Diversity & Inclusion Statement
The global licensing industry is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the best and brightest from all backgrounds to achieve superior business goals. To that end, Licensing International has gathered a group of industry leaders to form the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, to help its members and the broader licensing community build diverse and inclusive workplaces.
Global Study of Diversity in Licensing
In February of 2020, Licensing International initiated the first-ever global study of diversity in the licensing business community. This study, conducted by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media at Mount St. Mary’s University (GDIGM), compiles responses from a global survey of member companies with supplemental research and data analysis to provide insights into the current state of diversity in the licensing community and establish benchmarks from which to measure progress over time. The results of the study and Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit are available to download for free.
Accelerator Program
Licensing International’s Accelerator Program provides benefits valued at over $100,000 to underrepresented, diverse brand licensing entrepreneurs around the globe to help them build profitable, high-growth companies within the industry.
Key Goals & Objectives
Analyze how the brand licensing industry compares to the broader business community through research and outreach.
Develop a tool kit for best practices to recruit, support, promote and retain staff with diverse experiences and attributes.
Partner with companies, organizations and universities to develop best practices and facilitate the dissemination of best practices.
Celebrate companies for outstanding work and achievements.
Establish benchmarks and hold ourselves accountable.
Ensure diversity on the Licensing International Board of Directors.
Recognize this as ongoing effort that will continually evolve.
D&I Committee Members
Jamie Stevens (Chairperson)
EVP of Worldwide Consumer Products
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Mandy Bardisbanian
VP, Business & IP Development
Striker Entertainment
Bil Bertini
SVP, Head of Licensing & Brand Partnerships
Iconic Artists Group
Krystyna Braxton
Director – Retail Licensing (CPG) & New Platforms
GoTo Foods
Anita Castellar
CEO
FanGirl Consulting & Brand Management, LLC
Carolyn D’Angelo
President, Laura Ashley
Managing Director, Brands at Gordon Brothers
Marsha Forde
Director, Global Inclusion, Diversity & Talent Development
WildBrain
Josh Goodstadt
Chief Commercial Officer
THINK450
Brandi Hammons
Director of Marketing
BoxLunch
Janet Hsu
Former CEO
Horizon Group USA
Todd Kaufman
Vice President, Business Development
Beanstalk
D&I University Outreach Subcommittee Chair
Cindy Levitt
Mary Lewis
Maggie Matthews
VP
OP Games
John McGill
Director of Brand Partnerships
American Mensa
Roz Nowicki
Global Head of Consumer Products
Miraculous Corp.
Ashley Phanor
Inky Son
Chief of Staff & SVP Strategy, Licensing
National Basketball Players Association
Rebecca Tatlock-Marijan
VP of Global Licensing (Business Development and Client Management)
IMG
Vivian Velasco
President
Pacific Swell Brands
Garry Wallace
Creator & Innovator
Dual Mind
Kristi Wasmer
Chief Retail Strategist
KW Retail Solutions Consulting
Steven Wolfe Pereira
CEO
Alpha & Co.
D&I Thought leadership Subcommittee Chair
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
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