Adria Alpert Romm

Merging two large, highly successful companies with distinct corporate cultures is a Herculean task. The fact that the Discovery-Scripps merger was a smooth operation is due in no small part to Romm. And her work isn’t finished yet, as she and her team continue to develop and support ways to foster engagement and cooperation among employees at every level. “Investing in women in the early stages of their careers, from an internship or entry-level position, fills the media industry pipeline with talent,” Romm says.

What specifically does your company do to support and elevate the women who work there?
At Discovery, we believe in supporting and elevating all employees. We do so through our various, learning & development, work-life, wellbeing and inclusion programs that cater to employees at all stages in their careers and personal lives. Our Discovery Women’s Network (DWN) employee resource group caters to the support and elevation of women, specifically through leadership programs and special outreach. DWN’s Coaching Circle is a specialized program for women at Discovery to partner with female senior level management and allows for mentoring and reverse mentoring. The program provides valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth, building relationships and interacting with role models. While each relationship is unique, it can take on anything from work/life integration, to career management, to personal brand.

How can the industry do a better job of recruiting women and ensuring they have a path to senior positions?
Investing in women in the early stages of their careers, from an internship or entry-level position, fills the media industry pipeline with talent. By investing in our own internship programs and by partnering with organizations such as the Emma Bowen Foundation and WICT, among others, we set ourselves up to have a pipeline that over time, with continuous learning and development programs, will ensure women have a clear path to senior positions and success in media.

What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
Be open to explore all opportunities even those that make you nervous or scared. Achieving this will help you gain confidence and the belief that many things are possible.

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