Spotlights Archives

SPOTLIGHT: Breaking Barriers and Building Brands: The Unstoppable Growth of Women’s Sports

Women’s basketball viewership is soaring, attracting brands and major sponsors. With Nielsen data revealing untapped opportunities, now is the time for advertisers to invest and engage with this dynamic fan base.

SPOTLIGHT: Three Women Dive into Telling the story of Disney’s “Young Woman and the Sea”

Discover the inspiring tale of Trudy Ederle in Disney’s ‘Young Woman and the Sea.’ This powerful film, launching July 19 on Disney+, highlights the extraordinary achievements of pioneering female athletes. Dive into the story with the Geena Davis Institute, celebrating our shared mission of championing equitable representation in media.

SPOTLIGHT: AI Awareness – Increasing Cyber Safety and Opportunity in Our Schools, Screens, and Society

Talking about AI’s role in education and media with Tarika Barrett, CEO of Girls Who Code; Ellen Pack, President, Common Sense Media; and B Cavello, Director Emerging Technologies, Aspen Institute.

SPOTLIGHT: “The Spider Within”: New short film shows teens how to escape web of anxiety

“The Spider Within” explores teenage anxiety through Miles Morales, reflecting the Geena Davis Institute’s mission to promote authentic portrayals and foster meaningful conversations about mental health.

SPOTLIGHT: Creative Confidence: The LEGO Group’s “Play Unstoppable” Guides Girls Towards Building Self-Esteem

LEGO study reveals girls face perfection pressure, stifling creativity. Alero Akuya emphasizes dialogue for change, advocating growth mindset and exploration to boost girls’ creative confidence.

SPOTLIGHT: Elevating Latine Narratives: ‘Lopez vs. Lopez’ Shatters Stereotypes

“In this exclusive interview, ‘Lopez vs. Lopez’ co-creator Debby Wolfe discusses shattering Latine stereotypes and the show’s journey towards authentic representation on television.”

SPOTLIGHT: Channeling Black Audiences: Nielsen Study Shows Inclusivity Equals Profitability

This Geena Davis Institute Spotlight features Nielsen’s Charlene Polite Corley discussing new study findings on the diverse Black America’s desire for nuanced media representation.

SPOTLIGHT: Wit and Wisdom: Improv Propels Empowerment in The Harnisch Foundation’s ‘Funny Girls’ Program

The Geena Davis Institute spotlights The Harnisch Foundation’s ‘Funny Girls’ Program, transforming girls into confident leaders.

TOOLKIT: Diversity and Inclusion in Toy Advertising

Geena Davis Institute checklist for increased diversity and inclusion in toy advertising and marketing.

SPOTLIGHT: Insight from Nielsen: New Research Shows that Disability-inclusive Content is Smart Business

This Geena Davis Institute Spotlight shines on Nielsen’s research, revealing the success of disability-inclusive campaigns like Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, and the high engagement and ROI of creators with disabilities.

SPOTLIGHT: With This Light: An Interview with the Filmmakers Jessica Sarowitz, Laura Bermudez and Nicole Bernardi-Reis

The Geena Davis Institute highlights “With This Light,” a film showcasing Sister María Rosa Leggol’s transformative work for girls in Honduras. Directed by female filmmakers it embodies diverse and authentic storytelling.

SPOTLIGHT: Confronting Online Violence Against Women and Nonbinary Journalists

The Geena Davis Institute shines a spotlight on the dire state of online violence against women journalists, highlighting a crucial issue that threatens press freedom and silences vital voices in the media landscape.

SPOTLIGHT: Beyond Lazy Tropes: The Quest for Authenticity in Fat Representation

The Geena Davis Institute and Bentonville Film Festival put a spotlight on fat representation, discussing the challenges and importance of authentic, diverse body images in media.

SPOTLIGHT: How the Apple TV+ Series “Stillwater” Equips Children with Strategies for Resilience and Mindfulness

In “Stillwater” on Apple TV+, mindfulness consultant Mallika Chopra highlights the show’s role in teaching children self-regulation and reflection, emphasizing its importance in addressing today’s youth mental health crisis.

SPOTLIGHT: Behind the Scenes of “Jane”: A Groundbreaking Series Merging STEM and Storytelling

“Jane,” a new series on Apple TV+, embodies environmental and feminist ideals, featuring cameos from science leaders and promoting diversity both onscreen and behind the scenes.

SPOTLIGHT: How Media Can Demystify Cybersecurity and Uncover New Careers

Craig Newmark and partners tackle the cybersecurity gender gap, leveraging media influence to inspire and empower women in tech, addressing workforce diversity needs.

SPOTLIGHT: How Media Can Influence Cybersafety and Open Careers for Women and Girls

Craig Newmark Philanthropies, a longtime partner and supporter of the Geena Davis Institute, supports a broad coalition of organizations dedicated to educating and protecting everyday Americans amid new and escalating cybersecurity threats.

SPOTLIGHT: Being Seen Onscreen is Life Changing for Older Adults

Spotlight on the NextFifty Initiative and media’s portrayal of adults 50+ which was found lacking, highlighting stereotypes and the need for authentic, diverse representation to foster societal change.

SPOTLIGHT: Mothering Sunday, Tragic Memories Embolden this Writer to Overcome the Entrapments of Her Younger Self

“Mothering Sunday,” is a poignant British drama, unravels a writer’s journey through loss and liberation, spotlighting her defiant rise against societal constraints, fueled by a gripping narrative and powerful performances.

SPOTLIGHT: Mariana van Zeller’s Investigations Reveal the Minds, Motivations, and Economic Impact of Black Market

Winning a Gracie Award and receiving critical acclaim, Mariana van Zeller’s fearless journalism shines a light on the systemic issues fueling trafficking networks and shadow economies, advocating for informed action to combat them.

SPOTLIGHT: Disney’s Reimagine Tomorrow Digital Destination Celebrates Inclusion for Everyone

The Walt Disney Company launched its Reimagine Tomorrow digital destination, a large-scale platform for amplifying underrepresented voices and untold stories. It champions the importance of accurate representation in media and entertainment.

SPOTLIGHT: Chris Nee and Kerri Grant Bring Invisible Communities and Careers to Life in Ada Twist, Scientist, Coming to Netflix

Netflix’s Ada Twist, Scientist is an animated preschool series that follows the adventures of eight-year-old Ada Twist, a pint-sized black female scientist with a giant-sized curiosity who aspires to discover the truth about absolutely everything.

SPOTLIGHT: Video Gaming for Good – The Time is Now, Learn How

Understanding how the video gaming ecosystem can help promote inclusion and positive gender norms, while removing harmful stereotypes and toxic masculinity.

SPOTLIGHT: Industry Leaders are Redefining What it Means to be API in Entertainment – Simply Put, They Want More

A timely conversation about API representation in entertainment, given the alarming rise of anti-Asian sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SPOTLIGHT: UNICEF’s Gender Equality Leaders Discuss the Impact of Private Sector Advertising

By Mary Ellen Holden In collaboration with UNICEF and its partners, the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media unveiled […]

SPOTLIGHT: Nielsen’s New Research Prompts Advertisers to Defund Hate

In 2020, the DE&I team at Nielsen were alarmed by the rise in anti-Asian sentiment and hate, fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic. To combat this, brands and content creators can actively embrace inclusion, diversity, and social justice in their marketing and corporate social responsibility efforts.

SPOTLIGHT: Wolfwalkers Celebrates The Power of Friendship, Empathy, and Discovery

Powerful and empowering, the folk animated feature film Wolfwalkers, seven years in the making, is nominated for Best Animated Feature for the upcoming Oscars and BAFTAs.

SPOTLIGHT: Closing The STEM Gender Gap Across Borders Through Research, Policy & Partnerships

Hannah Young, the Deputy Consul General at the British Consulate General New York, is driving progress and stemming the gap in all areas of life where women and girls are marginalized, stereotyped and/or underrepresented.

SPOTLIGHT: OpenGate Entertainment Breaks The Hollywood Pitch Paradigm

OpenGate Entertainment is disrupting the traditional pitch process. Through data-driven marketing, OpenGate identifies unique stories from a diverse group of content creators.

SPOTLIGHT: The Cast of Endlings Sparks Timely Conversations about Emotional Health, Social Justice and Climate Change

Left to right: Michela Luci (Tabby), Edison Grant (Johnny), Kamia Fairburn (Julia), and Cale Ferrin (Finn). Photo credit: Sinking Ship […]

SPOTLIGHT: Starz Commitment to Inclusive Storytelling Lights Up Opportunities

Credit: Starz By Mary Ellen Holden Alison Hoffman – President, Domestic Networks at Starz Inclusive storytelling focused on women, and […]

SPOTLIGHT: Entertainment Media is Changing the Equation for Women and Girls in Tech

Portrait: Craig Newmark • Credit: Amelia Langdon, Age 5 By Mary Ellen Holden The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in […]

SPOTLIGHT: Movio’s Audience Diversity Algorithm Can Predict Box Office Success

By Mary Ellen Holden The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the social justice movement and a pause in filmmaking, has provided […]

SPOTLIGHT: IF/THEN® Collection Launches to Celebrate Female, STEM Pioneers

By Mary Ellen Holden For many years, Lyda Hill Philanthropies® founder Lyda Hill has posited that “science is the answer” […]

SPOTLIGHT: “If He Can See It, Will He Be It?” Salon: Highlights and Insider Insights

By Mary Ellen Holden The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media at Mount Saint Mary University hosts See Jane […]

SPOTLIGHT: The Baby-Sitters Club, Coming to Netflix

Fresh, inspiring, and inclusive storytelling and casting – proving once again that representation matters Images: © Netflix By Mary Ellen […]

SPOTLIGHT: Mira, Royal Detective

Discover how Disney Junior’s new series celebrates a vibrant, diverse and magical culture Don’t miss our exclusive interviews Images: © […]

SPOTLIGHT: Dino Dana Takes Huge Steps to Advance Diversity, Break Gender Stereotypes and Embrace STEM

By Mary Ellen Holden Debuting its fourth season on Amazon on April 17, Dino Dana has emerged as a bona […]

SPOTLIGHT: Representation Matters: Nielsen Says It’s Time to Stand Up and Be Counted

By Mary Ellen Holden The demand for diverse storytelling and inclusive content creation onscreen and behind-the-camera has never been stronger […]

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