The 7th annual Children’s Media Career Symposium, hosted by the Center for Media and Information Literacy (CMIL) at Temple University, took place on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:30 PM in the Atrium of Annenberg Hall. This event brought together students, alumni, faculty, and community members interested in pursuing careers in children’s media. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, gain insights into current trends, and receive career advice.
The symposium featured a diverse panel of professionals from various sectors of the children’s media industry:
- David Kleeman, Senior Vice President of Global Trends at Dubit Limited, has over 30 years of experience developing sustainable, kid-friendly media practices.
- Caitlin Corkery, Series Creator and Senior Manager of Series Production at WHYY, is known for producing original kids’ shows like Albie’s Elevator and The Infinite Art Hunt.
- Danny LaBrecque, Creator and Host of Danny Joe’s Tree House, a program focusing on social-emotional learning and media literacy for children and families.
- Linda Simensky, Head of Character Development and Scripted Content at Duolingo, with previous experience at PBS Kids, Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon.
- Diondra Brown, Content and Curriculum Manager at Twin Cities PBS, leads the development of educational content across various platforms.
- Tone Thyne, Vice President of Film & Television at FableVision Studios, oversees animated and live-action content development.
- Autumn Zitani, Senior Producer at Sesame Workshop, has over 20 years of experience dedicated to shaping educational content for Sesame Street.
- Shannon Bishop, Director of Content at PBS Kids Interactive, is responsible for creating educational digital content for children aged 2–8.
The event included panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities, providing attendees with valuable insights into the children’s media industry.