ESPN’s commitment to DEI and increased representation have plenty of Daboh’s influence. In under five years with the sports giant, she’s developed and advanced DEI strategy across ESPN’s content, culture and people to make sure it remains relevant and intriguing to its audience. Daboh has also led the creative and implementation efforts for ESPN’s Diversity Division Action Plans, which span seven divisions and 13 functions. “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are key strategic business pillars, and we consider them foundational to everything we do,” Daboh says. “We also have worked to develop an integrated and holistic approach—we work to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion are fully integrated, mobilized and sustained into our organization.” She also developed the ESPN Sports Media Summit program, which provides an in-depth look into what it takes for the network to remain at the top of the sports world, as well as the Inclusive Content Committee, which further enhances inclusive content across ESPN platforms. Her commitment to DEI even extends beyond the walls of ESPN and Disney, having made an external partnership framework to bolster the company’s external stakeholder partnerships including the National Association of Black Journalists, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Asian American Journalists Association and others. Previously, Daboh sat on the Tri-State Diversity Council Board as well as the University of Minnesota Alumni Association Board’s Inclusion and Belonging Committee. “Wokie is capable of doing anything that she strives to achieve professionally,” says ESPN SVP, HR Judy Agay. “She is well on her path to becoming an even more senior business leader, heading up Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and continuing to inspire future generations.”
Champion: Judy Agay
“Wokie will continue to be a role model for others internally and externally, creating and influencing the organization to lead with empathy and prioritizing an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong.”