The Why: Soares’ efforts around diversity and inclusion have changed the sports entertainment landscape, expanding the reach and influence of the ESPN International and Deportes offerings. She created and led the Somos Latinas initiative, producing content in English and Spanish around the theme of “somos” (we are) that spotlighted Latinos in sports. The series followed five Latina athletes within their respective sports and was produced by an all-woman crew.
She Says… “Many believe that DEI is ‘done’ once you get a diverse person in the door or you give them a new assignment. DEI needs to be a factor in every decision, every discussion and every process, every single day. It needs to be organically woven into everything we do.”
What movie or show is a must-watch for celebrating diversity? I absolutely love “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” It magically represents what it is like to blend the culture you come from and one you now live in.
What is an overlooked aspect of DEI? The most overlooked aspect of DEI is that it is a living and breathing thing that needs constant nourishment and attention. Many believe that DEI is “done” once you get a diverse person in the door or you give them a new assignment. DEI needs to be a factor in every decision, every discussion and every process, every single day. It needs to be organically weaved into everything we do. To accomplish this, you need the right people and the right environment across all aspects and levels of the organization.
How has advocating for DEI benefited your company or department? Advocating for DEI has opened the eyes of the people around me. It helps people understand other aspects of stories that are important to cover. It helps to uncover stories they would never otherwise know about. And it helps the team see the value of individuals who bring a different way of thinking to the table. The more people see different perspectives valued, the more they are willing to share something that is outside the norm of what we do.