The Why: As one of the brains behind Amazon Studios’ Inclusion Policy & Playbook—the first open-source guide to increasing equity in the industry—Gillespie has helped boost representation of women of color in key roles: writers rose from 9% to 21%, creators from 0% to 12%, directors 11% to 21%, producers 6% to 9%, and showrunners 0% to 13% since the playbook’s inception. She’s established partnerships with organizations including the Latino Film Institute, IllumniNative and the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment to create industry opportunities for underserved communities.
She Says… “JP Morgan Chase’s investments in minority- and women-owned businesses have been substantial. They have committed $30 billion to advancing racial equity. JP Morgan Chase is also building equity from within – there are several high-ranking women of color at the company that are empowered to develop programs like the Advancing Black Pathways Fellowship, which elevates the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
Place I would love to retire to: The French Riviera. My husband of 25 years and I are renewing our vows there this month and I can’t wait.
Coworkers describe me as… someone who is inspiring, includes others and is a little bit of organized chaos. LOL.