Colleen Kenyon of Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio has completed the five-month Public Media Diversity Leaders Initiative (PMDLI) hosted by the Riley Institute at Furman University in partnership with South Carolina ETV and the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA). The program is modeled after the Institute’s award-winning Diversity Leaders Initiative.
Kenyon was part of a nationwide cohort of fellows representing different organizations and roles within the national public media landscape. The engaging curriculum is centered around providing practical support and instilling positive behaviors for the integration of diverse, equitable, and inclusive practices in organizations.
Adrienne Fairwell, president and CEO of South Carolina ETV, says, “When considering entrenched inequities across American institutions, it becomes clear that public media leaders must establish diversity, equity, and inclusion as foundational principles in their organizations, as well as in their journalism. Partnering with The Riley Institute and offering this virtual program is an opportunity to equip leaders with concrete approaches to advancing social progress in their workplaces and throughout our nation.”
PMDLI participants represent the diversity of the media ecosystem in region, audience, demographics, and affiliate organizations. This class of graduates will enable PMDLI to continue expanding its reach and advancing the national public media landscape.
“The Riley Institute takes pride in facilitating these connections and discussions among public media professionals who are committed to meeting the evolving needs of an increasingly diverse workforce and audience,” said Don Gordon, founding executive director of the Riley Institute. “We are eager to see the positive impact of this program and these graduates nationwide.”
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About the Riley Institute at Furman University
Riley Institute empowers emerging and established leaders—across sectors and throughout society—with the knowledge and tools to advance equity and drive social and economic progress in South Carolina and beyond. We work to strengthen public education; promote the power of diversity to help teams, organizations, and communities thrive; and elevate informed, evidence-based approaches to critical public issues. In all it does, the institute is committed to nonpartisanship and a bias-free path to change. Learn more at furman.edu/riley.
