Cathy Reyes

Reyes certainly has been busy. She joined CNNE in 2010, and quickly rose through the ranks to her current post. She’s been nominated for an International Emmy and a Daytime Emmy, and is fully bilingual. “Diversity is not only about gender or race. Is there a diverse balance amongst religions, nationalities and culture, disability, age?” she posits. “Additionally, it’s key to have statistics on staff diversity in order to have a radiological view.”

What does your company/organization do to ensure all employees feel included?
They are as transparent as is possible and that alone is key to inclusion. They make their employees part of decision making, when possible, which is another big part of inclusion. CNN has multiple events for employees and managers, throughout the year that in more ways than one give employees back for all they do. There is an infinite number of courses that employees can take throughout their career at CNN to continuously better themselves and even move into management. Screenings for upcoming programming, special lunches throughout the year, Award Submissions, Newsletters, Organizational Updates/Executive Messages, Celebrating diversity (ex. Pride Month) and an infinite number of Business Resource & Community Groups such as Turner Black Professionals, Turner Disability Resource Groups, Turner Uno, Turner Vets, Turner Women, Volunteer Day (including company days to do volunteer work) and many other groups plus CNN Heroes!

How can diversity be better incorporated into the recruiting process?
At any successful company, it’s important to assess how everyone at that specific company defines diversity and inclusion. Diversity is not only about gender or race. Is there a diverse balance amongst religions, nationalities and culture, Disability, Age? Additionally, it’s key to have statistics on staff diversity in order to have a radiological view, by department, which can help the overall recruiting process in determining who you are as a company and who you should be looking for.

Can you share a successful diversity program at your company or one you’ve observed at another company or organization?
At CNN, there’s Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and a Diversity Council. This helps the company not only to recruit diverse staff, but provide guidance in diversifying content, guests, opinions and political views.

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