Rise: Fostering gender diversity in the broadcast and media production industry

The broadcast and entertainment technology industry has made strides in diversity, but as recent conversations reveal, there’s still work to be done.  

In the inaugural episode of the Rise podcast, Lauren Myers, Director of Regional Marketing at Ross Video, and Cathy McCallion, Stakeholder and Community Relations Director, shared their experiences championing gender diversity and supporting programs like Rise, which aim to create a more inclusive and equitable industry. 

You can watch the full podcast here:

Lauren’s journey with Rise 

Lauren’s journey with Rise began in 2019 when she joined its mentorship program. New to the broadcast sector, she found she had to navigate a male-dominated space. The mentorship program proved transformative. 

“Going into that 2019 cohort was a game-changer for me. I built confidence, gained support, and developed a network I didn’t have before. I don’t think I’d be in the role I am today without it,” Lauren shared. 

Her positive experience led her to advocate for Ross Video’s partnership with Rise. “I spoke to Cathy and other leaders about how fantastic this program was and how we could get more involved. The response was overwhelmingly supportive.” 

A corporate commitment to diversity 

Ross Video’s commitment to diversity is evident in its support for Rise and its broader initiatives. Cathy emphasized the importance of programs like Rise in addressing critical challenges, such as the underrepresentation of women in engineering and leadership roles. 

“Many women drop out of engineering within the first five years. Programs like Rise provide mentorship and support to help women navigate those critical early years and thrive,” Cathy explained. “We’ve seen tangible results, with more women at Ross being promoted to director-level positions and beyond.” 

Ross’s global footprint also plays a role. Cathy noted, “Rise aligns with our goal of engaging employees worldwide, from marketing and sales to R&D and finance. It’s a partnership that benefits everyone.” 

Visibility and action: Why diversity matters 

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the importance of visibility in fostering change. As Lauren put it, “When I first joined the industry, I walked into events and saw a sea of men. If you can’t see yourself represented, it’s hard to envision a path forward.” 

Cathy echoed this sentiment, highlighting how Rise initiatives, like the mentorship program and awards, help elevate women’s profiles. “Visibility is essential. The Rise Awards allow us to celebrate women’s achievements and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.” 

Beyond visibility, Lauren and Cathy stressed the need for collective action. “We all have a responsibility to drive change,” said Lauren. “Sponsoring initiatives like Rise enables research to happen—it can’t happen in a vacuum. It needs support to bring these conversations to light.” 

A call to action 

The conversation ended with a powerful call to action for industry leaders and individuals. “Just get involved,” urged Lauren. “Nothing will change unless we all come together and move this forward.” 

Cathy added, “As an industry, we have a responsibility to step up and support programs like Rise. The rewards—for individuals, organizations, and the sector as a whole—are immense.” 

You can find out more about becoming a member of Rise here