Representation is often discussed in numbers: who appears on screen, who gets hired, who holds leadership positions. But numbers alone cannot tell the full story. The real challenge lies in understanding how identities overlap—and how those intersections shape opportunity, visibility, and influence across entertainment and media.
At the Chicago See Jane Salon, the Geena Davis Institute brought together researchers, creators, producers, and advocates to explore the role of intersectionality in media at a moment when conversations around equity were becoming increasingly central to the entertainment industry. Grounded in new research and informed by lived experience, the event examined what progress looks like when representation is measured not only by presence, but by complexity, authenticity, and power.
What made this conversation particularly valuable was its cross-industry perspective. By connecting findings from children's television, advertising, and broader cultural narratives with the experiences of working creatives, the Salon highlighted both the opportunities and the challenges facing those committed to creating a more inclusive media landscape.
The evening opened with a presentation from Geena Davis Institute CEO Madeline Di Nonno, who shared findings from three recent reports examining gender parity in children's television, media stereotypes affecting girls and young women, and inclusion within advertising. Together, the research painted a picture of an industry making measurable gains while still confronting persistent blind spots.
The discussion that followed moved beyond statistics and into the realities of media creation. Panelists explored what it means to build inclusive stories, companies, and creative pipelines in environments where decision-making power has historically been concentrated among a narrow group of voices.
Teagan Earley spoke from the perspective of a producer and entrepreneur focused on elevating underrepresented storytellers. Her perspective highlighted the importance of expanding access not only on screen but also behind the camera, where creative decisions are made.
Qadree Holmes brought an advertising and production lens to the conversation, emphasizing the responsibility brands and agencies have in shaping public narratives. His work underscored the idea that representation is not simply a social issue—it is also a business and audience issue that influences who feels seen and valued.
Filmmaker Kris Rey reflected the creative realities of storytelling itself, where authentic representation requires moving beyond assumptions and stereotypes to create characters who feel fully human. Her perspective reinforced that meaningful inclusion is not achieved through visibility alone but through depth, nuance, and narrative agency.
Actor Sadieh Rifai offered insight from the performer's side of the industry, speaking to the significance of roles that allow actors from historically underrepresented communities to exist beyond limited archetypes. Her experience highlighted the impact authentic storytelling can have on audiences searching for reflections of themselves.
Throughout the conversation, a common theme emerged: progress is most meaningful when representation is approached holistically. Intersectionality is not a trend or framework layered onto storytelling after the fact. It is a recognition that audiences experience the world through multiple identities at once, and media must evolve accordingly.
The evening concluded with a sense of both optimism and accountability. The research showed measurable advances. The conversation made clear that sustaining those gains requires continued attention, intentional leadership, and a willingness to challenge long-standing industry assumptions.
CEO, Geena Davis Institute
As one of the leading voices advancing research-based advocacy within entertainment, Di Nonno framed the discussion through data and industry accountability. Her presentation connected representation trends across children's television, advertising, and broader cultural narratives.
Actor, Producer, and Co-Founder, Sisters First
Earley brought a producer's perspective on creating pathways for underrepresented creators and stories. Her contribution emphasized the importance of expanding access to funding, production opportunities, and leadership positions.
Founder and Executive Producer, Quriosity Productions
Holmes offered insight into the role advertising and branded content play in shaping public perceptions. He highlighted how creative leadership and diverse talent pipelines influence both representation and business outcomes.
Writer, Director, and Producer, I Used to Go Here
Rey discussed the creative responsibility of building authentic characters and narratives. Her perspective centered on moving beyond simplistic representation toward stories that reflect the complexity of real lives.
Actor, The Red Line and Patriot
Rifai contributed the performer's perspective, emphasizing the value of nuanced roles that challenge stereotypes and expand the range of stories audiences see on screen.
This Chicago See Jane Salon was supported by the Julian Grace Foundation and brought together industry professionals, researchers, and community members around a shared commitment to advancing more inclusive media. The event reflected the value of cross-sector partnerships in translating research into industry action.
The conversation around representation has evolved. The question is no longer whether inclusion matters, but how industries can create systems that support it sustainably and authentically.
Research consistently demonstrates that representation influences aspirations, perceptions, and opportunities. Yet audiences do not experience identity through a single lens. Gender intersects with race, ethnicity, culture, age, and countless other lived realities. Ignoring those intersections risks creating a version of inclusion that remains incomplete.
The Geena Davis Institute continues to play a unique role in this work by pairing rigorous research with industry engagement. Events like the See Jane Salon create space for the people shaping culture to examine not only where progress has occurred, but where deeper transformation is still needed.
The most important industry conversations often happen in rooms where research, lived experience, and decision-making power intersect.
Geena Davis Institute members gain access to exclusive events, research briefings, and conversations with the creators, executives, performers, and advocates shaping the future of media. Membership offers more than attendance—it provides access to a community committed to turning insight into action.
These discussions are intentionally curated and grounded in evidence. For professionals seeking to stay ahead of industry shifts while contributing to meaningful change, membership provides a valuable connection to both knowledge and influence. Join here.
