Donohue seamlessly delivers a consistent message of care, transparency, equality and justice to employees at Disney Advertising Sales. As co-leader of the hiring committee within Disney’s DEI committee, she ensures a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. She uses hiring practices that are specific, targeted and measurable, showing that each hire is not just a number. Donohue also forms partnerships between Disney and DEI-focused organizations such as the Center for Communication and #HIREBLACK so that she and the company are informed on best practices. She tells us she loves this particular time in the industry. “There are more mentors, sponsors and productive conversations around career pathing, and leaders are integrating conversations around DEI on a regular basis, creating new safe spaces for all team members,” Donohue says. “This results in diversity of thought, and most importantly, demonstrates the need for everyone to be included and treated as equals.”
Do you think there has been significant progress on DEI in the industry in the past year?
There has been significant progress, but we must continue to do more as an industry. Following the murder of George Floyd, Rita Ferro led, organized and built an Executive Sponsor team to further our efforts around DE&I. Seeing leadership both inside the organization and externally pushing the industry has had a personal impact on me and many other team members.
How have you been a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion?
I am humbled to have the opportunity to lead the Hiring Committee at Disney Advertising Sales alongside Danielle Brown. We are focused on fostering an environment that’s transparent, equal and just with the commitment to ensuring a diverse workforce, inclusive culture and enhanced hiring practices that are specific, targeted and measurable.
My best advice for fostering open, honest communication…
Communication is paramount within any organization, especially between an employee and a direct supervisor. I love this time in the industry. There are more mentors, sponsors and productive conversations around career pathing and leaders are integrating conversations around DE&I on a regular basis, creating new safe spaces for all team members. This results in diversity of thought, and most importantly, demonstrates the need for everyone to be included and treated as equals. I am also grateful to see more examples of companies fostering open and honest communication. Employees shouldn’t feel they have to keep their heads down and should be able to have a healthy working relationship. We are so intentional when we start out in the industry. We know where we want to go, we embrace our ambitions and continue our love of learning. When we get into situations where we can’t do this, we are also recognizing there is an issue with culture and building diversified environments.