Reaching Out, Reaching In: Championing DEI in the AV Industry

By Brandy Alvarado-Miranda, CEO of BAM! Marketing & PR Agency 

I am tremendously disappointed about missing the technology, events, and networking at ISE. Like many, I turned to social media to soak up any info I could on what I was missing at the show. I am always particularly drawn to the AVIXA Women’s Council and Diversity events. One of my favorite #AVTweeps, Iffat Chaudhry, was a speaker this year at the Council event. If you don’t know Iffat, she has a great podcast that I listen to regularly called #WhatIff. I encourage you to catch her Podcast on YouTube. Her podcast is devoted to conversations about Diversity, Inclusivity and Equity (DEI), and I’ve always found her perspective on point with my own values.

I watched an interview she did at ISE recently, and it was a real light-bulb moment for me. Her views on championing DEI in this industry are centered around not only “reaching out, but reaching in.” As a Founder at WAVIT, this strikes a chord, as part of our mission centers around outreach, and another part is to provide a network that supports and empowers women in the AV and IT industries, through education, representation, and inclusion.

Her “reaching out/reaching in” point really resonated with me. I often find myself in a position to be a mentor, and lead by example. But true progress in DEI requires more than mentorship; it demands a systemic shift in how we recruit, promote, and support women in AV. It starts with intentional outreach to bring more women into the industry—advocating for policies that foster inclusivity, creating pathways for growth, and ensuring women have a seat at the table in decision-making roles.

However, outreach is only part of the equation. Reaching in means fostering an environment where the women feel heard, valued, and empowered. This includes internal company policies that prioritize equitable pay, professional development opportunities, and workplace cultures that genuinely support work-life balance. It means amplifying the voices of women and providing platforms for them to share their experiences and expertise, whether through speaking engagements, industry panels, or leadership opportunities.

The industry has made strides in DEI, but there is still much work to be done. Representation matters, and visibility can inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in technology. Organizations like WAVIT, the AVIXA Women’s Council, and others play a crucial role in fostering these conversations, but it takes commitment from the entire industry to turn these discussions into action.

For those reading this, I encourage you to ask yourself: How are you reaching out to bring more diverse voices into AV? And equally important, how are you reaching in to support, uplift, and empower the women already here? Let me give you some ideas and food for thought perhaps:

1. Support Inclusive Industry Groups
   Support and join one of the groups mentioned in this article. They are places where all are welcome. This includes all genders, races, ages, disabilities, sexual orientation, and more.
2. Engage in Community Outreach
   Reach out by supporting community outreach. Visit a local school, tech college where you can showcase how cool the AV industry really is. I’ve personally always thought this video from AVIXA is a great tool for shining a spotlight on all the facets of our industry. I’ve often showed this to potential newcomers to our industry.
3. Become a Mentor.
   WAVIT started our Waves of Influence program last year. I can’t stress the benefits enough of being mentored. Mentoring enhances skills, expands networks, and fosters the confidence needed to navigate the complexities of the professional landscape. Mentoring programs play a vital role in empowering young women by providing them with guidance, support, and a strong foundation for personal and professional development.
4. Offer Internship Opportunities
   At the corporate level, consider internship programs to bring young talent into the fold. Internship programs likes WAVIT’s promote diversity and inclusion and create career pathways in the AV/IT Industry.  Combined with mentorship, we can help find viable candidates while supporting companies’ workforce.
5. Champion Women in Leadership & Decision-Making Roles
   Advocacy for gender diversity in leadership isn't just about representation—it’s about ensuring that women are actively involved in shaping the future of the industry. Encourage companies to implement leadership development programs specifically tailored to women in AV, ensuring they have access to training, mentorship, and opportunities to advance into executive roles.
6. Create Safe Spaces for Honest Conversations
   Establish forums, panels, or private networking groups where women can openly discuss challenges, they face in the AV industry. These spaces should foster honest discussions around workplace experiences, career advancement, and navigating male-dominated spaces. WAVIT and the AVIXA Women’s Council are already doing great work in this space, but companies can create their own internal groups as well.
7. Develop Sponsorship Programs, Not Just Mentorship
   While mentorship is crucial, sponsorship takes support a step further. Sponsors actively advocate for women, recommend them for promotions, introduce them to influential networks, and help create career-defining opportunities. Encourage senior leaders to take on this role and help drive real change.
8. Address Workplace Culture & Bias Through Training
   Some women may leave the AV industry due to unconscious biases and workplace culture issues. Companies should provide regular DEI training that goes beyond checking boxes—embedding real, actionable change within company culture. This includes training for managers on inclusive leadership and ensuring hiring and promotion decisions are free from bias.
9. Celebrate & Amplify Women’s Achievements
   Recognition goes a long way in empowering women. Actively highlight the achievements of women in AV through awards, speaking engagements, company newsletters, and industry publications. Create opportunities for women to share their stories and expertise on public platforms to inspire others.

10. Encourage Flexible Work Policies & Work-Life Balance
Women often juggle multiple responsibilities, and inflexible work environments can push them out of the industry. Encouraging remote work, flexible hours, and family-friendly policies can help retain talented women in AV. This includes advocating for paid parental leave, return-to-work programs, and caregiving support.

11. Ensure Equitable Pay & Career Growth
Pay disparity remains a barrier for many women in AV. Companies should conduct regular salary audits to ensure pay equity and create transparent career progression paths. Women should have clear roadmaps for advancement with defined milestones and support systems to help them achieve leadership roles.

12. Engage Men as Allies in the Movement
DEI is not just a women’s issue—it requires allyship from the entire industry. Encourage male colleagues to actively participate in conversations around inclusivity, call out bias when they see it, and advocate for equitable policies within their organizations.

13. Foster Innovation through Diverse Teams
Diverse teams drive innovation. Encourage companies to prioritize diverse hiring practices, ensuring women are represented in technical, engineering, and leadership roles. Provide training programs that upskill women in emerging technologies to keep them competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

14. Leverage Digital & Social Media for Awareness
Use social media platforms to amplify voices, share success stories, and promote women-led initiatives in AV. Creating a hashtag campaign or industry-wide initiative can help build momentum and visibility for women in the industry.

A truly diverse and inclusive environment values all these aspects, ensuring that different perspectives and experiences are respected and integrated into decision-making, leadership, and organizational culture. Together, we can shape a more inclusive and equitable industry—one where all voices are valued and heard.