Vicky Free

As marketing chief, it’s on Free to make sure the brand delivers on its promise to “respect, reflect and elevate.” That means taking a look at current events and stepping in when appropriate. In the wake of the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, she helped launch BET’s #De-EscalateDon’tKill campaign, giving viewers and employees a platform to share emotions. On a scale of one to ten, Free would give the industry “a five, at best” in terms of diversity. “It seems that executives of color in the cable industry still do not get the stretch assignments that allow for full inclusion at the decision-making table. Unfortunately, as our industry continues to consolidate and shrink, it appears that executives of color are the most vulnerable,” she says.

What grade do you give the cable industry on diversity and why?
On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best score, I’d say a 5 at best. It seems that executives of color in the cable industry still do no get the stretch assignments that allow for full inclusion at the decision-making table. Unfortunately, as our industry continues to consolidate and shrink, it appears that executives of color are the most vulnerable.

My personal election campaign slogan would be…
VOTE YOUR VOICE – in this election more than any other in recent times everyone has a responsibility to speak up and vote. Silence and not voting is LOUD consent.

Favorite charity organization you work with?
I recently started working with an organization called One Kid One World (OKOW) whose mission is to educate girls in Kenya to improve the health and prosperity of under-served communities. In May of 2016 we visited Kenya and I was able to witness first-hand the real time impact OKOW is making by building classrooms, science labs and dormitories for young girls. During my visit with these young women I was reminded of what really matters in life – it’s what we do for others that is our true legacy.