Gil Vaknin/Sesame Workshop The longtime public affairs and special events exec will now officially lead DEI initiatives for the nonprofit behind 'Sesame Street.' It's never too soon to be proactive about diversity, equity and inclusion. Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind Sesame Street, has promoted vice president of public affairs and special events Wanda Witherspoon into the newly created role of Chief DEI Officer, The Hollywood Reporter has exclusively learned. Last summer, Witherspoon helped lead an internal committee that provided DEI guidance to senior leadership. Now she is entering those ranks herself and will report directly to CEO Steve Youngwood. While retaining her public affairs responsibilities, she will also spearhead a comprehensive equity review of the nonprofit's business practices, including vendor selection, employee recruitment and staff development, and lead multi-level employee discussion groups to ensure that the organization is living up to its stated values.