Rini Ortega is a senior specialist for corporate social responsibility at Warner Bros. Discovery, where she helps connect the company’s content to nonprofit partners and social impact partners to serve needs of communities around the world. She works on cause marketing campaigns with WBD business partners; advises on social impact resources for film, television, and streaming content that contains storylines with sensitive topics; and supports WBD divisions and employees with giving opportunities in response to global emergencies and disasters.
What is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
There’s two career accomplishments that come to mind:
1. I spearheaded the first virtual WBD Access to Action production training which became a template for future trainings. Access to Action is our company’s below-the-line production program providing individuals who haven’t traditionally had pathways into the entertainment industry with access to jobs on Warner Bros. Discovery film and television productions. It was an honor to be a small part of providing candidates with an entry point into the industry and developing a training that would prepare them for day one on WBD production sets.
2. Working on cause marketing campaigns that led to big impacts for nonprofit partners. From Barbie and Save the Children to Wonka and No Kid Hungry, it’s truly incredible to be able to bring teams across the company together to help support social impact issues like girls’ empowerment, or the end [of] childhood hunger. There are so many details that go into a successful campaign, but the true highlight was finding new ways to collaborate with internal and external groups to amplify these social causes. Whether it’s through talent-driven PSAs, cobranded merch, or program integrations, it’s incredible to see the desire so many teams have to do good for communities around the world.
What is your greatest personal accomplishment to date?
My greatest personal accomplishment was obtaining a master’s degree from the University of Southern California. I would’ve never imagined graduate school was financially an option coming from a single-parent household, but I’m incredibly proud that my dedication to my education/career resulted in a scholarship that allowed me to attend USC. Looking back, I realize what a valuable educational experience and stepping stone it was for my career. It later led to my first position at Warner Bros.!
What do you do today to impact your community?
I’ve consulted with local nonprofits on their marketing efforts, volunteered with charities and my local church, found ways to be a resource to those looking to enter the CSR/social impact world, and most recently became a cochair for Warner Bros. Discovery’s BRG, Vibras. I look for ways to support my community because I genuinely love to be a resource and want to be able to help others in ways that I was supported throughout my education and career.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself moving to upper management levels in my career and continuing to work in the CSR/social impact industry in some capacity. On a personal level, I see myself traveling more and continuing to enjoy life with family and friends!
What is the biggest issue that you want to help solve, and why?
There’s not a single issue I can narrow it down to, but I’d love to continue to find ways to amplify the work of nonprofits directly supporting social issues. There are so many nonprofits and charities around the world doing amazing work to support key social issues, but it often feels like for-profit companies are barely scratching the surface with ways to support. Through my work, I’d love to continue to find new strategic ways to bring for-profit companies and nonprofits together to make a larger collective impact on social issues like education and mental health.
What is a moment when you realized the impact of your work?
One of the work experiences that has always stayed with me was working with the Access to Action program. Whether it was by developing trainings or providing alumni with resources—it was so special to be a part of a program that provided valuable resources and opened doors for folks looking to enter the production world. It was incredible to see and hear how the program became a stepping stone for participants and their career journey in production/entertainment. I’ve always felt incredibly grateful to be a small part of that.
Who inspires your leadership?
My mom and her sisters have always been a strong inspiration for my leadership. They are hard-working women that jump into support whenever needed and know how to multitask like you wouldn’t believe. One thing I especially love about them is that they always make sure everyone is taken care of. Because of them, I’ve learned how to be a supportive and detail-oriented leader that’s not afraid to step into leadership.
What is a surprising hobby or interest that helps you stay creative and energized?
Art has always been an inspiration to me and a resource I often use to stay creative and energized. Sketching in particular has always been my favorite form of art—it’s always been an outlet to help me relax and get creative.
What is your Latino background?
I’m Mexican American with heritage from Mexico and Spain—born and raised in Southern California.
What song do you listen to that motivates you?
“Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” by McFadden & Whitehead.
