Tonya Cornileus
Cornileus shows team spirit in her role as an integral member of the senior human resources leadership division at ESPN. She’s responsible for the global learning, talent management and organizational development strategies for network employees worldwide. Over the last year, she oversaw multiple mentor events for ESPN personnel that encouraged conversation among employees on how to better enhance their work experience. The exec feels ABC is on top when it comes to diverse programming, noting returning series “Scandal” and “Black-ish,” as well as newcomer “Downward Dog.”
What television show/s – cable or broadcast – best embrace diversity?
I believe the Disney ABC Television Group has done a highly commendable job of featuring storytelling with diverse actors. The shows include dominant characters reflecting diversity in demographics such as, gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. The list includes “Scandal,” “How to Get Away with Murder,” “Black-ish,” “Fresh Off the Boat,” and “Modern Family.” New this fall they have added “Downward Dog” that features a storyline about millennials.
The technology that will most benefit cable over the next year is…
Technologies, applications and content bundles that enable distribution direct to consumer, personalization and mobility. If I have to name one technology device, I would say the mobile phone will continue to be the technology that will most benefit cable. And, finding a way to more easily authenticate subscribers will increase access/usage.
Favorite charity I work with?
Hartford Consortium for Higher Education Career Beginnings Program (Hartford, CT). Founded in 1986, Career Beginnings connects Hartford-area high schools, businesses, volunteers/mentors and parents in a coordinated effort to increase the percentage of teenagers who graduate from high school, pursue higher education, and fulfill career goals.
