tips
for optimizing the performance review process and discussing
workplace issues encountered by professionals of color were
the focus of Session III. Session IV was dedicated to group
presentations on topics including "Taking the Lead When You're
Not in Charge," "Managing Conflict in the Workplace," "Uncovering
the Unspoken Rules," and "Obtaining and Utilizing A Network
of Mentors." 
hosted
a orientation on July 20, 2004 for the parents of new Foundation
students in the New York City area. Carlos Austin, a Foundation
graduate and Manager of
Local Production and Community Service at WPIX-TV; Mi Chang,
another Foundation graduate and NBC HR Data specialist; and
Ly Phan, a current Foundation student at TVB, each told parents
about their experiences in the program. Carlos and Mi also
discussed the impact their participation in the Foundation
has had on their careers. 
and
supervisors in the Chicago area from NBC, CBS, FOX, Comcast,
and Millennium Sales on August 12, 2004 at WBBM-CBS2. In addition
to our students and dedicated supervisors, we were delighted
to be joined by: station general managers, Debbie Carpenter
of WFLD-FOX5 and Joe Ahern of WBBM-CBS2; NBC5 reporters Renee
Furgeson and Zoraida Sambolin; Comcast's VP of Communications,
Pat Keenan; Millennium's Vice President of Sales, Jay Zeitchik;
and Niena Drake, a producer at WFLD, who, as it happens, is
also an Emma Bowen Foundation graduate and our 2002 Student
of the Year. The Foundation is extremely fortunate to have
this level of support from senior level executives and we
are very appreciative of the time these executives provide
to mentor our students.
