Leadership and Executive Development for women of all races, cultures and backgrounds
Issue link: https://diversitywoman.epubxp.com/i/632328
46 D I V E R S I T Y W O M A N W i n t e r 2 0 1 6 d i v e r s i t y w o m a n . c o m PEER STAR AWARD A t Walt Disney Imagineering, Carmen Smith is responsible for developing a diverse pipeline of people to enhance Imagineer- ing's consultant talent and its creative processes. Her four areas of primary emphasis are creative product and ser- vices development, talent identifcation (including casting talent to the full range of creative assignments), editorial par- ticipation in the creative process, and the establishment of external partnerships to enhance product relevance in the diverse global marketplace. Smith has been deeply involved in D&I; initiatives at Walt Disney. Five years ago, she spearheaded the IDEATION summit. Te event was conceived around the convic- tion that diversity—of people, ideas, and practices—is a fundamental driver of cre- ativity and innovation and a critical factor in the company's ability to stay relevant. In 2015 alone, the domestic summits ofered more than 79 sessions with over 135 speakers for approximately 2,100 employees. Prior to joining Walt Disney Imagineering, Smith served as Vice President of Global Strategies for Diversity and Inclusion for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. She also served as the Vice President of the Talent Development Programs for the Disney/ABC Television Group. Smith has received numerous awards and accolades, including several prestigious honors for her work promoting diversifcation in the television and flm industry. In 2007, she received an honorary doctorate from the Metropolitan College of New York. She was also a presenter at the United Nations' Fourth Non-Governmental Forum on Women in Beijing, China. A native of New York, Smith graduated from Hunter College with a degree in com- munication arts, received her master's in international administration from New York University, and completed the Simmons Graduate School of Management Cer- tifcate Program for Developing Managers and the Harvard University Women and Power Executive Education Program at John F. Kennedy School of Government. Te Peer Award category recognizes an individual nominated by his or her peers who has demonstrated leadership in driving the work of diver- sity and inclusion. Te recipient is selfess in sharing, mentoring, sponsoring, and pro- actively reaching out to others to support the greater body of work in the feld. CARMEN SMITH Vice President of Creative Development and Inclusive Strategies, Walt Disney Imagineering/The Walt Disney Company StarsWho MeanB