Reaching Out, Reaching In: Championing DEI in the AV IndustryBy Brandy Alvarado-Miranda, CEO of BAM! Marketing & PR Agency
Want to be an AV Mentor? Here’s What to Know About WAVIT's Mentorship Program
How Pro AV Can #AccelerateAction on International Women’s Day and BeyondEvery year, International Women’s Day (IWD) invites us to reflect on the strides women have made and the journey still ahead. This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, resonates deeply with WAVIT’s mission to empower women in technology and professional AV industries. We’re encouraging all members of the Pro AV industry to not only accelerate action but also drive meaningful change for young women across the industry.
We're celebrating voices during Black History Month. Here we're featuring Kameesha Jones, AV Project Manager for Florida International University.
Q&A with Brittni Woodland -- Celebrating Black History Month with WAVIT
Can you share a bit about your background and how your personal experiences have shaped who you are today?
○ I grew up a military child traveling worldwide, so diversity has always been a key fabric of my human experience. While I have not always been welcomed into every space or place I have encountered, I understand the importance of honoring and celebrating differences. I believe exposure to varying cultures and ways of life from an early age has been a guidepost for the unique experiences and paths I’ve walked, including finding myself in what I consider a niche yet expansive industry, like audio-visual technology.
● Were there any mentors or role models along the way who influenced your journey?
○ While she is not a mentor, Alesia Hendley (Sennheiser) is incredibly inspiring. In my opinion, she’s a high-energy creator and professional, and she continues to carve out a path for herself in this industry by putting in the work and innovating unique and influential forms of communication and connection, among various other talents and skills she possesses.
Join WAVIT as we celebrate Black History Month by amplifying the voices of Black professionals in the audio-visual and IT industries. We're honoring history, empowering the present, and inspiring the future. #BlackVoicesInAVIT
Celebrating Global Diversity Every Month: How Women in Pro AV Lead the Way
Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women to Lead in AV/IT by Focusing on Opportunities, Not ObstaclesBy Brandy Alvarado-Miranda, CEO/Owner BAM! Marketing & PR Agency & WAVIT Founder
Commercial Integrator link
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: WAVIT's Guide to Care and Support The Importance of Attendance: Navigating Respectful Behavior in Virtual Meetings
By Tammy Fuqua, Developer Partner Manager for QSC
What company do you work for?
PIVIUM
Learn and connect with Kathryn Cordina.
Please describe your role?
The most important part to my role is always taking care of the customer, weather it is an integrator, consultant or end user. I spend a lot of time listening to customers needs and pairing them with the right SCT solutions. Helping customers with projects is a fantastic feeling. I like when solutions we discuss help solve a problem. I also update and train customers on new technology. At SCT, I get to stretch my talents in the Marketing and Training department as well. I love learning and it's really exciting to wear a few different hats. Our Business Development team works together and it's fun to work hard, help grow business and work on cool projects.
If you worked in another industry, what struck you when you first entered the AV industry?
AV was my first "real" job out of college. What struck me as unique were the people. So many amazing folks that wanted to work hard, have fun and make sure to go above and beyond for the customer. Plus, I've met some amazing musicians in our industry! Most of them have cool stories about being on tour with cool bands. Love it!
If you have been in the industry a while, what are some of the biggest changes you have seen, if any?
It has been fun to see some of the changes in the industry. One of the best is the increased number of women since I started. We are still not at the numbers we would like, but over the last 25+ years, the percent has grown. I look forward to it growing even more! Another big change was going from an analog world to digital. The technology has evolved in an exciting way and continues to be innovative. The video walls and content are incredible these days!
Do you have any recommendations for “must read” books relating to business; being a woman in business, business in general or motivational books?
I just recently finished 2 great books. The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins and Green Lights by Matthew McConaughey. Both I would highly recommend. Great reads that let you look at your life, how you deal with different scenarios and how to overcome fears.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I like to golf with my husband, take my Doberman, Mookie to the park and see friends and family. Every morning, you can find me in the gym. Todd (my husband) and I enjoy traveling and hiking. I love watching pretty much every sport (Go Cowboys!) and sometimes I get a chance to relax with a good Netflix or Prime series. (loved Jack Reacher) I also co-lead the Dallas chapter of the AVIXA Women's Council. I love that we volunteer for charitable events, including STEM events for elementary students. Talking about AV with elementary kids is really fun.
"You are SAFE With Me” Campaign Amplifying LGBTQ+ Voices and Allyship
I’ve been feeling mentally disintegrated. I have a lot going on in my personal life that has left me feeling overwhelmed, tired, sad, mad, and a whole range of emotions. Personally, the last four months have been awful, but I am on the road to healing. I’m grateful during this time for several things, friends I can call and count on, a wonderful therapist that enlightens me, and a bunch of books and resources that have shed some light and have helped me find clarity.
Learn 10 Communication Tips for women on speaking your truth, and dealing with difficult situations
The Case for Women Mentoring WomenMentoring programs play a vital role in empowering young women. These programs provide them with guidance, support and a strong foundation for personal and professional development. They’re essential because they offer young women access to experienced individuals who can share their knowledge and insights, thus serving as role models and sources of inspiration.
▶ This guide is designed to empower women
in the workplace to advocate for themselves,
navigate obstacles, eliminate limiting beliefs to
elevate in leadership and thrive in their careers.
Breaking Barriers: #InspireInclusion in AV/IT Industries for International Women's DayGloria Steinem once eloquently stated, "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." As we celebrate International Women's Day 2024, we embark on a journey to #InspireInclusion in the audio-visual (AV) and information technology (IT) industries. This campaign aims to create a more diverse, equitable, and supportive environment for women, recognizing their invaluable contributions to these fields.
from Commercial Integrator Magazine - Making Waves Nov/Dec 2023
“The reasonable man adapts himself to the world: the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.”
