We’re searching for the Architects of What’s Next

As a Product Manager at Capital One’s Commercial Bank, Abiola mobilizes a team of developers, quantitative modelers and marketers to transform the company’s credit underwriting experience. A common thread throughout Abiola’s professional and personal life is her passion for community building. At Capital One, Abiola champions diversity and inclusion at conferences like AFROTECH, where she shares her experiences as a product manager and assists new grads with the company’s professional network. Throughout undergrad, Abiola served as a social media assistant, instrumental in energizing the student body through on-grounds interviews and student surveying, a first for the UVA Communications team.

Allison Aragon is a first-generation Latina from the DMV and a creative leader with 4+ years of experience delivering culturally grounded campaigns for brands like Jordan, BET / VH1, AliExpress, Mondelēz Inc, and D’USSÉ. Currently blending account management and brand strategy at No Company Productions, she approaches every project with curiosity, discipline, and heart. She is a Founders Fellow at Impact100, supporting inclusive philanthropy, and leads brand partnerships for Recess Run Club, fostering connections between culture and community. Grateful for the opportunities that shaped her, Allison champions representation, mentors rising talent, and builds work where culture isn’t added—it’s centered.

Andre is equipped with a unique vantage point extending across sectors; made up of his experience in corporate social responsibility at the NFL & Ally Financial, in government at the U.S. Dept. of Commerce & local politics, and public relations in the entertainment Industry. Alongside this, Andre is a National Committee Member of the NAACP & other organizations that share his goal of achieving global equity & universal humanity. Andre is a Detroit native, 2023 graduate of Howard University, and 2025 graduate of the USC Marshall School of Business obtaining a Master’s of Social Entrepreneurship – the only Master’s program of its kind.

Angelica Johnson is a self-described geek whose early love of storytelling through video games eventually led her to pursue it as a full-time career. A USC first-generation, low-income alumnus, Angelica currently works as a Product Marketing Manager within Microsoft 365 Copilot. She also holds previous stints as a Communications Manager and Xbox Business Planner through Microsoft’s rotational program. When not working, Angelica holds leadership positions within multiple employee resource groups, including Out in Marketing and Team Xbox LGBTQIA+. She also recently became the Marketing Lead for Rise First, a non-profit dedicated to supporting FGLI students in the classroom and beyond.

Elizabeth’s passion lies in crafting compelling brand stories that disrupt the status quo and challenge communities to strive for growth. She’s excited by the prospect of identifying creative solutions to client problems that make the world a better place, and by building brands that are stewards of equity, inclusion, and positive change. She has extensive experience in leading teams that push boundaries to strive for positive change, and to deliver above and beyond for clients, brands, and her community. Elizabeth is a firm believer in making change on your own, rather than waiting for it to happen.

Gabriella Ogude is an Account Executive at Bully Pulpit International, a global public affairs firm founded by key figures in the Obama-Biden administration. Gabriella provides counsel to executives, Fortune 500 companies, and social impact organizations, helping them amplify messaging that aligns with brand values. Gabriella has overseen high-profile initiatives, including the 2021 Biden/Harris Inauguration, The Dope Black Girl’s Brunch, and The Creator’s Summit further showcasing her ability to execute projects. She also served on the Kamala Harris Transition Team, ensuring streamlined communication and operational excellence. Gabriella is always ready to take on new challenges and deliver results.

Gloria Akinnibosun is a first-gen Nigerian-American creative passionate about marketing rooted in transcendent storytelling. With years of personal and professional experience, she’s helped scale microbrands to higher visibility like Equalman Studios and The Franky Collective, and led intentional, diverse campaigns within tech, via Google, and within beauty, via Sephora. Inspired by Denzel Washington’s career and conviction, she aims to create lasting narratives that challenge convention and center underrepresented voices. Outside of work, she explores Oakland and San Francisco’s open mic scenes, where she shares poetry and reflects on Blackness—its beauty, its ache, and its unrelenting hope.

I’m Jay Towns, a creative and entrepreneur who believes business and creativity are better together. At FCB Chicago, I’m a copywriter helping global brands tell stories that move people. Beyond the agency, I build ventures across media, tech, and community, curating spaces where creativity becomes innovation. To me, creativity isn’t just a craft—it’s how we make meaning, shape the future, and leave the world better than we found it.

Kate is an Account Supervisor at BBDO Worldwide, currently leading the Neutrogena account. With almost three years in Account Management, she has built a strong foundation through prior work on BACARDÍ at BBDO, and Applebee’s at Grey Group. Before entering advertising, Kate gained valuable experience in entertainment marketing at NBCUniversal and as a content creator for HBOMax. Beyond professional commitments, Kate is passionate about uplifting and mentoring underrepresented voices, actively contributing to organizations like Ascend and Asians in Advertising. Outside of work, she also explores her love for media and storytelling through photography.

Kendall Herbert is a strategic marketer and creative problem solver driven by a commitment to cultural authenticity and inclusive storytelling. With experience leading integrated brand campaigns and cross-functional teams, she specializes in turning insights into impact across digital, experiential, and CRM channels. Kendall has developed DEI programming, launched internal culture initiatives, and led teams through campaigns that champion representation. Her work is grounded in collaboration, community, and a passion for driving meaningful connections between brands and people.

Komal (KO-mul) is a Mumbai-raised, New York-based creative who believes in the power of art to drive change. Her passion for design with purpose began as a New Generations Service Exchange Ambassador in Barcelona and led to master’s degrees in advertising (Boston University) and human-centered interaction design (Harrisburg University). Currently an Art Director at Area 23, she brings over three years of experience working with brands like AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. Through storytelling, psychology, and inclusive design, Komal challenges stereotypes and pushes for visibility—believing that creativity, when intentional, can be a powerful force for equity.

Lauren Godwin is a force for change in marketing and advertising. As a Sales Marketing Specialist at SiriusXM Media, she guides brands in amplifying diverse communities through their marketing efforts. A 2022 graduate of Spelman College, Lauren earned top honors and joined SiriusXM through the HBCU Pathways program. She is a founding member of the Junie League, an organization fostering lateral networking and professional development among junior professionals in creative fields. Hailing from Detroit, Lauren is a passionate music and media enthusiast, community advocate, and is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in New Media and Communications at Wayne State University.

Mandi is a Paid Social Strategist at KINESSO, where she drives planning, activation and reporting for Ulta Beauty. As the proud daughter of a Puerto Rican poly-linguist and retired Navy Sailor, her diverse background fuels a unique ability to merge creativity and discipline, enabling her to craft media strategies that are both innovative and effective for Ulta Beauty. As a proud MAIP alum, she’s a dedicated champion for others. When Mandi isn’t living out her Dolly Parton 9-5 dreams, she loves to cheer on her favorite sports team like the Atlanta Braves, Michigan Wolverines, and serve at her local church.

Monique Proverbs is a Bajan-American creative strategist, and sports lover based in New York. Through her work, she always puts the audience first. She’s a 4A’s Multicultural Advertising Internship Program (MAIP) and Marcus Graham Project (MGP) alum who has crafted strategies for brands like Sony Music, Apple, The Brooklyn Nets, Hennessy, and McDonald’s. Currently, at Day One Agency, she works with brands like Converse and e.l.f, while also being an active member in EIGs. Monique serves as a peer mentor for cohorts of Sony Music Group Impact Fellows as well as a panelist and assistant coach for MGP.

Naomi Davis is a dynamic professional with a strong background in digital strategy and client relations. As an alumna of Georgia Tech, she currently excels at Google, demonstrating a proven ability to drive significant client growth. Naomi is also actively involved in leadership and mentorship roles within Google, including serving as a Culture Lead and ASAP Mentor. Beyond her corporate achievements, Naomi is the founder of What Can’t You Do, a brand focused on empowering young professionals. Her diverse experiences and commitment to excellence make her a standout individual.

Driven by a passion for culture and community, Naomi Neal is a creative professional with a strong foundation in strategy, media, and content development. With experience in both nonprofit arts and top-tier advertising agencies, she specializes in applying inclusive strategies that elevate underrepresented voices and reflect the diverse world we live in. Her work centers on inspiring communities through storytelling, cultural insight, and thoughtful execution. Whether supporting executive teams or shaping campaigns, Naomi brings a deep commitment to equity, representation, and meaningful impact in the advertising industry.

Natalia Catalina Alfaro doesn’t end conversations with “I don’t know.” As a forever student of the world around her, she continues them with a “tell me more” or a “let me look into that.” After graduating magna cum laude from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a B.S. in Advertising and two minors (Informatics and Public Relations), she joined FCB Chicago with conviction. In less than two years, she rose from intern to associate and, now, Strategic Planner. Recently, she was named the youngest finalist for the agency’s 2025 Up & Comer of the Year, a recognition elected by senior leadership.

Nicole is a Puerto Rican-Filipino-American New York native. Consider her a professional yapper, chronically online and pop culture obsessed. Now out west at Duncan Channon in San Francisco, she leads integrated campaigns for Anheuser-Busch’s Kona Big Wave, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, and Birkenstock. Before that, Nicole worked at Wieden + Kennedy NY and TBWA/Chiat/Day NY on culture-defining brands like McDonald’s and MTN DEW. Outside of the office, Nicole is searching for the best mofongo in SF! She enjoys practicing Pilates, creating beauty and fashion TikToks, and listening to 2000s music on repeat, all while repping her NY roots.

I’m a creative (and cultural savant) breaking the mold and kicking ass at TBWA/Chiat-Day NY. I’ve worked with brands like Adidas, Arizona Cardinals, Hilton and Nissan. I’m the co-founder of my own creative media agency called Madeintheurl– created in 2020. We’ve worked with heavy hitters such as Nike and Denim Tears. We’ve published over 100 articles and even started a lifestyle brand called AfricanAmericanArt. Born in Queens, NY, raised in Atlanta, GA. I graduated from NYU in 2022 with a B.A in psychology and Spanish language. I’ve always been curious about the world and cultures outside of my own.

Sabrina Taveras is the Community Engagement & Belonging Manager at Lyft, where she leads initiatives that foster belonging, retention, and meaningful connections across teams. With a diverse career spanning across various sectors, Sabrina uses that experience now to operationalize DEIB programs to drive measurable impact that directly elevates business outcomes. Outside of Lyft, Sabrina advocates for Latina voices as a board co-lead for Latinas in Tech NYC and mentors change makers through the ENVSN Festival Ambassador Program. Her mission is to build spaces, both digital and physical, where historically excluded voices are centered, celebrated, and empowered to thrive.

Savannah Eljaouhari is a Lebanese-American woman from Orange County, California. Her love for her culture and passion for storytelling inspired her pursuit of a career in media, where she uses her platform to advocate for inclusive, innovative solutions in spaces where voices like hers have been historically excluded. A first-generation college graduate turned Senior Media Planner and 2025 Young Lions Bold Impact Award Finalist, Savannah is inspired by the strength and resilience of the Lebanese women who raised her. A challenge-seeker fueled by her focus on community, Savannah’s mission is to Rise Up and Reach Back to the next generation.

Simedar knew she was a storyteller when her friends insisted that internet clips were only funny when she retold them. She regularly tapped into this innate ability to build worlds and capture a crowd with good narrative, leading her to study journalism at Northwestern University. Through an untraditional career path, Simedar let stories be a guiding light. She’s written copy and produced creative work for celebrity clothing companies, modeling agencies, skincare brands, hotels and adult bevvies. When she’s not writing words, she’s reading them in sci-fi and speculative fiction novels or soaking up the latest social trends via TikTok.

A deep, unrelenting curiosity carries Sinead through life. In her role as a Creative Strategist at Day One Agency, she develops strategies for integrated campaigns, builds brands for top-tier clients, and helps clients and the agency move faster than the speed of culture by running the agency’s youth insights focus group. In addition to fueling the agency’s work with her culture expertise, Sinead leads the agency’s AAPI Employee Impact Group, The Round Table, planning all-agency programming and fostering connections among members. Outside of work, Sinead explores how food fosters human connection in One More Bite, her newsletter.

Sophie Park is a commerce content strategist and creative storyteller. At Hearst Magazines, she leads strategic initiatives to optimize commerce content, leveraging data and consumer insights to drive engagement and conversions. Previously, she spearheaded efforts to amplify diverse-owned brands at Hearst, increasing visibility and revenue for under-resourced businesses. With a background in data analytics, SEO, commerce and audience strategy, Sophie thrives at the intersection of data and storytelling. When she’s not analyzing trends, she channels her passion into drawing and exploring new recipes.

Thomas Lee is a strategic thinker passionate about transforming cultural trends into powerful action. At American Express, he drives content strategy efforts, ensuring digital platforms resonate with audiences worldwide. Previously at BBDO Atlanta, he led strategy for major brand sponsorships and campaigns for The Home Depot, collaborated on renowned brands like Coca-Cola, and mentored an internship cohort. Committed to giving back, Thomas regularly hosts industry sessions at his hometown high school, serves on the University of Mississippi’s Young Alumni Council, and is an active member of the Morningside Community Garden in Atlanta, GA.

Tomicia Blunt is a Product Marketing Manager and Founder from San Francisco, CA. Currently, she works at Walmart Data Ventures where she blends her love for strategy and data by developing marketing launches for software products. Outside of work, she leads Close Connections, a conversation lifestyle company she founded in June 2023 that builds tools and experiences to bring people closer to each other and the world. Tomicia is an active member of her community, and spends her time volunteering at her church and education nonprofits as a board member, public speaker, and mentor.

Vanesa Carrillo is a Latina product marketing manager at Microsoft in Seattle, leading web marketing for Microsoft Edge. She graduated from Georgetown University in December 2022 with a degree in Marketing and Italian Studies. Beyond work, she’s a microcontent creator on TikTok, sharing career insights to inspire Latinas in tech. She also founded Latinas & Lattes, a Seattle-based community fostering connections over coffee. Passionate about mentorship and diversity, she supports students through ALPFA and HOLA ERG, driving impact at the intersection of tech and culture.

I’m a multicultural marketing strategist and Senior Brand Manager at Gillette, passionate about driving inclusion and representation through impactful brand storytelling. My journey began at Cornell, where my interdisciplinary studies led to early work in nonprofit advocacy. After interning at P&G, I saw how brands could shape culture and pursued brand management as a vehicle for scaled impact. Today, I lead multicultural strategy, innovation, and community partnerships, helping transform how a global brand connects with diverse consumers. An award-winning brand builder and servant leader, I help brands authentically resonate with diverse audiences while building cultural and commercial value.