 From the President
Over the past 21 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing leaders, both women and men, who have had a tremendous impact on me and on our industry. As the president of WICT Rocky Mountain, I’m thrilled to honor six leaders who have helped to transform the industry and who underscore the organization’s mission -- develop women leaders who transform our industry.
 On May 18, the Rocky Mountain Chapter of Women in Cable & Telecommunications (WICT) will celebrate and honor the achievements of six of the industry’s most outstanding leaders at our sixth annual Walk of Fame Gala. This year, the WICT RM Walk of Fame Gala will honor industry executives in four categories: Woman of the Year; Mentor of the Year; Woman in Technology; and Woman to Watch. The event will be held at the Hyatt Regency Tech Center. I encourage you to join me at this exciting event honoring these exceptional leaders.
The Woman of the Year award recognizes the accomplishments of a woman who has significantly impacted the cable and telecommunications industry. She is a visionary leader who is highly regarded by her employees, clients and peers for her career achievements, strong interpersonal skills and work-life balance. This year, we are honoring two amazing women with this award. Both of these women will be inducted into the WICT RM Walk of Fame:
- Leslie Grayson, group vice president of Operations for Time Warner Cable’s National Division
- Cathy Kilstrom, senior vice president of Customer Care for Comcast’s West Division.
The Mentor of the Year award recognizes an individual who has consistently mentored, supported and inspired others to achieve their best. This honoree is an outstanding leader who has demonstrated a commitment to on-going mentoring, coaching and developing others. This year, we are honoring one very inspirational mentor with this award:
- Ron Cooper, president and chief operating officer of Adelphia Communications.
The Woman in Technology award recognizes a woman in a technical position who has contributed significantly not only to her organization, but to the overall industry as well. In addition to her technical expertise, she is a valued team member who is committed to supporting and motivating others. This year, we will be honoring one very talented woman in technology with this award:
- Rebecca Lim, senior director of Advanced Services for Starz Entertainment Group.
The Woman to Watch award recognizes an outstanding woman who has become accomplished and versed in both her job and in her working knowledge of the cable and/or telecommunications industry and shows future leadership qualities. This year, WICT RM will honor two women with this award:
- Maria Arias, vice president of Law and Government Affairs for Adelphia Communications
- Wendy Farley, senior director of Government Affairs for Comcast’s Colorado operations.
In each of their careers, these honorees have proven to be savvy businesspeople, effective leaders, and inspiring mentors. They truly are the best of the best.
I look forward to seeing you and celebrating their success on May 18th
Countdown to the Walk of Fame Gala
WICT RM is currently seeking sponsors for this year’s event and donations for the event’s silent auction are also being accepted. Seating at the event is limited. Companies wishing to buy tables or sponsor the event should visit www.wictrm.com or contact Cindy Bennett of Organic People at cindyb@organicpeople.com. Companies interested in participating in the silent auction should contact Karin Rutstein of Adelphia Communications at Karin.Rutstein@adelphia.com.
Upcoming Event
In April, WICT RM will help focus on the whole you, from personal leadership to the power of play.
On Wednesday, April 13th, Introspect International’s Susan Baker will help attendees understand and harness Personal Leadership – taking responsibility for everything you think, say and do and how that responsibility translates into success. Attend this roundtable session and learn the keys to how to get results through your relationships with the most revealing relationship being the one with yourself.
Personal Leadership
Wednesday, April 13th.
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Starz Encore – 8900 Liberty Circle, Englewood Colorado
On Thursday, April 28th, Barbara Brennan from Playmore will host a seminar on The Power of Play for Big Kids and Little Kids. This special event in honor of “Take Your Child to Work Day” will offer you and your child the opportunity to see that how we play has children has a profound impact on our lives and the work we do. Through some fun activities, you will explore childhood play and how it predicts what you do now, and what your child will be doing in the future. Buffet lunch and a complimentary game card for the ESPN Zone will be included.
The Power of Play for Big Kids and Little Kids
Thursday, April 28th
Time TBD – Lunch
ESPN Zone – Downtown, 16th Street Mall
Kudos to…
Leslie Ellis Among 2005 Vanguard Honorees
At this year’s National Show, the NCTA will honor WICT RM member Leslie Ellis with the organization’s highest honor, a Vanguard award. Ellis will be honored in the category Associates & Affiliates, which recognizes the important contributions of equipment manufacturers and service suppliers to cable industry innovation, growth and progress.
Leslie, an analyst, columnist and author, focuses on the range of technologies shaping cable television, interactive television and broadband networks. She writes a biweekly column for Multichannel News, aiming to de-mystify and add context to the technologies used in broadband networks. She currently serves as Technology Advisor to CTAM and is a member of the Society of Cable Telecommunication Engineers. She wrote “Definitive Broadband,” a popular technical reference for non-engineers, and co-authored “The Field Guide to Broadband” and “Planet Broadband.”
Last year, WICT RM recognized Leslie for her many achievements as a honoree at the Women’s Walk of Fame Gala.
Decker Anstrom, President & Chief Operating Officer, Landmark Communications Inc., and Abbe Raven, President, A&E Networks-USA, will receive the cable industry's top honor, the 2005 Vanguard Awards for “Distinguished Leadership.” Other leaders to be honored with Vanguard Awards include:
- Steve Miron, President, Advance/Newhouse Communications.
- George Bodenheimer, President - ESPN, Inc. & ABC Sports and Co-Chairman, Disney Media Networks.
- Johnathan Rodgers, President & CEO TV One.
- Wilt Hildenbrand, Executive Vice President, Engineering & Technology, Cablevision Systems Corporation.
- Steve Rizley, Vice President & Region Manager – Arizona, Cox Communications, Inc.
- Barry Rosenblum, Executive Vice President, Time Warner Cable.
- David Cohen, Executive Vice President, Comcast Corporation.
- Lori McFarling, Senior Vice President, Distribution & Marketing Strategy, Affiliate Sales & Marketing, Discovery Networks, U.S
Executive Q&A
Ever go to a WICT RM event and feel like you don't know anyone? Each month, we get to know one of our chapter's members through a Q&A. This month, we chat with WICT RM Woman of the Year Cathy Kilstrom, who spends her workdays as Comcast West Division’s Senior Vice President of Customer Care.
Work/Life Balance
Think you’re too busy? A new survey highlights how women 25 to 54 have much more on their minds today than five years ago, as more things compete for their attention. The survey results are interesting, both for women in this demographic, and for WICT RM marketers whose job it is to reach these women.
Rubber Ceiling
The workplace is full of humor, even if the joke is sometimes on us. Erica Heath (also known as Erica Stull of Adelphia) pens a column every Friday for the Rocky Mountain News called The Rubber Ceiling.
WICT points out that mentoring benefits the mentor as well as the mentee, and I do have the experience and maturity young women look for in an advisor. So sign me up -- it’s never too late to latch on to a good idea. I’d be proud to offer my vast stores of wisdom to young grasshoppers seeking guidance. The executives of tomorrow have much to learn from my example. Mainly, what not to do… |
