Nelson’s team this past year helped create Disney’s Luminate, the company’s suite of advanced advertising offerings across its portfolio of networks. The cross-network initiative allows advertisers to move from traditional age/demo and evaluate data based on audience segments relevant to their business needs. Nelson applauds Disney for its inclusiveness, noting the company “works hard to ensure that diversity in the workplace is achieved.”
What specifically does your company do to support and elevate the women who work there?
Disney is known for its inclusiveness and works hard to ensure that diversity in the workplace is achieved. For woman, there are various mentorship programs available which highlight successful female executives from all parts of the company. As part of the Disney Ad Sales organization, I’m proud to be one of the many senior female executives’ part of Rita Ferro’s organization.
How can the industry do a better job of recruiting women and ensuring they have a path to senior positions?
I believe that the advertising industry has been incredible supportive of women and have created paths for women for many years. In my 25-year career, I have had significantly more female bosses than males. I don’t think the same thing can be said for many other industries. As a result, we are in an unprecedented time when all the major ad sales organizations are headed by women.
What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
To worry less about the future and have faith in the work ethic that was instilled in me from my parents. My successes came as a result of hard work and have continually resulted in more opportunity throughout my career.
