Check Your Lens: Why Intersectional Media Portrayals Matter | Geena Davis Institute Salon 2018

By the year 2020, more than half of the children in the U.S. are expected to be part of a minority group. By 2044, no single racial or ethnic group will dominate the nation's population size. With our demographic landscape shifting rapidly, ensuring that media representations reflect the real world is more urgent than ever. Relive the highlights from the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media’s first-ever Chicago Salon event, "Check Your Lens: Why Intersectional Media Portrayals Matter," hosted on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at the historic Chicago History Museum. Sponsored by the Julian Grace Foundation, this landmark evening brought together leading entertainment industry figures and corporate influencers for an inspiring, vital conversation. Our expert panel explores the challenges faced by individuals belonging to multiple marginalized groups, addresses systemic unconscious bias in entertainment, and shares actionable best practices for creating a truly inclusive media landscape. ⏱️ VIDEO TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome & Event Introduction 03:45 – Opening Remarks | Madeline Di Nonno (CEO, Geena Davis Institute) 10:15 – The Importance of Intersectionality in Media 28:30 – Panel Discussion: Overcoming Unconscious Bias & Marginalization 1:05:40 – Audience Q&A with Industry Leaders 🎙️ FEATURED SPEAKERS & PANELISTS Madeline Di Nonno – CEO, Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media (Moderator) Marlyne Barrett – Actor (Chicago Med) Fay Ferguson – Co-CEO & Co-Owner, Burrell Communications Group Nikki M. James – Tony Award®-winning Actor (Proven Innocent) Fawzia Mirza – Artivist, Actor, Producer, and Writer Michael Patrick Thornton – Co-founder & Artistic Director, The Gift Theatre 📲 CONNECT WITH THE INSTITUTE Our Salon events bring together top influencers to drive dramatic systemic change in the content our children consume. To attend future regional events and gain exclusive access to our members-only video archives and photo galleries, join our community today. Become a Member of See Jane: [Insert Membership Link] Members Login: [Insert Login Link] For Sponsorship Inquiries: Please contact Elizabeth Kilpatrick via email. Website: [Insert Website Link] #IntersectionalMedia #CheckYour Lens #GeenaDavisInstitute #GenderInMedia #MediaRepresentation #DiversityInEntertainment