Cablefax Daily, Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Volume 36 | No. 076
One thing you couldn’t miss at [the April 22nd] T. Howard Foundation dinner was the number of Deloitte employees among the crowd gathered at Cipriani Wall Street for the organization’s annual fundraising dinner to support its mission to promote representation and inclusion in media, entertainment and technology. That was because the accounting firm’s former CEO, now WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, was among the evening’s honorees.
In introducing her, Deloitte Senior Partner Chuck Saia talked about a time shortly after Englebert took the job. “I thought to myself, ‘the world doesn’t know what’s about to happen with the WNBA, because if Cathy’s wind is at your back, you are going to sail to heights. And while that story isn’t finished, I think we could all say that it’s been an incredible journey for the WNBA since Cathy joined,” he said. Indeed, the 2024 WNBA Finals on ESPN were the most watched in 25 years, with 1.6 million viewers, up 115% over 2023. The new season tips off May 16 with each team playing a record-breaking 44-game schedule.
“This award is deeply meaningful, not just to me, but to everyone at the WNBA and NBA who are working every day to redefine what leadership and representation can and should look like in professional sport,” said Englebert as she accepted the Foundation’s Executive Trailblazer Award. She commended the work of T. Howard, which has placed more than 2,000 interns over the years with media, tech and entertainment companies.
Englebert also got a shout-out from fellow honoree Rita Ferro, President of Global Advertising for The Walt Disney Company. “I’m thrilled to be in partnership with an organization where we’re elevating female athletes for years now, and the work is really paying off. The amazing momentum behind that is incredible,” said Ferro, who received the Executive Leadership Award. “Today is a reminder that everyone in this room has the opportunity to create something special, and I’m thrilled that organizations like the T. Howard Foundation establish learning opportunities and a pathway to success for so many.”
Fuse Media Chairman and CEO Mike Roggero accepted the Corporate Leadership Award, encouraging the industry to continue breaking barriers and ensuring that “every voice is not only heard but valued because true representation and inclusivity are the foundation upon which a more equitable, vibrant media landscape and ultimately, a better society can be built.”
Nice touch to bestow the Lifetime Achievement Award on Tom Umstead, Senior Content Producer for Multichannel News/Broadcasting & Cable. “My journalistic journey started much like the young, talented interns sitting in the room today. I probably would not be here today if it were not for Fairchild Publications, a company that once offered opportunities to talented writers of color to showcase their abilities and contribute meaningfully to the successes of their magazines,” he said. “I like to believe that I have proven myself worthy of the opportunity at Multichannel News. All I needed was a chance, just like the young men and women of color here today.”
The evening also featured the inaugural Spotlight Award recognizing on-camera talent who has exemplified integrity, passion and leadership. NBC “Today” Co-Anchor Craig Melvin accepted the honors, stressing the importance of representation: “I’m not just talking about hiring Black and Brown people. I’m talking about diversity of thought. I’m talking about geographic diversity. I’m talking about religious diversity. Because when we get all of those people in a newsroom, when we get all of those people in a boardroom, we know the good that comes from that.”