Meet Jodi Delaney | Executive Director, Television Academy Foundation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jodi Delaney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jodi, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I could not get enough of the arts when I was growing up in Minneapolis, which is still a great town for music, theater and art. My parents exposed me to all types of live music and dance events, films, art galleries, and of course television. When I finished college, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do as a career – I loved the arts very much but I didn’t see myself as an artist.

The day after I graduated, I moved to New York City and was lucky to have quick access to the dance community there, which opened so many doors and helped me become a creative problem-solver, producer, fundraiser and leader. My first office, at Dance Theater Workshop on West 19th street, was a refurbished closet at the back of a rehearsal studio. To get to my office, I had to tiptoe along the side edge of the studio, often past a solo artist rehearsing a new piece, or a small troupe getting ready for a performance. Every day, I was near these artists while also learning how to raise money, and meeting experienced philanthropists who joyfully supported them and their work. That’s when I first experienced the cycle of artistic creation – support – storytelling – sharing that lights me up to this day.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve worked in philanthropy and social change for over 20 years, and have been fortunate to lead projects on issues that I care about: the arts, the environment, anti-poverty and education efforts, and inclusive workforce development. I was also a television producer and writer at ABC News in New York for many years, and worked as a freelancer on reality shows, commercials and all kinds of tv projects. I’ve lived in five different states and have come to really love California, which is full of surprises and creative people.

What’s impressed me the most have been the people I’ve worked with who practice heart-centered giving (of time, money or expertise) and engagement with the causes that feed their souls. These are donors – some with lots of money and some with less – who care about things like justice and inclusion, children and animals, the planet and safety and education. I believe that we are all citizens of the world and agents for change, here for a purpose that’s bigger than we know. I also know that a lot of people are suspicious of non-profits, and others whose hearts break because some of the problems we face are so big that they feel they could never make a difference.

If I’ve learned anything, it’s that it is possible to generate change and make the world a better place, one person and project at a time. There’s never been a more important time to mobilize and be part of the changes we want to see. It’s possible! I believe what Mother Teresa said, that if you cast a stone upon the water the ripples will extend further than you can even imagine. In fact, in my career I’ve rarely asked people for money – instead, I invite them to come solve a problem with me that concerns us both. There’s a lot of joy in finding an opportunity to share your resources to create solutions. And this is the topic of my first book, coming out in 2024, “What You Give is Yours Forever: Six Steps to Change the World and Change You.”

At the Television Academy Foundation, my team and I serve students from all kinds of backgrounds who end up establishing well-paying careers and help assure that all stories get to be told, by bringing a diversity of voices into the television community. I tell my team every day that our work is changing lives and launching careers. How cool is that? I like to encourage everyone to cast a stone, and take ownership of their ability to create solutions in collaboration with like-minded partners.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love LA. I’ve been a regular at Tuesday jazz night at Bar Lis in Hollywood for years, it’s hosted by Gilles Amselam who does events around town. Gilles also hosts special nights at Members, La Boheme and the rooftop of the Godfrey Hotel, where I had my birthday party last year. I also like Ecstatic Dance LA, which does silent disco style dance on the beach every summer Sunday in Venice, with DJs from all over the world.

There are almost limitless restaurants in LA and it’s hard to know where to begin. Firefly and The Little Door are favorites for atmosphere, and the Front Yard has a nice courtyard for a business lunch near my office. When I lived in Glendale we were regulars at Skaf’s which has amazing lebanese food, and Brothers sushi is a favorite in Woodland Hills. My daughter and I once did a taco quest, visiting taco places all over the city that we found on an online list that was recommended by local chefs. Then there is brunch at the Peninsula, cocktails on the roof at Mama Shelter, late night at Chateau Marmont, and afternoon tea at the Langham in Pasadena. Foodies will never run out of places to go.

LA also has incredible hiking trails. Topanga State Park is an all-time favorite, along with the ocean trail that starts at Malibu Fish and of course Griffith Park. I also like the promenade in Manhattan Beach (get a coffee at Two Guns first) and Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica.

Then there’s the Getty, the Broad, and Disney Hall. The Magic Castle and LACMA and the Huntington Gardens… There’s a lot to love in our dynamic city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have had many exceptional mentors and colleagues throughout my career. At the Television Academy Foundation, I’ve worked with two of the most dynamic leaders in Hollywood: Cris Abrego of Baniijay Entertainment and the Hyphenate Media Group, and Madeline Di Nonno, President of the Geena Davis Institute. Both of them are true and tireless champions of inclusivity in the industry, and aspirational role models for the next generation. I’ve been lucky to work closely with both of them, providing access to training and jobs for students who wouldn’t normally have it.

Linkedin: jodi delaney https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-delaney-b331a49

Image Credits
Headshot is by Ashleigh Taylor. Remainder are from the Television Academy Foundation.