2016 Honoree

Jennifer Caserta

President & General Manager IFC TV

“Being the parent of autistic kids has taught me more about patience, acceptance, and unconditional love than I could ever have imagined. I’ve learned the importance of never judging others, because you can never truly know what they’re going through. The healthy flip side is that you let go of the fear of the scrutiny of others.”

What socio-political women’s issue do you care about the most? Do you feel that women are typically presented fairly in the media? Why or why not?

Working women face many challenges, but I can’t think of any greater than those faced by women who work while caring for children with disabilities. As the mother of two beautiful children with autism, I’m a strong supporter of Autism Speaks, an organization that recognizes that moms and families can’t do it alone. They provide the kind of information, tools, and resources that enable all of us to effect positive change in the workplace, in our communities and in society at large.

Whatever profession you choose, do men see women as either a female rival with independence and strength, or someone inexperienced that needs to be managed, never as an equal? How do you show your male colleagues that you are an equal without stepping on their toes?

I may be lucky, but I’ve always felt I have as strong a voice as that of any of my male colleagues. I know there are egregious exceptions everywhere, but I think that the media business is relatively enlightened when it comes to respect among genders.

What do you now know about yourself that you wish you knew ten/fifteen/twenty years ago? Do today’s young people face a bigger challenge than you did?

I definitely had a romanticized idea of what success looks like. Real-life success is all about how you face inevitable setbacks and learning to embrace all the small wins.
I also learned you can’t do it all by yourself. It’s important that you find the right mentor…then keep quiet and listen!

Can you tell us about one of the biggest challenges in your life that you think helped you become the person you are today? What was your best decision to date? Worst decision?

Being the parent of autistic kids has taught me more about patience, acceptance, and unconditional love than I could ever have imagined. I’ve learned the importance of never judging others, because you can never truly know what they’re going through. The healthy flip side is that you let go of the fear of the scrutiny of others.

Who inspires you the most? If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Howard Stern. He’s a perceptive conversationalist who expanded the art of the interview, pushing boundaries, promoting candor and transparency, and breaking taboos with wit and intelligence.

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?

The ability to read minds. Can you imagine the leg up you’d have in any situation? If it didn’t drive you crazy, that is.

Favorite: Book/writer? Song/singer? Movie/actor? Cuisine/dish?

I love musicians’ memoirs. I have Marky Ramone and Chrissie Hynde’s memoirs in my reading queue.

Classic rock.

Bryan Cranston and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

I am a locavore, love farm-to-table cuisine.