Parthavi Das

Das began her 17-year career at WICT as support staff, straight out of grad school. Today, she oversees operations and strategy for the entire 10,000-member association. One of her chief responsibilities is leading research efforts behind the PAR Initiative, which provides a fundamental portrait of women’s status within cable and telecommunications. The industry has made great strides over the course of a decade, and Das sees additional improvements on the horizon. “Other technology companies have recently begun to disclose their diversity numbers, so we can really see that the cable industry has good numbers to tout,” she says. “Our industry has made a significant commitment to diversity, and WICT will continue to work with our partners to tell this story broadly.”

What’s the definition of diversity in 2014, and how can the cable industry do better in the area of inclusiveness?

Diversity is being inclusive and open to all ideas and points of view. You can always improve, but the cable industry has demonstrated its commitment to improvement by measuring progress – both in terms of best practices and results. WICT’s PAR Initiative turned ten last year, and we have had ongoing support and participation from cable media companies from the start. In ten years, we have made real strides. Other technology companies have recently begun to disclose their diversity numbers, so we can really see that the cable industry has good numbers to tout. Our industry has made a significant commitment to diversity and WICT will continue to work with our partners to tell this story broadly.

Who has been your strongest mentor, and why?

My parents have been and continue to be my strongest role models since they took the risk to leave their homeland for better opportunities abroad. I’ve seen their struggles and how hard they worked so that we would never experience their challenges. They showed me that hard work and being true to who you are pays off.

What qualities do you look for when making a new hire?

I look for someone who is authentic and believes in our mission. The person needs to be nimble, eager to learn and a team player.