Spotlight – Twenty Years of Brokeback Mountain: How Focus Features Redefined Masculinity on the American Frontier
Twenty years ago, Brokeback Mountain redefined masculinity and LGBTQIA+ representation on screen. Its legacy endures — proving that inclusive, emotionally rich storytelling changes hearts, minds, and entire industries.
Spotlight: Transforming Tech Narratives – How Media Can Empower the Next Generation of Women in Cybersecurity
Protecting ourselves from cyber threats will require the brightest minds from the next generation — yet women are starkly underrepresented in cybersecurity and other STEM fields.
Spotlight: Nielsen Report Reveals Asian American Media Impact in 2025
Asian American media influence is reshaping the U.S. cultural landscape in 2025—from skyrocketing YouTube viewership to beauty trends rooted in […]
Member Spotlight: Patrick Hyde
Amplifying Untold Stories Geena Davis Institute Members are changemakers who know that on screen representation matters and are dedicated to […]
Member Spotlight: Sidney Clifton
Discover how Sidney Clifton, producer, storyteller, founder of The Clifton House and GDI advocate, champions inclusive storytelling and empowers diverse voices in the entertainment industry.
Spotlight: How ‘Mission Unstoppable’ powers girls toward STEM careers – and has a blast along the way
There was an episode featuring a USA National Swim Team member who redirected her skills into becoming an underwater engineer. […]
Spotlight: Inclusive Game Design: How the GDI Playbook helps developers imagine games that match the audience
Retro video gamers learned long ago that a little inclusivity goes a long way. Pac-Man set arcades ablaze in the […]
Member Spotlight: Shannon Topinka
Strategic Collaborator with a Prescription for Women’s Health Care At the Geena Davis Institute, our members are changemakers, shaping a […]
Amplifying Black Voices: Nielsen Study Connects Culture with the Bottom Line
A new study from Nielsen, which arrives just in time for Black History Month, serves as a reminder that Black […]
Member Spotlight: Zenay Arnold
Discover how Zenay Arnold, co-founder of Queens Light Productions and GDI advocate, champions inclusive storytelling and empowers diverse voices in the entertainment industry.
The Unstoppable Rise of Women’s Sports: Brands, Fans & Big Gains
Women’s sports growth has exploded in recent years, led by the meteoric rise of women’s basketball. Once overlooked, it now […]
Three Women Dive into Telling the story of Disney’s “Young Woman and the Sea”
Olympic swimmer Siobhan-Marie O’Connor, who won a silver medal representing Great Britain at the 2016 Summer Games, said there’s an […]
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
n a compelling episode late in Season 1 of “Lopez vs. Lopez,” a character tries to stymie a fellow Latina […]
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 […]
Discover how Disney Juniors new series Mira Royal Detective celebrates a vibrant, diverse and magical culture!
Check out our exclusive interview with the voice of Mira, Leela Ladnier where she talks about Mira as a role model for young boys and girls as well as her own experiences with diversity. “Stay true to yourself; and, let the appreciation you have of your culture shine through. Remember who you are and never forget where you came from because your background is only going to help you push forward.”
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 […]
SPOTLIGHT: How Frozen 2 Resonates with Audiences by Melting Gender Stereotypes: Up-Close with Geena Davis and Disney Animation’s Jennifer Lee
Brought to you by Facebook SEEN © 2019 Photos by Brian Knott By Mary Ellen Holden Frozen 2, Walt Disney […]
SPOTLIGHT: Disney Junior’s The Rocketeer Flips the Script
Original Hero Passes his Superpowers onto a Young Girl and Rocks her World © 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights […]
SPOTLIGHT: Mission Unstoppable Makes Television History
Executive Producers: Madeline Di Nonno, GDIGM, CEO; Anna Wenger, Litton Entertainment; Geena Davis, GDIGM Founder; and Lyda Hill. Credit: Brian […]
SPOTLIGHT: The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance A Pillar of Inclusive Entertainment
By Mary Ellen Holden As the summer winds down, anticipation is building for the premiere of The Dark Crystal: Age […]
