Women in Technology Hollywood (WiTH) announced the winners of its 7th Annual Leadership Awards on Nov. 8 at the SoCal Women’s Leadership Summit in Los Angeles, celebrating exceptional leaders who are advancing diversity, equity, and innovation in the entertainment technology field.
The awards honor individuals who exemplify WiTH’s core pillars: professional development, mentoring, networking, and community engagement. This year’s winners — Terri Davies, Carolyn Giardina, Melody Hildebrandt, and April Schneider — were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the industry and their dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable future.
Melody Hildebrandt, CTO, Fox Corporation
WiTH recognized Melody Hildebrandt for her groundbreaking contributions to the media and entertainment industry, as well as her commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As CTO of Fox Corporation, Melody has not only championed cutting-edge technology, including the open-source “Verify” protocol for content authenticity, but has also integrated ethical responsibility and inclusivity into her work.
Through her innovative leadership, Melody has fostered collaboration, transparency, and opportunity, ensuring that technological advancements in media uplift and empower diverse voices. Her work reflects the spirit of WiTH’s mission: to drive progress while creating pathways for underrepresented communities to succeed.
Melody’s award was presented by WiTH secretary Nina Skorus-Neely, who commended her as a visionary leader redefining inclusivity in media technology.
Carolyn Giardina, senior entertainment technology and crafts editor, Variety
WiTH celebrated Carolyn Giardina for her unwavering dedication to amplifying the voices of women in entertainment technology. As the co-founder of the Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) Awards and through her role at Variety, Carolyn has elevated the profiles of women across cinematography, editing, sound, and visual effects, ensuring their achievements are recognized on a global stage.
Although Carolyn was unable to attend the ceremony, Christina Aguilera, president of WiTH, accepted the award on her behalf, noting Carolyn’s impact as both a mentor and advocate for the next generation of women in technology.
Following the event, Giardina said: “I’m honored to be among this talented group of women. This is especially meaningful to me as your organization’s charter include professional development, mentoring, networking, and community engagement — values that I share. I look forward to continuing these efforts with you.”
Terri Davies, president, Trusted Partner Network (TPN)
WiTH honored Terri Davies for her exceptional leadership in content security and her transformative impact on the entertainment technology industry. As the first full-time President of TPN, an initiative of the Motion Picture Association (MPA), Terri has revolutionized the way the industry approaches content protection, driving innovation in cloud and application security.
With more than 25 years of experience, including leadership roles at Anuvu, Deluxe Entertainment, and Sony Pictures, Terri has mentored countless professionals and continues to advocate for women in technology. Her award was presented by WiTH treasurer Theresa Miller, who praised her as a trailblazer dedicated to progress and mentorship.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award from Women in Technology Hollywood,” Davies said. “Having been involved during WiTH’s inception 10 years ago, it’s been inspiring to grow alongside this incredible organization and to be recognized among such extraordinary winners.”
April Schneider, VP, corporate IT, intellectual property management, general counsel, Sony Pictures Entertainment
WiTH awarded April Schneider for her tireless work as chair of the WiTH Community Engagement committee, which seeks to develop the pipeline of girls and women in tech in Hollywood.
From wrangling introverted speakers to mentoring individual girls and women, to organizing events (in person and virtual), to shepherding an apprenticeship program to get girls and women into companies like Sony Pictures, April deeply and profoundly cares about uplifting women.
“The WiTH community is a force for change – proof that investing mentorship, skill-building, and workforce readiness can transform lives,” she said. “So proud of WiTH for championing initiatives that expose young girls to STEM and prepare underrepresented women for technology careers, partnering with impactful non-profits like STEM Advantage, Codetalk, DIY Girls, Technology Goddesses and Women’s Empowerment Institute.
“To me, WiTH has always represented much more than an organization. It’s a family that champions growth, development, inclusion and encouragement.”
April described her late father’s passion and dedication through his “many medical missions in rural areas of the Philippines where there is very little if any access to healthcare,” stating that “His compassion and dedication set a powerful example, and his legacy drives me to want to make a difference and to create opportunities for others — especially young girls like my own daughter, Sienna.”
“I’d be remised for not personally thanking my mentors,” she added. “I’m also forever grateful to you, Theresa Miller, Melanie Hildebrandt, and Eric Iverson, each of whom has stood where I am today as past winners of this very award. Theresa, Melanie, and Eric — your guidance, encouragement, and support have shaped my career in ways I can’t fully express.”
Christina Aguilera, president of WiTH, said of the awards: “As we celebrate the achievements of these remarkable leaders, we are reminded of the power of mentorship, community engagement, and the collective effort to create a more inclusive industry. Each of these honorees exemplifies what it means to lead with integrity and purpose, and we are proud to recognize their contributions to entertainment technology.”
For more information about WiTH and its initiatives, click here.