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Laarni Rosca Dacanay [she/her/babae]
DEI, Programs & Outreach, ABC’s “The Bachelor” Franchise 🌹| Diversity, Equity + Inclusion Advocate | Comms Pro | Connector
Professional Background
Laarni Rosca Dacanay is a celebrated communications manager with a remarkable 20-year trajectory in the media and entertainment sectors. Her extensive experience has been underscored by a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). As an award-winning internal communications manager, Laarni has earned a reputation as a trusted strategic partner to senior leadership within organizations, offering her invaluable insights on how DEI can powerfully drive both cultural change and meet business imperatives. She expertly advises on best practices in employee experience, guiding the establishment of employee and business resource groups (ERG/BRG), enhancing employee engagement, and fostering positive community relations.
Laarni holds a noteworthy position as the Manager of DEI, Programs & Outreach for ABC's beloved "The Bachelor" franchise, operating under NZK Productions and Warner Horizon Unscripted Television. In her current role, she leads DEI initiatives internally across production and connects with industry organizations to broaden hiring outreach and leverage internal talent. Her role is critical in shaping a more inclusive environment that recognizes the value of diverse voices in shaping the storytelling process.
Prior to her role with ABC, Laarni served as a senior communications consultant for both Comcast NBCUniversal and TIME Magazine, where she honed her skills in employee communications and engagement strategies while advising senior executives on DEI and ERG/BRGs. Her foundational career moments began at NBC, where she paved the way as the network's first publicist for its Talent Diversity Initiative, a program that has evolved into NBCU LAUNCH, a significant initiative designed to enhance diverse talent representation in the industry.
Education and Achievements
Laarni's educational background is equally impressive. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from California State University, Fullerton, where she was honored to be the Keynote Speaker at the 10th Pilipino American Graduation ceremony. Furthering her skills in the entertainment industry, she pursued professional certification in Entertainment Publicity at UCLA, solidifying her expertise in strategic communications within the realm of media and television.
In her continuous pursuit of leadership development, Laarni has also studied "Leadership Essentials," a program coordinated by NBCUniversal Global Learning which focuses on the cultivation of essential leadership skills, and "Foundations of Leadership" at GE Crotonville, the corporate business school renowned for its leadership training.
Laarni is driven by her passion for representation in the media landscape, her contributions reflect a commitment to ensuring that diverse perspectives are visible at all levels— from entry-level interns to executive leadership. Her influence extends beyond her workplace as she actively participates in various boards and advisory committees, making significant strides towards a more inclusive media representation.
Community Leadership and Advocacy
Laarni is recognized as a community leader and advocate for DEI efforts. Her dedication is evident through her role as the Chair of the PBS SoCal Community Advisory Board, where she champions the inclusion of diverse voices in public broadcasting. She also serves on the Advisory Board of FilAm ARTS and the Advocacy Committee of the National Association of Black Journalists’ Los Angeles Chapter, both of which focus on promoting representation and diversity in the arts and journalism.
Additionally, she plays an integral role on the National DEI Committee of the Public Relations Society of America, working towards the enhancement of equitable practices within the PR sector. Laarni has even co-produced events for the Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience at prestigious film festivals such as Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca, and Toronto, providing platforms for filmmakers from diverse backgrounds.
Laarni's contributions to the industry have been recognized multiple times, which is why she is a proud recipient of several PRSA awards, reflecting her excellence in public relations and community advocacy. She has held various significant positions in the entertainment sector and has been a strong voice for Asian Pacific Americans throughout her career. As a founding member of NBCUniversal's Asian Pacific American ERG, Laarni has directly influenced the development of more inclusive workplace environments, demonstrating her passion for representation within the corporate structure.
A Career Rooted in Diversity and Inclusion
With a career spanning reputable organizations such as FOX Sports/TVG, New Line Cinema, and NBCUniversal, Laarni brings a wealth of experience to any role she undertakes. She has held pivotal positions throughout her career, including serving as a Senior Communications Consultant focusing on Peopl
Highlights
The NZK Productions Team — the production team behind “The Bachelor” franchise (produced by Warner Horizon Television Inc.) — took a quick respite from production to visit yesterday’s “Olympic Celebrations + Travel Expo” on the historic Warner Bros. Entertainment Lot in Burbank. See our talented crew don their “Parisian-style” while displaying a piece of Paris 2024 Olympics history with a commemorative Warner Bros. Discovery Olympics pin! Plus, the medals are fun, too! Special thanks to Margo Guffin, and the West Coast/Burbank/Los Angeles employee engagement team, for providing our hard-working production employees the chance to “amusez-vous!”
#BachelorNation 🌹 #WBTV #Paris2024🏅#Olympics #WBDlife
Happy National Intern Day! 🎓 Grateful to help the next generation into the industry — thank you, Taylor! 🙌🏽
#TelevisionAcademyFoundation #Internships #Education #WBDinterns #BachJourney #BachelorNation #iLoveMyJob 🌹
#repost @bachelornation
It’s National Intern Day and we’re thankful for our Television Academy Foundation, Academy of Television Arts & Sciences summer intern, Taylor Shults, for all her hard work this season! #BachelorNation #WBDInterns
