Delta, Paramount & CBS Join Forces at ColorComm to Empower the Next Era of Inclusive Leadership

In the glittering heart of Miami Beach, against the backdrop of the iconic Fontainebleau, ColorComm’s 10th Annual Conference opened with more than just the promise of professional development it delivered a resounding call to legacy, leadership, and self-worth.

The event, a who’s-who gathering of top voices in media, marketing, and communications, brought together over 500 women and allies to celebrate a decade of empowering women of color in the communications space. And while the stage was filled with power players and change-makers, it was the message behind the microphone that left the greatest impression: leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about impact.

How Culture Builds Legacy — Presented by Delta Airlines

The first panel, “How Culture Builds Legacy,” presented by Delta Air Lines, set the tone for the day with a conversation that transcended industries and job descriptions. Moderated by Danielle Swain, Delta’s General Manager & CEO Communications, the session explored the power of values-driven leadership, representation, and community impact.

Swain didn’t just lead the conversation—she lit a fire under it. The panel unfolded like a masterclass in modern leadership, anchored in memorable truths:

“Do the right thing,even when it’s uncomfortable.”

Integrity, it was said, isn’t situational. Neither is respect. And in a world increasingly attuned to performative action, the panel challenged attendees to lead with real presence—and with teams that reflect the communities they serve.

“If you don’t see yourself being reflected, make it happen.”

What emerged was a clear blueprint: build legacy through intentional culture, take risks without losing your humility, and never forget—preparation meets opportunity. It wasn’t just corporate speak. It was lived experience.

As the women in the room nodded, snapped, and scribbled notes, one message landed loudest: good goes around, especially when you make room for others to rise with you.

Negotiating Your Worth — Presented by Paramount

Later, in a session that could’ve doubled as a TED Talk for every ambitious woman on the verge of her next big move, Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i, EVP of Inclusion at CBS, hosted the bold and unapologetic “Negotiating Your Worth,” panel presented by Paramount.

It wasn’t a panel for the faint of heart. Smith-Anoa’i broke down the Three Ws—WHY, WORTH, WALK—with a clarity that reverberated well beyond the walls of the conference ballroom.

“We are not here by accident,we are the daughters of women who turned doors.”

Her advice was equal parts soulful and strategic: know your worth, state it without apology, and understand the power of walking away when necessary. In a world that too often undervalues women, especially women of color, this was not just a conversation about money. It was about mindset.

“Exposure isn’t payment.”
“Hope is not a strategy.”
“Hard work whispers. Negotiation sparks.”

These weren’t just affirmations, they were calls to action.

The crowd responded in kind, with standing ovations, fierce eye contact, and that unspoken sense of shared momentum. This wasn’t theory. It was true, and it was tangible.

Celebrating the ColorComm Circle Award Honorees

On July 23, the highly anticipated ColorComm Circle Awards, an elegant tribute to industry trailblazers who have used their platforms to spark real change. For the first time in its history, the awards included both women and men—reflecting a broader, more inclusive vision of leadership.

Among the 2025 honorees:

• Cristal N. Downing, Merck

• Damon Jones, Procter & Gamble

• Bill Imada, IW Group

• Meredith O’Sullivan, The Lede Company

• Sally Kim, Little, Brown and Company

• Malaak Compton-Rock, The Angelrock Project

• Sehr Thadhani, Nasdaq

Hosted by media icon Star Jones, the evening was more than an awards ceremony—it was a celebration of purpose, progress, and the people willing to use their power to lift others.

The Bottom Line

ColorComm 2025 wasn’t about surface-level networking or brand-speak panels. It was a moment, one grounded in accountability, audacity, and authenticity.

It reminded us that real leadership doesn’t shout—it shows up. That negotiating your worth isn’t selfish, it’s strategy. And that culture isn’t a trend—it’s the legacy we choose to build, day by day, decision by decision.

For those lucky enough to be in the room, one thing was certain: this wasn’t just another conference. It was the blueprint for what’s next.