When production came to a standstill during the pandemic, the industry had to adjust in order to survive. Thanks to Paredes Saez’s industrious thinking, she found creative ways for business to continue. She and her team quickly pivoted from long-established, tried-and-true production means to establishing criteria for self-shooting, Zoom shoots, remote kit deployment and virtual control room productions to support the continuation of unscripted long-form production. She and her team met this challenge and exceeded it with flying colors. She shines in another way, as well: in her dedication to diversity and inclusion. “I am committed to identifying and raising the profile of underrepresented groups including minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned and disabled-owned businesses and giving them opportunities to grow and contribute to a more equitable society,” she says. “I hope one day this kind of initiative becomes part of the natural fabric in our industry.”
How have you been a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion?
I feel truly fortunate to have been given the opportunity by A+E Networks to participate and contribute as a Supplier Diversity Champion. Supplier diversity strengthens our company’s values of creativity, collaboration, coordination, accountability and trust. It also helps drive diverse products, fresh ideas and innovative solutions. I am committed to identifying and raising the profile of underrepresented groups including, minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQ+-owned and disabled-owned businesses and give them opportunities to grow and contribute to a more equitable society. I hope one day this kind of initiative becomes part of the natural fabric in our industry.
My best advice for fostering open, honest communication is…
always represent your thoughts without blame, judgment or emotion.
What is your Favorite current show that you feel embraces D&I?
As a baby boomer, I grew up watching Norman Lear sitcoms, so when the Cuban version of “One Day at a Time” featuring a Latinx family living in L.A. launched, of course I watched. For the first time, I connected with a show that mirrored and validated my identity and experience growing up and in present day. The character portrayals and generational relationships are relatable, accurate and authentic. The relationship between the abuela and her grandson, who she adoringly calls “papito” is similar to my mom’s interaction with my teen son, who she also calls “papito.” But what’s more striking is each episode has the guts to tackle social issues such as gender roles, sexual identity, immigration, and mental illness. Unfortunately, the series has since been cancelled and during these times when representation matters, we need more shows like this, especially for our younger generation. I encourage all to gather with your families around “the tube” and watch shows like “One Day at a Time,” “Never Have I Ever,” “Nora From Queens,” “All American” and “Love Victor,” which have been a great source of entertainment and inspired conversations in our home.