Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/716514
WBMP Radio host Astra, third from left, mentors students in New York on April 16. From left, National Co-Vice Chair and New York Local EEO Committee Chair Ezra Knight; writer and producer Tom Fontana; Sesame Workshop Senior Vice President Carol-Lynn Parente; actor, writer and producer Ty Jones; actor, writer and comedian Maysoon Zayid; CAA Foundation Executive Ryan Tarpley; and author Lisa Takeuchi Cullen. T he 12th annual SAG-AFTRA New York Broadcast Mentoring Program took place on April 16 at the union offices in New York. Eleven dedicated SAG-AFTRA members, broadcasters at the top of their fields, spent the day mentoring 65 students from area colleges and universities. The mentors included reporters, news anchors, sportscasters and hosts, meteorologists, traffic reporters and music DJs, covering many facets of the broadcast industry. The mentees, ranging from freshman to graduate students, received valuable one-on-one time with the mentors in small group sessions as well as the opportunity to participate in panel discussions. Mentees not only received inspiring advice throughout the event, but had the invaluable opportunity to develop a network of professionals in the No. 1 market in the country. Special thanks to talented and dedicated SAG-AFTRA members who took time out of their busy schedules to give back: Astra, Dave Carlin, Chris Cimino, Bill Daughtry, Marc Ernay, Mr. G, Mac King, Amy Lawrence, Lori Madden, Ines Rosales and Dave Stewart. DIVERSITY LIVES IN NEW YORK S AG-AFTRA hosted Careers in Focus: Diversity Lives in New York City on April 25, a compelling panel discussion that took place at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens. Entertainment industry leaders shared their career paths and discussed the importance of telling diverse stories. From an early age, because they didn't see people like themselves on screen, these panelists decided to generate their own work opportunities, both in front of and behind the camera. Audience members left feeling rejuvenated and ready to create their own work. New York BROADCASTERS MENTOR YOUTH