The annual Kaitz Dinner, one of the most anticipated events in the cable and media industry, will take place on October 23, 2024, at the New York Marriott Marquis. The event's theme, "Do Good. Be Better. Impact Tomorrow," celebrates the continued legacy of promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) in the cable industry, a mission inspired over four decades ago by Walter Kaitz. The Dinner is the Foundation's primary fundraising source and supports the recruitment, retention, mentorship, and professional development programs of grantees, including The WICT Network, the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC), the Emma Bowen Foundation, and the T. Howard Foundation.

Dedicated and Distinguished Co-Chairs and Host

Dinner co-chairs:

• Angela Cannon, Senior Vice President of Multicultural Networks & General Manager of aspireTV
  • Cannon oversees the strategic growth and operational success of aspireTV, aspireTV+, and Cine Romántico, developing content strategies that effectively cater to multicultural audiences across all UP Entertainment brands.
  • She co-led the launch of NBA Hall of Famer Earvin 'Magic' Johnson's aspireTV in 2012 and has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Top Women in Media Corporate Visionary and the WICT Horizon Woman to Watch Awards. She has been a longtime supporter and advocate of the Kaitz Foundation and annual Dinner.

• Mark Greatrex, President of Cox Communications.

• Greatrex leads Cox Communications, the largest private broadband company in America that operates fiber-powered networks in more than 30 states, providing connections and advanced cloud and managed IT services for nearly seven million homes and businesses nationwide.
  • He is a vocal ally for equal opportunity for all and upholds Cox's long-standing legacy of unwavering support of the Kaitz Dinner and the Foundation's mission.

Dinner host:

• Brian Cheung, Business and Data Correspondent for NBC News.
  • Cheung is an alum of one of the Foundation's grantees, the Emma Bowen Foundation.

• He is a New York-based correspondent, covering all things related to the economy and finance across NBC's broadcasts (TODAY Show, NBC Nightly News, MSNBC) and digital platforms (NBCNews.com, NBC News Now).

Honoring Social Impact with the ChangeMaker Award

When Hollywood struggled to find diverse talent in technical production roles, veteran television executive Ri-Karlo Handy took action and founded the Handy Foundation to train a new generation of diverse professionals and meet this critical need. The organization has since become a go-to partner for networks, studios, productions, and aspiring below-the-line talent, bridging the gap between formal education and the practical expertise required on set.

Through its innovative workforce development initiatives, the Handy Foundation has made a profound impact on the television, film, and media industries. By creating registered apprenticeship pathways, the Handy Foundation addresses key industry gaps behind the scenes, while empowering hundreds of underrepresented individuals with the training, networking, and support needed to access sustainable careers in Hollywood.

Special Acknowledgement

The dinner will highlight the Foundation's recent partnership with the Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab, an initiative led by Emmy Award-winning writer and producer Lena Waithe. The program offers a six-month intensive development opportunity for a diverse group of actors, writers, and producers, continuing the impactful work initiated by the Hollywood Creative Forum​.

Silent Auction

A silent auction during the opening and closing receptions will offer attendees the chance to bid on unique items and experiences. The auction returns this year by popular demand and is expected to draw significant participation.

Sponsors

Ambassador Sponsor: Comcast NBCUniversal

Champion Sponsor: Charter Communications

Visionary Sponsor: Cox Communications, Inc.

Pinnacle Plus Sponsor: Warner Bros. Discovery

Sustainer Sponsor: Paramount Global

For Media Inquiries, Contact:Joy Sims | [email protected]| 202-222-2365For Sponsorship & Event Information, Contact:Jackie Szmaja | [email protected]| 202-222-2495

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The NCTA Education Foundation

Formerly known as the Walter Kaitz Foundation, the NCTA Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization which continues the legacy of advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and leveraging the industry's impact in communities across the country.

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