Age: 28

Current assignment: Researcher at “ABC World News Tonight”

Background: Mr. Woo was assigned to the network’s flagship newscast two years ago, giving him the latitude to produce and voice some pieces. He joined ABC News in 2000 after working for the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.

In his own words: “I’ve been fortunate to be openly gay and Asian American. I do think there will be that point [at which traits such as ethnicity and sexuality no longer will be an issue]. … The one thing I wonder about is in some ways racism continues to exist in our society in spite of decades of social change fueled largely by the work of civil rights organizations. And part of the problem becomes at what point have you successfully said, `Hey, we as a society are no longer going to condone or tolerate or support discrimination or prejudice?’ At what point does it become subverted to the level that you have trouble addressing it again? … I think as journalists, one of our responsibilities is to look really carefully at whether things seem to be changing or not. … I’ve produced probably two or three dozen pieces in my time at ABC. The fact that I’ve been able to do that without being a producer may be a testament to the fact that some of these [diversity] programs are working. That’s not to say that my own skills or talents have nothing to do with it, but I certainly am mindful and grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been provided with.”