Zenia Zaveri’s Approach to Purposeful Leadership

Featured in ConnectComm Magazine’s August 2025 Issue and written for Comcast.

Not Just Leading—Uplifting

Zenia Zaveri may be relatively new in her role as vice president of external affairs for Comcast’s California region, but her journey to leadership in one of the country’s largest telecommunications companies reflects the bold thinking and collaborative spirit that defines this year’s Wonder Woman issue of ConnectComm Magazine.

Zaveri’s career began in the fast-paced world of brand and marketing firms in New York City. It was a natural foundation for a communicator with a deep appreciation for storytelling and customer experience. But her next move—into the communications infrastructure industry with Crown Castle—marked a pivotal shift.

“At Crown Castle, I worked on cell towers and fiber networks, which really opened my eyes to the critical role infrastructure plays in keeping people connected,” she said. “That experience set me up to truly appreciate the scale and purpose of what we do at Comcast.”

Zaveri joined Comcast less than a year ago and has already become an integral part of the company’s efforts to bridge the digital divide in California. “Comcast is such a wonderful place to work—not only because of its culture but because of our mission,” she said. “We’re connecting millions of people to information, entertainment and each other.”

For Zaveri, being a leader—particularly in tech and telecom—requires more than operational excellence. It’s about empowering others.

“To me, a Wonder Woman in leadership is someone who innovates and drives value but also lifts up the people around her,” she said. “It’s not just about having the courage to lead. It’s also about having the courage to ask for help when needed and recognizing that leadership is never a solo effort.”

That philosophy is evident in Comcast’s ongoing work to create digital opportunity. “We’re living in a time when being connected is essential,” she said. “At Comcast, we want to make sure no one is left behind, no matter where they live or what their income level may be.”

In California, Comcast has strategically invested in high-speed broadband for rural areas that traditionally lack access. The company has expanded its network in the past four years into communities such as Biola, Caruthers, Elmira, and Tulare County. These efforts are backed by a more than $4 billion statewide infrastructure investment.

But access alone isn’t enough. Affordability is another primary focus. Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, which Zaveri described as a cornerstone of the company’s digital opportunity strategy, connects more than one million Californians with discounted internet service and offers low-cost laptops for eligible families.

“We also have a program called NOW, which is a prepaid, month-to-month service with no contracts or credit checks,” she said. “It’s all about flexibility and making it as easy as possible for people to get online.”

As homes increasingly rely on dozens of connected devices—from phones and laptops to smart TVs and thermostats—Zaveri said Comcast remains focused on maintaining a fast, reliable, future-ready network.

“Internet consumption keeps growing—not just in how much data we use, but in our expectations,” she said. “Whether you’re inside your home or in the backyard, you expect everything to work seamlessly. We’re investing in a converged Wi-Fi experience to ensure that level of performance.”

Comcast’s infrastructure investments speak to that commitment. “Over the last 10 years, we’ve invested $80 billion across the country to improve and future-proof our network,” Zaveri said. “It’s about making sure people can rely on us—whether they’re calling their grandmother on a video chat or streaming the big game in real-time.”

Zaveri offered clear, confident advice for women aspiring to lead in traditionally male-dominated industries like tech and telecom.

“Be authentic, ask for help and take chances,” she said. “I took a big leap when I moved from New York City to Pittsburgh and then again to Houston. Each move was a chance to grow and take on new challenges. Coming to Comcast and moving to California has been one of the most rewarding transitions of my career.”

When asked if she had a personal motto, Zaveri shared a quote from Dr. Seuss that she turns to on difficult days: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”

“It reminds me that we have the power to guide our own paths,” she said. “That’s something I try to live by—and something I hope to inspire in others, too.”

As Comcast continues to expand its network, advocate for digital inclusion and empower families across California, Zaveri’s leadership represents a blend of purpose, courage and optimism—hallmarks of the Wonder Woman ethos.

Click here to read the full article on ConnectComm Magazine.