Sally Kinsman
President, Kingsman Design Associates
As a cable system designer going back to 1972, Kinsman knows the industry cold. Back then, there were a lot fewer women working in cable and Kinsman was a trailblazer—a spirit she continues to invoke today. In 1983, she became the first woman elected to the SCTE Board of Directors. In 1986, she became the first woman to receive the SCTE Member of the Year Award. Although she says the TechConnect Mentoring Program, launched by SCTE and WICT in 2011, has helped women move into better positions within our industry, Kinsman notes, “I am concerned that the significant differences we hoped to make have not been reached yet.”
Which current programming best reflects the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?
The TechConnect Mentoring Program, launched by SCTE and WICT in 2011, has helped women move into better positions within our industry. All of the ladies in the program who provided feedback give the program positive comments. I participated the first year and am still in touch with my mentee often. However in the six years since the program launched I am concerned that the significant differences we hoped to make have not been reached yet.
What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
To be kinder to yourself and follow your heart. Not just follow the boxes that others might suggest to you. Find what excites and stimulates your imagination.
Which current programming best reflects the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?
The TechConnect Mentoring Program, launched by SCTE and WICT in 2011, has helped women move into better positions within our industry. All of the ladies in the program who provided feedback give the program positive comments. I participated the first year and am still in touch with my mentee often. However in the 6 years since the program launched I am concerned that the significant differences we hoped to make have not been reached yet.
What’s been the biggest story in cable this year?
As a cable system designer going back to 1972, there is one that peaked my interest. Have FCC rules in recent years led to the slowing down of investments in the industry, as recently reported, in part because no one knows the outcome of these rules? Without investments will this lead to fewer investments in our cable infrastructure? We know we have the best product – we just need to make sure we keep the best delivery system down to the last drop.
