Hearst and the Emma Bowen Foundation have announced the establishment of an endowment to provide need-based scholarships and internship opportunities within the media industry to minority students. The announcement was made by Hearst President and Chief Executive Officer Steven R. Swartz, Emma Bowen Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Nikki Bethel and Hearst Television President Jordan Wertlieb.
The endowment, funded by Hearst, has been established in honor of Hearst Vice President of Finance Jeana Stanley, who passed away in June 2020. The endowment is designed to assist finance students from diverse backgrounds seeking internships and career opportunities in media. In addition to accessing need-based scholarships, students will receive industry-specific education and training and internship opportunities at Hearst and other media-related companies.
“We are so pleased to be able to partner with the Emma Bowen Foundation to honor Jeana and to advance diversity in the media industry’s finance ranks,” Swartz said.
“We are honored and humbled that Hearst chose the Emma Bowen Foundation as a partner to celebrate Jeana’s legacy,” Bethel said. “Providing financial assistance — in an age when college tuition and associated expenses are prohibitively expensive — lifts the heavy burden off our young talent, allowing them a chance to really focus on their fellowships and have a chance at a debt-free future. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is. Without prompting, Hearst gets and understands the critical need to expose young talent of color, in particular, to finance and accounting roles. This endowment allows us to create an even broader pipeline of talent, armed with the necessary skills to be competitive, to be shared within the media and technology industry. These young faces will reflect Jeana’s legacy. We know she would be most proud. Thank you to all involved in making this happen. #EBF x HEARST = GREAT TALENT.”
“Emma Bowen was a pioneer in the cause of increasing diversity in the media industry,” Wertlieb said. “We are exceedingly proud to join forces with the foundation to honor this important legacy and the memory of our dear friend Jeana.”
“This scholarship combines many of the things that were close to Jeana’s heart,” said Randal Stanley, Jeana’s husband. “Jeana was passionate about helping professionals advance in the industry. Now, her legacy lives on.”
Stanley joined Hearst's corporate finance team in 2018. Prior to that, she spent 14 years with Hearst Television, serving as vice president of finance for almost eight years, working closely with Hearst Television’s corporate leadership and station management to provide operational and accounting expertise. She also led strategic initiatives relating to accounting, finance and back-office operational matters. Previously, Stanley served as the division’s vice president of financial planning. Before that, Stanley was director of financial planning for Hearst Television’s publicly traded predecessor company, Hearst-Argyle Television. She joined Hearst in 2004 as controller of WBAL-TV and WBAL-AM/FM in Baltimore. Prior, Stanley, who grew up in Chardon, Ohio, was business manager for Cleveland station WKYC-TV. A Certified Public Accountant, she began her career at Ernst & Young.
During her time at Hearst, Stanley was a scout for HearstLab, a group of women executives at Hearst that contribute their subject matter expertise and mentor HearstLab portfolio companies. She was also a member of the Media Financial Management Association board of directors and served as its treasurer.
