The Why? In 2020, Vissering spearheaded Nat Geo’s Field Ready Program to promote diversity and inclusion in television production, especially in natural history. She expanded the program to include science, adventure and exploration, and also works to create change through the content she stewards.
She Says… “My mother’s teachings have meant more to me than ever. Not because she had a high-powered executive job but quite the opposite. She came to this country as an immigrant who didn’t speak English, had no job prospects, family or much money. However, no matter what she faced, she maintained her constant positive and loving spirit toward my sister and me.”
How inclusive is your recruitment and talent development? Inclusivity is a priority in every aspect of our work, from recruitment to story development to those in the field making the programs. We are intentional in our effort to reflect our diverse world properly. We recently worked with our recruiting team and the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) to recruit our summer intern. In the field, our team mentors rising diverse filmmakers from around the globe. And I’m incredibly proud of our partnerships with key organizations that help change the representation of our shows. One, in particular, is Minorities in Shark Science (MISS), who we worked with to secure women scientists for our annual summer event, SharkFest.
Who has kicked down a door for you? Fortunately, I’ve had several leaders who gave me incredible opportunities, but my mother’s teachings have meant more to me than ever. Not because she had a high-powered executive job but quite the opposite. She came to this country as an immigrant who didn’t speak English, had no job prospects, family, or much money. However, no matter what she faced, she maintained her constant positive and loving spirit toward my sister and me. She is the most selfless person in the world, always putting others first and willing to do what she had to do to forge her family forward. Her approach to life is that we should be honored to be on this planet and always be grateful no matter what you do or what you have. She worked 35 years as a hospital kitchen aid, which was back-breaking, yet I never heard her complain about her job once during those years. My mother’s humble and positive approach to life helps me find solace when facing difficult situations. Being positive in any outcome helps break down doors, even if they might not open all the way.
First event attended IRL (in real life) when live reopened? I went to see “Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
