Madeline Di Nonno, CEO of Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, to Speak at SMPTE – HPA Women in Technology Luncheon
Madeline Di Nonno, CEO of Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, will be featured in a keynote conversation at the annual women in technology luncheon, presented by SMPTE and HPA Women in Post on October 23rd. Kari Grubin, co-chair of HPA Women in Post will lead the conversation.
The research performed by the Geena Davis Institute analyzes and tracks how women and girls are portrayed in media, and how negative gender stereotypes can influence cultural and social behaviors and beliefs. Di Nonno will share the latest findings from the Institute’s new machine learning research tool, GD-IQ, the Geena Davis Inclusion Quotient, with a data driven approach to changing unconscious
“What we see onscreen greatly influences our views on society. The gender disparity in media reinforces unconscious gender bias off screen, behind-the-scenes and in the real world. According to our research, positive portrayals in media can inspire women and girls to pursue certain careers like STEM as well as furthering their education and leaving abusive relationships,” said Di Nonno. “Our mission is to change the media landscape to reflect our growing intersectionality in society. Our motto is ‘if you can see it, you can be it.’ Clearly, there is work to do, but I look forward to speaking with a group of women who are doing it.”
Di Nonno brings thirty years of international leadership experience to her responsibilities at the Geena Davis Institute, where she leads strategic direction, research, education, advocacy, and financial and operational activities. Her past roles have included President and CEO of On the Scene Productions; executive positions for Anchor Bay Entertainment/Starz Media and Executive Vice President and GM for Nielsen EDI; Senior Vice President, Marketing Alliances and Digital Media at the Hallmark Channel; and Vice President, Universal Studios Home Video. Di Nonno began her career at ABC Television Network in corporate publicity. In many of the organizations she has been part of, Di Nonno has led groundbreaking global initiatives in digital technology.
Grubin said, “We are honored to have Madeline with us to share insights from her impressive career and the groundbreaking work of the Geena Davis Institute. She is a compelling voice moving our culture and the media forward, and the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media helps define solutions for change. I look forward to this conversation, which is sure to advance the role that HPA and Women in Post play in our industry’s evolution and our support of young women.”
Di Nonno is a frequent speaker at global conferences and organizations such as the Cannes Lion, U.S. Department of State, and the United Nations and has been featured in media outlets including The New York Times, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Forbes, Huffington Post, Kidscreen, Fast Company, and Wired Magazine. Di Nonno holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston University. She serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Television Academy Foundation and is on the Board of Directors for the Population Media Center and Promundo U.S., and on the Advisory Board for PBS Kid’s Ready Jet Go and GameChanger Films; and is a Strategic Advisor to YouTube Red. Di Nonno previously served as President of the Glass Lions Jury for the Cannes Lions 2016.
The Women in Technology luncheon is an annual event held in conjunction with the SMPTE Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition. Last year, executive vice president of Physical Production for Marvel Studios Victoria Alonso was the featured Women in Technology luncheon speaker. Previous speakers also include Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Michelle Munson, and Wendy Aylsworth. Seating is very limited and the event consistently sells out. Advance registration is required and early registration is encouraged.
Tickets for the Women in Technology luncheon are required and may still be available, visit http://www.smpte2017.org/women-in-tech.html. Those that purchase tickets may use promo code WIT2017 to receive a complimentary exhibits-only pass for SMPTE 2017.