Stories Matter: Inclusive Storytelling and the Future of Work

The decisions we make in our storytelling can help to create a more just and equitable world

In the 20th century, the field of forensic science was dominated by men. But with the popularity of CSI and similar forensic procedural TV shows that featured female leading characters in the early 2000s, the number of women entering the profession shot up, and women are now highly represented in the field. Dubbed “the CSI effect,” this demonstrates what can happen when people see themselves reflected on the screen in positive and empowered ways—they can belong in the world in new ways. This is just one example of how inclusive storytelling can drive positive change in the real world, according to Julie Ann Crommett. An inclusive storytelling consultant on projects like the Hulu hit movie Prey and Disney’s Encanto, she shares examples of movies and shows where efforts at inclusivity have led to greater success with audiences. By remolding the cycle of influence created by our media and the perceptions that it creates in audiences of all kinds, she says, we can unlock new possibilities for media and entertainment and, in the process, create a more just and equitable world.

About the speaker 

Julie Ann Crommett is Founder and CEO of Collective Moxie and Secretary and Inclusion Chair for Women in Animation (WIA). Through Collective Moxie, she works with organizations and individual artists on revolutionizing their DEI, creative, and business strategies. Previously, she was Vice President of Multicultural Audience Engagement at The Walt Disney Studios spearheading efforts to diversify talent in front of and behind the camera, where her team contributed to projects including Soul, Coco, Black Panther, and Raya and the Last Dragon. A proud Puerto Rican and Cuban American, Julie Ann was raised in Atlanta, GA, and earned her BA in English at Harvard University.

Related learning 

Ready to learn more about inclusion and the power of inclusive storytelling? Check out these related AU sessions: 

Going Beyond Boundaries: How Allyship Fuels Inclusion 

A panel of Autodesk professionals from across industries shares how their participation in Autodesk’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) has helped promote empathy and action to support and elevate underrepresented and marginalized groups in the workplace.  

BIMigration: Transforming AECO Through Immigration, Diversity, and Technology 

Five diverse professionals from the worlds of architecture, engineering, and construction share their professional journeys, how they adapted to new environments, and how creating an inclusive culture can drive better results for your company.  

Media & Entertainment Industry Forum 

Catch up on the latest features in Autodesk Flow, the industry cloud for media and entertainment, and what’s ahead for the future of the industry in this main stage event from AU 2023.