Session: 365 Days to Make a Difference: Increasing Diversity, Prioritizing People and Shifting Culture
Dara Sanderson would be delighted to highlight and share best practices for how organizations can uplift and prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion at the WomenTech Global Conference 2023 based on her experience and the steps she took in her first year as CEO of Dictionary.com, the leading online and mobile English-language educational resource.
Dara is prioritizing culture, people, and equity at every level, utilizing learnings from her previous executive roles at theSkimm, Marvel Entertainment, and The Walt Disney Company.
In her first year, Dara will share how she implemented meaningful and measurable organizational changes, most importantly an over 275% increase in diversity at the executive level. Women and people of color now make up more than half of Dara’s leadership team.
Dara’s focus for Dictionary.com also set a renewed vision: to empower every person, of every background, to express themselves, make connections, and gain opportunity through the power and joy of language.
At the WomenTech Global Conference 2023, Dara will share her own professional journey as a Black woman technologist, share how organizations can prioritize equity and inclusion, and discuss the importance of opening doors for diverse talent to thrive in the path she has helped forge.
Bio
Dara Sanderson is a seasoned digital media executive with over 20 years of experience in technology, entertainment, media and ad tech. She is the CEO of Dictionary.com, the leading online and mobile English-language educational resource.
Dara’s broad areas of expertise include cross-platform application and product development; process improvement; interactive and emerging media; digital media strategy and marketing; strategic partnerships and alliances; and team building, leadership, and mentorship.
Prior to Dictionary.com, Dara held the position of Chief Product Officer at theSkimm, after her previous role as Vice President, Platforms at Marvel Entertainment. In her executive career, Dara has also held leadership positions at Digital Remedy, Diamond, and The Walt Disney Company. She has been responsible for leading projects for ABC Family, ABC, Fox, FX, SOAPnet, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Yahoo!, and Nickelodeon.
Dara is a strong supporter of philanthropic organizations and sits on the board of CASA for Essex County of NJ, which provides advocacy for children in the foster care system.