LDI 2025 presented a Women In Tech panel discussion on Tuesday, December 9 that highlighted the experiences, challenges, and successes of women in the entertainment design + technology industry, exploring important workplace issues. This platform for meaningful dialogue covered such topics as finding one’s voice in critical moments to overcoming barriers in career advancement, development strategies, and how to foster more inclusive and supportive environments.
Moderated by Kearston Dillard-Scott, senior sales associate at Barbizon Lighting, the panel featured Kayla Czembowski director of operations for Encore at Caesars Palace, Amanda Sevedge, regional director, Warehouse Operations Encore, Stephanie Smith, creative concept design for PixMob, and Tania Ordoñez Prieto, senior manager entertainment technical operations at Celebrity Cruises, who also presented the Women In Tech Keynote, just prior to the panel.
The conversation opened as Dillard-Scott asked panelist to chat about their individual career path, and the challenges of being a woman in a predominately male-dominated industry, although there now seem to be a lot more women in different roles. Prieto noted: “Men are more aware it’s not okay to be a boy’s club.” Smith added that she is seeing more female lighting designers than in the past, while Sevedge commented that Encore has a specific development program for women, and Czembowski pointed out that it’s important to ask what the culture is like at a potential place of employment.
Dillard-Scott then asked “as a leader, what advice do you have for younger women entering the field. Sevedge replied “look for companies that are supportive and inclusive, and maybe not take the first job if that is not the case. And be sure to support the other women around you.” Smith advised “apply for jobs that interest you even if you don’t meet all the criteria, and lose the imposter syndrome. Ask questions and speak up.” Prieto noted that what’s important for her is to “be yourself! Don’t try to change to fit it and don’t pretend.” Smith added “because you are female, try not to let the way people treat you, taint you.” And Dillard-Scott noted “you are what you are, no matter what you decide to do with your life,” recalling her own experience as often being the only black woman in the room.
The panel concluded with a look at wishes, things the panelists would like to change. Sevedge began by saying there is terminology she’d like to see changed; people "not using terms such as boss lady or working mom." Prieto noted that “access to the industry can be expensive,” hoping for less expensive paths for women. Dillard-Scott wishes that every manufacturer would have an education department to help train the next generation, and Smith added that she is pleasantly surprised to “see more women in certain roles in departments that are still considered “male,” such as finance and IT.
So while things seem to be improving for women in entertainment design + technology industry, it looks like there is quite a way to go before reaching parity. Hopefully discussions like this one, which was attended by both men and women, will help in the quest for more equality.