Andrew Hylton
Groundbreakers
Ray Warren
Meet one of the artists, disruptors, educators, groundbreakers, innovators, and storytellers who all helped make the world a better place for LGBTQ+ people.
The Walt Disney Co. has the most progressive reputation among all major media companies. That opinion derives not just from its broad-minded content (Turning Red, Strange World, The Little Mermaid) and stances against bullies like Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida but also from employing people behind the scenes who understand the benefits — financial and societal — of expansive representation. Ray Warren — director, multicultural and inclusive solutions for Disney’s advertising team — is a prime example of the company living up to its cinematic ideals.
In his position, Warren helps Disney reach marginalized communities; this year his team launched content partnerships with numerous minority media companies, including Cocina, Group Black, and equalpride (publisher of Out). Before joining Disney, Warren founded his own marketing and media company and served as a senior manager at Cadillac, helping the venerable car company gain exposure at the Oscars, ESPYs, and the American Black Film Festival.
Representation matters beyond film and television, Warren says, since people consume media in so many different ways now. Advertising, journalism, social media content — it all must be reflective of the real world. “It is important that [all people] see themselves represented in all of the content they consume,” he says.
As an out Black professional, Warren is no stranger to being a minority in a board room. “It is difficult to change perceptions and ideals that have existed before my time, but I am overcoming it by being true to my calling and taking the necessary time to process each situation and respond with facts, empathy, and a solution for progress,” he says. @warrenmarketingmedia
Groundbreakers
Janelle Rodriguez
Meet one of the artists, disruptors, educators, groundbreakers, innovators, and storytellers who all helped make the world a better place for LGBTQ+ people.
Photo by Patrick Randak
Janelle Rodriguez is the executive vice president of programming at NBC News, in which capacity she manages NBC Nightly News, NBC News NOW, as well as breaking news specials. It’s a notable year for the country’s longest-running evening newscast, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
In addition to upholding the gold standard of this time-honored brand, the out Puerto Rican executive is breaking new ground by building NBC News NOW, the fasting-growing U.S. streaming news network. Under her oversight last year, NBC News NOW had an impressive 50 percent year-over-year growth and broadened into national and international linear distribution.
As the world gears up for an action-packed 2024 that includes the Paris Olympics and a U.S. presidential election, Rodriguez is more than prepared to lead her teams in their coverage. It’s a responsibility she doesn’t take lightly.
“I get a front row seat to history every day and have the honor of working with the best journalists in the world to bring the news to our audiences everywhere,” Rodriguez says.
Previously, Rodriguez served as CNN’s vice president of programming. During her career, she’s won several Peabody Awards and five Emmy Awards for election night coverage and beyond. Her CNN team took home the prestigious Alfred I. DuPont Award for its reporting on the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. And she’s routinely honored for her work by media outlets, being recognized by Variety’s Women’s Impact Report, Fast Company’s Queer 50, and CableFax’s Pride List.
Despite all her professional accomplishments, Rodriguez takes her greatest pride in her family. “Being a mom to my 10-year-old daughter is the greatest gift and hardest work of my life. I’m truly blessed,” she says.