Newhouse launches spring Leaders in Communications series with guest Ramon Escobar of CNN

Ramon Escobar, senior vice president of talent recruitment and development at CNN Worldwide, will kick off the Newhouse School’s reimagined Leaders in Communications series Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. with a virtual discussion hosted by Associate Dean Hub Brown.

The conversation will explore diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in national media organizations like CNN, as well as the opportunities for all aspiring journalists and other communications professionals in this emerging diverse environment. Other topics will include trust in media, disinformation and the relationship between media, government and diverse communities.

Escobar plays a vital role in diversity and inclusion efforts for WarnerMedia News and Sports, the parent company of CNN. In his current position, which he has held since 2012, he is responsible for the recruitment of all on- and off-air talent for CNN U.S., CNN International, CNN en Español and HLN. In addition, he advances the internal development of all anchors, correspondents, contributors and producers. He also served for two years as vice president of diversity and inclusion for CNN Worldwide.

Escobar joined CNN from Telemundo, and also held positions at Sucherman Consulting Group and MSNBC.

Monthly Series

For the past several years, the Leaders in Communications series has hosted media and communication leaders from diverse backgrounds once a year. Starting this year, Leaders in Communications will be a monthly series, bringing media leaders, influencers and newsmakers to the Newhouse School for candid and insightful conversations with students and other guests. With a special emphasis on current trends and challenges, the series will help students keep apace of a quickly changing communications industry and provide them with a connection to the professions they will eventually lead. The series will also offer valuable networking and learning opportunities, as guests visit classrooms or student organizations in addition to participating in the public conversation.

“One of the great strengths of the Newhouse School is our connectivity to the industry,” says Newhouse dean Mark J. Lodato. “We want to use this series to facilitate the important conversations and thought leadership needed in communications today.”

On Feb. 25 at 1 p.m., Escobar will present “Getting to the Top of the Pile: How to Become the Job Candidate Who Stands Out” as part of a special session for current students hosted by the Newhouse Career Development Center. Center director Kelly Barnett will host the discussion, which will cover what hiring managers and talent recruiters look for in candidates and how students can put their best foot forward when applying, interviewing and interacting with organizations. Esscobar will also meet with members of the Syracuse University chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

Award-winning sports journalist and author William C. Rhoden will be the next Leaders in Communications speaker March 23 at 6 p.m.. In conversation with Olivia Stomski, director of the Newhouse Sports Media Center, Rhoden will explore the intersection of sport and social issues, including the power of athlete advocacy for change and how sports have been a reflection of human rights, discrimination and political movement in the U.S. and beyond. The Leaders in Communications series is supported by the Hearst Speakers Fund. Information about future events will be posted on the Newhouse events calendar. For more information, contact Amanda Griffin at algri110@syr.edu.