DE&I on Social Media: Inclusion in the Age of Authenticity

Sharmistha Chatterjee is the Director of Social Media for Hallmark Media, home of three linear networks, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama, along with streaming service, Hallmark Movies Now. She's based in Los Angeles and reports to Hallmark Media’s Vice President of Social Media, Angela Megrey. Chatterjee develops and oversees social media initiatives that bolster the network’s program awareness and drives tune in, ratings and revenue. She collaborates with multiple departments including advertising sales, consumer marketing, digital and publicity, and more to create cohesive social media campaigns that increase fan engagement and amplify Hallmark Media’s signature brand of feel-good entertainment. Prior to joining Hallmark Media, she served as Director of Marketing and Social Media at Variety, where she developed marketing programs and promotional materials for their consumer and events businesses. Previously, she served as Manager of Marketing for Warner Bros. Discovery, where she managed successful digital marketing campaigns for Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment and Digital Distribution Unit. Chatterjee is an active member of The WICT Network and National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC). In addition, she was recognized among Cynopsis Top Women in Media’s Directors Who Do It All in 2018 and Social Media Groundbreakers in 2021. She was recently cited in Cablefax's 2023 Diversity and Pride Issue recognizing corporations and executives that are leading the work with DE&I efforts. Hallmark Media's Employee Resource Council won an award in the Organization Category, which she is an active member of. Chatterjee also recently had the opportunity to work on the diverse movie #MakeMeAMatch, which featured Hallmark Channel's first Indian wedding.

Daniela Obenshain is associate director, global digital and social media at Alcon. In this role, she's developed and implemented the organization's social media policies, which includes accessibility and inclusivity guidelines. A bilingual marketer, she leads a team dedicated to shaping Alcon's brand identity and narrative across web and social platforms. Embarking on her journey with Alcon in 2021, she brought with her a wealth of experience garnered from years in the advertising and public relations agency space. Her expertise lies not only in navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape, but also in discerning trends, best practices and crafting customized strategies that propel brands to become revered voices in their industries. As a devoted volunteer for Alcon's Children Vision Program, she actively engages in bringing vision screenings to underrepresented and minority school systems. Her commitment to fostering inclusivity transcends strategy and execution. She's vocal champion for diversity and inclusion in the digital space, advocating for the creation of culturally relevant content.

PwC is a member of Ragan's Communications Leadership Council. Gabrielle K. Too-A-Foo is a social media senior manager at PwC, overseeing the company's integrated portfolio of social capabilities and serving as a deputy to the team's social media leader. in this role, she leverages her 10+ years of experience in content marketing, editorial and project management to create and execute effective online campaigns that reach and engage diverse audiences. She's also the founder of DIV Yoga, a space for women of color to find balance, heal and transform through yoga and meditation. A certified yoga instructor and a Grammy Award-winning artist, her mission is to empower and uplift others through wellness and mindfulness, and to foster a sense of community and belonging. Prior to PwC, she served as content marketing manager at Friedman LLP, social media community manager at Avon, communications and special projects manager at the State of New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, editorial assistant at Hearst Magazines, global public policy coordinator at Time, among other roles.