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Global EVP, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at McCann Worldgroup
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President & Founder
Tiffany R. Warren
Sony Music Group
Tiffany R. Warren is EVP, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for Sony Music Group. In this newly created role, Tiffany will expand equity and inclusion activities and policies across of all Sony Music Group's (SMG) global recorded music, publishing and corporate divisions.
Recognized as a leader in the field of diversity, Tiffany is a talent strategist with 22+ years of championing diverse professionals in the advertising industry. In 2005, she founded ADCOLOR, which has launched the ADCOLOR Industry Conference, ADCOLOR Awards and ADCOLOR University. As President of ADCOLOR, she is deeply involved in the direction the industry is taking around diversity.
Recognized as a leader in the field of diversity, Tiffany is a talent strategist with 22+ years of championing diverse professionals in the advertising industry. In 2005, she founded ADCOLOR, which has launched the ADCOLOR Industry Conference, ADCOLOR Awards and ADCOLOR University. As President of ADCOLOR, she is deeply involved in the direction the industry is taking around diversity.
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CHAIRMAN
Marc Stephenson Strachan
Coach Marc Consulting
Always thinking forward, and looking for new ideas, Marc Stephenson Strachan brings significant credentials to Diageo. Marc is currently responsible for the development of three-tier initiatives, which drive local market commercial, marketing and corporate relations programming. Marc also provides executive leadership and guidance to the national diaspora of constituents that have an interest in the Beverage Alcohol industry. Marc has led positions as North America Vice President of On Premise Strategy and Multicultural Marketing, Director of Brand Marketing for Ciroc Vodka, and Tanqueray Gin, overseeing the USA marketing and strategic initiatives for the Brands. Marc's career combines over thirty years of agency and client management experience on a variety of levels. Marc began his career on Madison Avenue as a MAIP Intern at Compton Advertising (now Saatchi). His career has seen stints at NW Ayer, the Mingo Group, Leo Burnett (where he co-founded Vigilante), and BBDO. His focus on strategic, niche marketing and targeted program development is one of the keys to his career accomplishments. Marc is the Chair of the Board of ADCOLOR, Inc. He also serves on the Board of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, as a member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Development committee, the Board of Directors of the Association of National Advertisers, and the Board of Trustees of Adelphi University. A recipient of numerous industry awards and accolades, Marc is a proud native of Brooklyn, New York. Marc and his family current reside in Manhattan, New York.
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TREASURER
Constance Cannon Frazier
Cardinal Change Consulting
After seventeen years at the American Advertising Federation, Constance Cannon Frazier knew it was time to share her wisdom, judgement, and experiences on a broader level, resulting in her creating Cardinal Change Consulting, where she is the principal. Connie has spearheaded countless programs and initiatives, successfully managed budgets during economic downturn and conceived numerous ideas resulting in increased revenue, while earning the respect of colleagues across the advertising, higher education and public broadcasting industries. She has served on numerous non-profit boards, including ADCOLOR since its inception and was recently appointed to the Quantcast Board of Directors.
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SECRETARY
Eric Cleary
Omnicom Group
As Associate General Counsel - Corporate for Omnicom, Eric is responsible for multiple aspects of Omnicom's legal function with a primary focus on corporate governance matters. Eric has been at Omnicom for more than ten years, and prior to that he spent five years with the law firm Dewey Ballantine where he was an Associate in the Mergers and Acquisitions Group. Eric serves on the Board of Directors and as a member of the Executive Committee of AdColor, an organization dedicated to championing inclusion and diversity within the creative industries. Throughout his career, Eric has been involved with various pro bono projects such as LGBT asylum and housing advocacy for public housing tenants. Eric received a BA from Columbia University and a law degree from Fordham University where he was an Editor of the Law Review. Eric lives in Manhattan's West Village, and is always researching the next city to explore.
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GOVERNANCE CHAIR
Doug Melville
Richemont
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DEVELOPMENT CHAIR
Michele Thornton Ghee
EBONY & JET Magazines
After 25 years in the media and entertainment space, Michele Thornton Ghee decided to pursue her passion of elevating the importance of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity by forming her firm: The Stratechic Alliance. As the managing partner, Ghee helps company’s leverage their most important resource: Difference.
Ghee has worked for: WME, CNN, A&E, THC and BET. Ghee created and ran the only network for black women: BETHer.
Ghee is a 2009 ADCOLOR Change Agent.
Ghee wrote 3 books: Stratechic, Stratechic 2.0, & Success on Your Terms.
She resides in New Jersey with husband Tony & kids Taylor and Jordan.
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Carla Eboli
EnergyBBDO
Carla Eboli is a seasoned communications professional with practice in Latina America and US. With over 20 years of experience in communication, Carla has a strong knowledge of Public Relations, Advertising and Social Media. She joined the Dieste family in 2008 as Chief Marketing Officer, and since then has been working to promote the agency’s growth and helping Dieste stay top-of-mind among the media and key opinion leaders.
Prior to Dieste, Carla worked as the Director of Healthcare at Ketchum Brazil, maintaining a close working relationship with clients in Latin America, Europe and North America. She was also part of Ketchum’s Board of Directors and the Crisis Management Group, and served as Coordinator of Media Training for CEOs and directors.
Carla graduated in Journalism and was part of the Presidential Media Committee in Brasilia, where she covered well-known government, entrepreneurs and businessmen as a special reporter for media vehicles. She then worked for the Culture State Department in Brazil, where she implemented the communications platform and led its public relations services. She continued to serve as Communications’ Consultant for the United Nations, managing the communication team of one of the largest NGOs in Brazil, Alfabetização Solidária.
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CP McBee
Microsoft
CP is a seasoned tech leader who has accelerated across a number of leadership roles at Microsoft. His caring and adaptable approach integrates D&I into his every day, which has consistently led to high performing and happy teams as well as transformative D&I cultures. As Senior Sales Director CP is currently responsible for developing and executing Microsoft Advertising's Sales Strategy for Health & Wellness. Over the past 5 years CP also led MSA's embRACE initiative, which grew from an idea and a few people to hundreds of active participants with a robust set of programs.
Prior to Microsoft CP spent more than a decade in the video game industry, starting as a Game Tester, moving to Associate Game Producer and ultimately co-founding game company Zero Sum Software. Zero Sum's flagship title 'Prelude to Darkness' is still recognized and discussed for its creative achievements within niche gaming communities.
Prior to Microsoft CP spent more than a decade in the video game industry, starting as a Game Tester, moving to Associate Game Producer and ultimately co-founding game company Zero Sum Software. Zero Sum's flagship title 'Prelude to Darkness' is still recognized and discussed for its creative achievements within niche gaming communities.
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Gina Grillo
The ADVERTISING Club of New York
As President & CEO of The ADVERTISING Club of New York, the industry’s premiere forum for exchanging ideas, recognizing creative excellence, innovation, cultivating talent and promoting inclusion, Gina Grillo is the champion of the industry. She leads The AD Club team and over 5,000 members with access to a network of thought leaders; the fuel for creativity; progress toward greater diversity and inclusion; and the best training for professional development.
In her 20+ years at The AD Club, Gina has transformed the Club into the voice of the modern ad industry which, in turn, shaped the conversation around diversity of thought, start-up innovation, support of Young Professionals, cultivated the importance of bravery in advertising, and has become a platform to the entire advertising, marketing and media community in New York. The Club, now in its 120th, year remains a reliable and trusted source for thought leadership, giving back to serve the community and fostering young and diverse talent.
Through i'mPART, the Club’s diversity initiative that aims to raise awareness of the benefits of diversity in business and the importance of increasing and retaining a diverse workforce, The AD Club has made a $2 million investment in the nation’s leading diversity programs thus far.
Gina is a force to be reckoned with – she oversees the International ANDY Awards and is on the NYC Virtual Enterprise Advisory Board. She is a Founding Member of the ADCOLOR Industry Coalition and serves on their Board of Directors, she is also a member of Advertising Week’s Board of Directors, both of which focuses on strengthening the industry and advocates diversity retention and driving business forward for the entire advertising and marketing industries.
Gina also works closely with the prestigious industry leaders who comprise The AD Club’s Board of Directors to support the Club’s mission to move the advertising industry forward. Prior to joining The AD Club, Grillo held positions at Young & Rubicam and MTV Networks. A St. John’s University graduate and native New Yorker, she resides here with her husband and three children.
In her 20+ years at The AD Club, Gina has transformed the Club into the voice of the modern ad industry which, in turn, shaped the conversation around diversity of thought, start-up innovation, support of Young Professionals, cultivated the importance of bravery in advertising, and has become a platform to the entire advertising, marketing and media community in New York. The Club, now in its 120th, year remains a reliable and trusted source for thought leadership, giving back to serve the community and fostering young and diverse talent.
Through i'mPART, the Club’s diversity initiative that aims to raise awareness of the benefits of diversity in business and the importance of increasing and retaining a diverse workforce, The AD Club has made a $2 million investment in the nation’s leading diversity programs thus far.
Gina is a force to be reckoned with – she oversees the International ANDY Awards and is on the NYC Virtual Enterprise Advisory Board. She is a Founding Member of the ADCOLOR Industry Coalition and serves on their Board of Directors, she is also a member of Advertising Week’s Board of Directors, both of which focuses on strengthening the industry and advocates diversity retention and driving business forward for the entire advertising and marketing industries.
Gina also works closely with the prestigious industry leaders who comprise The AD Club’s Board of Directors to support the Club’s mission to move the advertising industry forward. Prior to joining The AD Club, Grillo held positions at Young & Rubicam and MTV Networks. A St. John’s University graduate and native New Yorker, she resides here with her husband and three children.
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Keesha Jean-Baptiste
Hearst Magazines
Keesha Jean-Baptiste is senior vice president, chief talent officer for Hearst Magazines.
Before joining Hearst, she was senior vice president of talent, engagement and inclusion at the 4A’s. While there, she represented talent issues impacting the industry and oversaw the 4A’s Foundation.
Keesha spent six years at Wieden+Kennedy Portland as director of talent and HR, while there she led a strategic refocus of the HR function. Prior she held various senior-level HR roles at Digitas. She started her career in marketing at Wunderman.
Jean-Baptiste is a graduate of James Madison University and holds a Master’s Degree from Emerson College.
Before joining Hearst, she was senior vice president of talent, engagement and inclusion at the 4A’s. While there, she represented talent issues impacting the industry and oversaw the 4A’s Foundation.
Keesha spent six years at Wieden+Kennedy Portland as director of talent and HR, while there she led a strategic refocus of the HR function. Prior she held various senior-level HR roles at Digitas. She started her career in marketing at Wunderman.
Jean-Baptiste is a graduate of James Madison University and holds a Master’s Degree from Emerson College.
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Kim Getty
Deutsch, LA
As President of Deutsch Los Angeles, Kim leads a world-class team of entrepreneurial thinkers who roll up their sleeves to help businesses grow. Since joining Deutsch in 2003, Kim has been instrumental in building the agency into what Fast Company has recognized as one of the most innovative creative shops in advertising. During her tenure at Deutsch, she has driven the development of new practice areas for the agency, including experiential marketing, music and PR and has led the LA office to some of its greatest wins in nearly 20 years. She’s spearheaded breakthrough campaigns for Deutsch’s roster of clients including Volkswagen, Target, Taco Bell, DPSG, 7-Eleven, among others and has been a key player in landing the agency on Ad Age’s Agency A-List numerous times.
Kim is an advocate for inclusion and diversity in the marketing industry and has spoken at leading conferences such as Cannes and Advertising Week on the role advertising plays in gender equality. She’s been a force at driving the conversation on media’s impact on gender bias and has been frequently featured in Fast Company, Adweek, Los Angeles Magazine and Ad Age, among many others. Kim has made progressive parenting policies a priority during her tenure as president, championing both mom and dad in the workplace by extending leave time for dads and creating a 4-day work week for both, upon returning from leave. She’s also advocated for unlimited PTO, flexible work schedules and remote years and sabbaticals. In 2018, she was honored by She Runs It as one of the top Working Mothers of the Year.
Committed to nurturing young talent, Kim serves as an adjunct professor at USC’s Annenberg School and also sits on the board of directors for ADCOLOR and The Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia. She’s passionate about creating change in our industry and has been recognized as one of the most powerful women in advertising by Business Insider, a top LA executive by the Los Angeles Business Journal and has earned the American Advertising Federation’s Mosaic Award for Industry Career Achievement. Kim is a regular contributor to Fortune and Entrepreneur. She’s a California optimist and a proud mom of two daughters.
Kim is an advocate for inclusion and diversity in the marketing industry and has spoken at leading conferences such as Cannes and Advertising Week on the role advertising plays in gender equality. She’s been a force at driving the conversation on media’s impact on gender bias and has been frequently featured in Fast Company, Adweek, Los Angeles Magazine and Ad Age, among many others. Kim has made progressive parenting policies a priority during her tenure as president, championing both mom and dad in the workplace by extending leave time for dads and creating a 4-day work week for both, upon returning from leave. She’s also advocated for unlimited PTO, flexible work schedules and remote years and sabbaticals. In 2018, she was honored by She Runs It as one of the top Working Mothers of the Year.
Committed to nurturing young talent, Kim serves as an adjunct professor at USC’s Annenberg School and also sits on the board of directors for ADCOLOR and The Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia. She’s passionate about creating change in our industry and has been recognized as one of the most powerful women in advertising by Business Insider, a top LA executive by the Los Angeles Business Journal and has earned the American Advertising Federation’s Mosaic Award for Industry Career Achievement. Kim is a regular contributor to Fortune and Entrepreneur. She’s a California optimist and a proud mom of two daughters.
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Mark D’Arcy
Mark D’Arcy is Chief Creative Officer of the Facebook Creative Shop. In this role, he leads a team of creative strategists in 18 cities around the world tasked with creating and building ideas that transform how the world's largest and most innovative marketers use Facebook to drive business growth.
After two decades working as a writer and Chief Creative Officer in advertising and media, Mark joined Facebook in 2011 to better explore the creative potential of the Facebook platform.
As part of this effort, last year he founded the Facebook Creative Council. Comprised of some of the most highly regarded and influential creative voices in the world. The council provides Facebook with invaluable perspectives and ideas to better engage and educate the global creative community, Identify and celebrate breakthrough work and influence how Facebook develops to be an even richer and more engaging place to connect brands with the people they serve.
Prior to joining Facebook Mark spent seven years at Time Warner in New York, as Chief Creative Officer of its Global Media Group. Here he co-developed the first truly creative media arts practice within a global media company designed to better leverage the company’s extensive television, film, print and digital assets for its key marketing partners. In 2009, Mark was also named President of the Group and Senior Vice President of Time Warner.
Mark has been widely recognized for his creativity and leadership in the creative industries and regularly speaks all around the world on the subject of creativity in social media, the transformation of marketing, the communication arts and the role and purpose of brands in society. Mark has served as a juror on numerous international awards shows including the CLIO Awards, LIA Awards, The International ANDY Awards and in 2013 served on the inaugural Innovations Lions jury at the Cannes Lions Awards.
Mark currently lives in London, mainly Heathrow.
After two decades working as a writer and Chief Creative Officer in advertising and media, Mark joined Facebook in 2011 to better explore the creative potential of the Facebook platform.
As part of this effort, last year he founded the Facebook Creative Council. Comprised of some of the most highly regarded and influential creative voices in the world. The council provides Facebook with invaluable perspectives and ideas to better engage and educate the global creative community, Identify and celebrate breakthrough work and influence how Facebook develops to be an even richer and more engaging place to connect brands with the people they serve.
Prior to joining Facebook Mark spent seven years at Time Warner in New York, as Chief Creative Officer of its Global Media Group. Here he co-developed the first truly creative media arts practice within a global media company designed to better leverage the company’s extensive television, film, print and digital assets for its key marketing partners. In 2009, Mark was also named President of the Group and Senior Vice President of Time Warner.
Mark has been widely recognized for his creativity and leadership in the creative industries and regularly speaks all around the world on the subject of creativity in social media, the transformation of marketing, the communication arts and the role and purpose of brands in society. Mark has served as a juror on numerous international awards shows including the CLIO Awards, LIA Awards, The International ANDY Awards and in 2013 served on the inaugural Innovations Lions jury at the Cannes Lions Awards.
Mark currently lives in London, mainly Heathrow.
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Mark Zangrilli
MSLGROUP
Mark is a Human Resources and Operations executive with extensive experience in
recruiting and developing employees to achieve overall company goals. He builds
partnerships with all levels of an organization to gain alignment of objectives and
develops strategies for implementation of programs in talent management, employee
engagement, diversity and inclusion, training and development, succession planning,
change management, organizational development, employee relations and recruiting.
Mark has spent the majority of his career working in the Advertising/PR industry. Prior to Edelman, he worked at D’Arcy Advertising and Publics Worldwide, where he led the HR function through three separate mergers and honed his skills in change management and cultural development.
Being a very active member of the industry, he had served on the AAAA committees for Human Resources and Diversity for 14 years. He currently serves on the ADCOLOR Board of Directors and is proud to be a founding member.
Mark has spent the majority of his career working in the Advertising/PR industry. Prior to Edelman, he worked at D’Arcy Advertising and Publics Worldwide, where he led the HR function through three separate mergers and honed his skills in change management and cultural development.
Being a very active member of the industry, he had served on the AAAA committees for Human Resources and Diversity for 14 years. He currently serves on the ADCOLOR Board of Directors and is proud to be a founding member.
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Michael Munoz
Michael Muñoz is Google’s Global Marketing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Lead.
Michael is responsible for leading the efforts to build a more representative and
inclusive team, whose work represents its users. He is tasked with developing and
executing the DEI plan in service of accelerating progress on workforce
representation and driving racial & social equity for the organization, including driving
execution of Marketing’s DEI Commitments and Operational Plans. In his role, Michael
advises senior leaders to build capability and shared accountability for DEI efforts and
outcomes; partnering cross-functionally, leveraging trend data and solutions to
advance DEI efforts, objectives and support the work of Google’s Marketing org.
Prior to joining Google, Michael has been a part of the Diversity & Inclusion efforts at Aetna, MassMutual, EY and ESPN where he’s led several Women’s Leadership Development efforts, launched ERG’s, created D&I Scorecards, developed and delivered company-wide trainings and influenced Diversity Staffing efforts. Michael has also been active in facilitating Anti-Defamation League’s ‘A World of Difference’ Training for the last 20+ years.
Michael has a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut and a Masters in Human Resource Management from Cornell. He and his wife Courtney currently live in York, Maine with their children Ariana and Noah.
Prior to joining Google, Michael has been a part of the Diversity & Inclusion efforts at Aetna, MassMutual, EY and ESPN where he’s led several Women’s Leadership Development efforts, launched ERG’s, created D&I Scorecards, developed and delivered company-wide trainings and influenced Diversity Staffing efforts. Michael has also been active in facilitating Anti-Defamation League’s ‘A World of Difference’ Training for the last 20+ years.
Michael has a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut and a Masters in Human Resource Management from Cornell. He and his wife Courtney currently live in York, Maine with their children Ariana and Noah.
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Nicole Hall
Kol Consulting
Nicole Hall is a 20-year Human Resources veteran with leadership experience at some of the largest global advertising and communications companies.
In 2020, Nicole founded Kol Consulting, a comprehensive executive coaching firm built on the principle of partnering with clients to reach their professional potential and business goals. A proponent of transformative employee development. her work is fueled by the Columbia University Coaching Methodology. Nicole's practice focuses on mid-to-senior level professionals.
An avid mentor and industry influencer, Nicole currently serves on the Board of ADCOLOR, and a member of the AD Council’s Diverse Leaders Taskforce.
In 2020, Nicole founded Kol Consulting, a comprehensive executive coaching firm built on the principle of partnering with clients to reach their professional potential and business goals. A proponent of transformative employee development. her work is fueled by the Columbia University Coaching Methodology. Nicole's practice focuses on mid-to-senior level professionals.
An avid mentor and industry influencer, Nicole currently serves on the Board of ADCOLOR, and a member of the AD Council’s Diverse Leaders Taskforce.
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Sedef Onar
JKR
Originally from Istanbul, Sedef found her way to Los Angeles via Boston, New York and London. Her international background and a non-linear career path gave Sedef insight into brands and companies large and small. Sedef is currently the Global Chief Talent Officer of JKR where she partners with the leaders to create an inclusive environment that fosters and celebrates bravery, diversity, individuality and creativity.
Sedef considers herself as one of those very fortunate people who absolutely love what they do, and the opportunity to help create the same experience for those around her is her passion. She proudly serves on ADCOLOR Board of Directors, and is a member of MENA (Middle East and North Africa) for ADCOLOR steering committee. As a first generation immigrant herself, Sedef helps support women new to the U.S to start or enhance their careers through her involvement with the Turkish Women’s Initiative Ignite program.
Sedef considers herself as one of those very fortunate people who absolutely love what they do, and the opportunity to help create the same experience for those around her is her passion. She proudly serves on ADCOLOR Board of Directors, and is a member of MENA (Middle East and North Africa) for ADCOLOR steering committee. As a first generation immigrant herself, Sedef helps support women new to the U.S to start or enhance their careers through her involvement with the Turkish Women’s Initiative Ignite program.
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Singleton Beato
McCann Worldgroup
Singleton Beato is the Global Chief Diversity & Engagement Officer at McCann Worldgroup, where she is responsible for designing and leading strategic initiatives that increase organizational capacity, innovation and growth. With over 25 years of experience as an accomplished executive, Singleton is recognized for her success driving large scale people and organizational change initiatives across a wide range of industries, having held talent leadership roles at J. Walter Thompson, Crunch Fitness International, and Bloomberg L.P.
Previously, Singleton was EVP, Diversity Strategy and Talent Development at the 4A’s where she provided leadership and advice to senior advertising and media agency executives working to create and activate a strategic approach to D&I. Singleton was the visionary and architect of high-profile initiatives including The Face Of Talent symposium and the Ad industry’s only Talent Leadership Conference, Talent@2030. She also led the transformation of the renowned Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP) and the 4A’s Foundation. And, after assuming P&L responsibility for Talent Development and Diversity related revenue streams, Singleton consistently delivered on revenue and margin growth targets for the organization.
Singleton received a MS from Fairleigh Dickinson University and serves on several non-profit boards including the Brand Erwin Center for Brand Communications, AdWeek’s D&I Council, the AAF’s Mosaic Council, NYWICI, Own The Room and Figure Skating in Harlem as well as the Advisory Board of the Brand + Integrated Communications program. She has received numerous awards and accolades from the AAF, the 4A’s, the ADCOLOR Coalition, the National Diversity Council, the World Diversity Leadership Summit. Additionally, Singleton was named one of 2019’s Most Influential Women In Corporate America by Savoy Magazine, one of AdWeek’s 2020 Women Trailblazers and one of New York’s Most Outstanding Corporate Citizens.
Previously, Singleton was EVP, Diversity Strategy and Talent Development at the 4A’s where she provided leadership and advice to senior advertising and media agency executives working to create and activate a strategic approach to D&I. Singleton was the visionary and architect of high-profile initiatives including The Face Of Talent symposium and the Ad industry’s only Talent Leadership Conference, Talent@2030. She also led the transformation of the renowned Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP) and the 4A’s Foundation. And, after assuming P&L responsibility for Talent Development and Diversity related revenue streams, Singleton consistently delivered on revenue and margin growth targets for the organization.
Singleton received a MS from Fairleigh Dickinson University and serves on several non-profit boards including the Brand Erwin Center for Brand Communications, AdWeek’s D&I Council, the AAF’s Mosaic Council, NYWICI, Own The Room and Figure Skating in Harlem as well as the Advisory Board of the Brand + Integrated Communications program. She has received numerous awards and accolades from the AAF, the 4A’s, the ADCOLOR Coalition, the National Diversity Council, the World Diversity Leadership Summit. Additionally, Singleton was named one of 2019’s Most Influential Women In Corporate America by Savoy Magazine, one of AdWeek’s 2020 Women Trailblazers and one of New York’s Most Outstanding Corporate Citizens.
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Stephen Kim
Princeton University
Stephen Kim is a longtime promoter of Diversity & Inclusion in the media, advertising, and technology industries. In addition to having served in senior advertising sales leadership roles for 15 years at Microsoft and Verizon, Stephen was formerly an attorney, a journalist, and a startup entrepreneur. Currently, he leads the Communication & Information department at the Princeton University Art Museum with a special focus on connecting historically under-served communities through the world of art.
Stephen received his B.A. from Brown University and holds an M.A. in Communications and J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.levision violence.
Stephen received his B.A. from Brown University and holds an M.A. in Communications and J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.levision violence.
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Susie Nam
Droga5
Susie has lived in 10 cities in 3 countries traversing 3 different industries. Susie began in journalism, following the presidential campaign trail, then studied and practiced urban planning in London before landing in advertising, first with Fallon, then with Droga5 in 2009. As Droga5’s COO, Susie drives key client relationships and growth while ensuring business operations and culture are designed to support and scale for breakthrough thinking. She serves on ADCOLOR’s Board of Directors and is an Executive Advisor to Droga5’s diversity and inclusion initiatives D+iQ and S/he.
ADVISORY BOARDClick To Read Advisory Board's Bio
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CO-CHAIR
Kevin Green
Cashmere Agency
For over a decade, Kevin has stood at the intersection of equity and creativity.
He began his career as a Copywriter in the Marcus Graham Project’s iCR8 Summer Bootcamp, where he learned that representation is the key to breakthrough creative.
Since then, he’s led award-winning campaigns for brands like PNC Bank, McDonald’s and Toyota. He’s also held creative and diversity, equity and inclusion leadership roles at Match.com and RAPP, a global CRM agency.
He currently serves as an Advisor to the Marcus Graham Project Alumni Board, member of the Strava Anti-Racism Advisory Board and Co-Chair of the ADCOLOR Advisory Board, where he and 30+ other DE&I champions create a holistic career development program for ADCOLOR FUTURES.
In April of 2021, Kevin joined Cashmere Agency to further his mission of authentically telling the stories of BIPOC communities.
Kevin is also an emerging speaker and thought leader, sharing his insights on podcasts and national industry conferences.
Kevin finds his greatest fulfillment, however, as a mentor and ally for colleagues and emerging talent in the industry.
When he’s not working, you can catch him spending quality time with his three favorite people in the world: his wife Jasmin and daughters Audrey and Autumn.
He began his career as a Copywriter in the Marcus Graham Project’s iCR8 Summer Bootcamp, where he learned that representation is the key to breakthrough creative.
Since then, he’s led award-winning campaigns for brands like PNC Bank, McDonald’s and Toyota. He’s also held creative and diversity, equity and inclusion leadership roles at Match.com and RAPP, a global CRM agency.
He currently serves as an Advisor to the Marcus Graham Project Alumni Board, member of the Strava Anti-Racism Advisory Board and Co-Chair of the ADCOLOR Advisory Board, where he and 30+ other DE&I champions create a holistic career development program for ADCOLOR FUTURES.
In April of 2021, Kevin joined Cashmere Agency to further his mission of authentically telling the stories of BIPOC communities.
Kevin is also an emerging speaker and thought leader, sharing his insights on podcasts and national industry conferences.
Kevin finds his greatest fulfillment, however, as a mentor and ally for colleagues and emerging talent in the industry.
When he’s not working, you can catch him spending quality time with his three favorite people in the world: his wife Jasmin and daughters Audrey and Autumn.
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CHIEF OF STAFF
Jessy Jacques
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CO-CHAIR
Candace D. Queen
Tabernacle
Candace D. Queen is a multidisciplinary designer and creative director and educator, rooted in advancing racial equity through design and nourished by a passion for cultural archival and preservation.
She's been recognized as one of the 4A's 100 People Who Make Advertising Great, a MAIPer to Watch, a Bill Sharp Award Honoree, and an ADCOLOR FUTURE and recipient of the Unsung Hero Award. She's also a part of the NAACP's NEXTGEN program. Candace champions diversity and inclusion through her work with ADCOLOR, MAIP, the American Advertising Federation, and as the founder of Blacks in Advertising, an organization dedicated to empowering and preserving Black advertising professionals' narratives.
Her work reflects her rich Louisiana Creole heritage and upbringing in Southeast Texas, as well as her love for implementing thoughtful design solutions that create robust communities and resolve disparity issues among people of color.
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CO-CHAIR
Aaron Francois
R/GA
Aaron was first exposed to the Industry via the 4A's MAIP program, where he began his journey into the world of Advertising. Over the years he's had the ability to service clients within the retail, finance and tech industries, leveraging his cultural currency and strategic thinking to build effective communications strategies for clients.
A year into his career he was honored as a part of the 2018 ADCOLOR Futures class where he has since continued his involvement through mentorship of incoming classes. In addition to his role as an Senior Connections Planner, Aaron has experience developing internal infrastructures for employee development such as Employee's Resource Groups & internal/external workshops highlighting building upon skill sets such as personal branding, interviewing & resume building. Aaron prides himself on being a voice to the voiceless while continuously opening doors for aspiring professionals that come from under-served communities.
From a DEI perspective, Aaron has maintained relationships with the MAIP program via mentorship and workshops for incoming interns. He has also played a major role in bringing forward initiatives to support under-served communities, similar to the modern adaptation of "Black Wall Street," where he collaborated with many peers to recreate the original Black Wall Street while bringing together Black entrepreneurs to promote their product in a corporate setting.
In addition to being an enthusiast for all things innovative, Aaron is a lover of comics and some would also say a pretty good dancer.
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Alexandra Givan
Sony Music Group
Born and raised in New York, Alexandra Givan (She/Her) currently works at Sony Music Group as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In this role, Alexandra will support the expansion and execution of equity, and inclusion initiatives, policies, and strategy across SMG.
Alexandra joins SMG from Comcast Corporation where she was a Senior Manager of Corporate Communications managing and implementing strategic programming to elevate Comcast NBCUniversal’s brand reputation. She also supported the company’s government affairs activities on federal, regulatory, and legislative issues and played an integral role in the development and execution of the communications strategy for their $100 million commitment to advance social justice and equality and evolving diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
As a proud and active alumna of the T. Howard Foundation for Diversity in Media, Alexandra builds upon her connection with T. Howard to promote and facilitate diversity in the workplace. In 2018, she was awarded the “Influencer of the Year” award by the UMD Student Success Leadership Council (SSLC) for her commitment to minority undergraduates at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Alexandra identifies as an ardent change-maker and dedicated leader, exemplified by her passion for youth mentorship, workplace inclusion, and education. In her spare time, she loves exploring new cultures abroad, growing and grooming her plant collection, and fine dining.
Alexandra graduated cum laude from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and a certificate in African American Studies.
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Amoya Edwards
RAPP
Amoya Edwards is digital communications professional with 10 years of experience bringing integrated marketing campaigns to life. She has a proven track record in growing client accounts, building high-performance teams and driving true impact for brands. Amoya prides herself in staying curious and keeping a pulse on the latest trends in digital marketing and advertising. A true believer in client service excellence and authentic relationship-building, Amoya has had the opportunity to serve clients across a vast array of industries, including technology, telecommunications, healthcare, automotive and more.
Amoya is currently an Account Supervisor at RAPP where she leads the retail banking CRM/email communications for one of the top 5 largest banks in the U.S.
She is a graduate of the Mayborn School of Journalism at the University of North Texas where she earned a degree in Journalism with a focus in Public Relations and minor in Marketing.
Amoya lives and breathes by these words of wisdom: “Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” And, if she isn’t masterfully managing client relationships and internal teams with a smile, you can find her vaccinated and safely traveling with her identical twin sister, attending a live (or virtual) concert or basking in culture at the latest art exhibit at a Dallas museum with her fiance.
Amoya is currently an Account Supervisor at RAPP where she leads the retail banking CRM/email communications for one of the top 5 largest banks in the U.S.
She is a graduate of the Mayborn School of Journalism at the University of North Texas where she earned a degree in Journalism with a focus in Public Relations and minor in Marketing.
Amoya lives and breathes by these words of wisdom: “Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” And, if she isn’t masterfully managing client relationships and internal teams with a smile, you can find her vaccinated and safely traveling with her identical twin sister, attending a live (or virtual) concert or basking in culture at the latest art exhibit at a Dallas museum with her fiance.
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Ashley Simms
Amazon Web Services
Ashley Simms leads public relations efforts for education and state and local government initiatives at Amazon Web Services (AWS). In her role, she manages the full cycle of media relations programs—from developing creative pitches to obtaining coverage in top-tier media, education and government trade publications, and broadcast stations.
Prior to AWS, Ms. Simms was a Vice President at FleishmanHillard (FH) where she spent more than six years managing large-scale, integrated marketing campaigns from strategy to execution. She led a variety of public education campaigns for federal government and consumer clients with a specialty in military and veterans’ affairs, public health, cybersecurity communications, youth advocacy and public education initiatives.
Along with client management, Ms. Simms served as a diversity and inclusion leader at FH where she led the Alfred Fleishman Diversity Fellowship program in the DC office to advocate for a more diverse public relations industry. She was named Outstanding Young PR Professional at the 2017 Diversity Distinction in PR Awards by PR Week and the PR Council. She was also featured in the Huffington Post as one of the Top 25 African American PR Millennials to Watch and recognized as a 2018 Rising Star by PRNews.
Ms. Simms received her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in journalism and public relations. She obtained a master’s degree in public relations and corporate communications from Georgetown University. Ashley is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
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Astrid Andujar
Spotify
Astrid is a Dominican-born, New York based creative. Her first job was crafting beach souvenirs with her mom when she was 6.
She moved to New York but the tropical trinket business had zero market appeal in the South Bronx, so she enrolled in art school to better market her craft.
She currently calls Spotify her home, where she works on global campaigns as an Associate Creative Director. Prior, she worked with talented folks at Grey, McCann and Droga5— working on award-winning projects including a dog adoption campaign for Facebook, an immersive art installation for Thorne, an at-home Broadway musical fundraiser for essential workers and a film for Shine, a self-care app geared towards issues faced by marginalized communities. As a side project she campaigned to Diversify The Handshake, an initiative to include multi-racial handshakes in the emoji library (coming to a phone near you in 2022).
Most recently she was named Next Creative Leader 2020 by the 3% Conference & The One Club. She’s a proud member of the ADCOLOR Advisory Board, a mentor at ONE School and The Knowledge House.
Although her mom paved the way for her career path, like all parents, she still doesn’t quite “get it” but agrees it beats selling souvenirs.
She currently calls Spotify her home, where she works on global campaigns as an Associate Creative Director. Prior, she worked with talented folks at Grey, McCann and Droga5— working on award-winning projects including a dog adoption campaign for Facebook, an immersive art installation for Thorne, an at-home Broadway musical fundraiser for essential workers and a film for Shine, a self-care app geared towards issues faced by marginalized communities. As a side project she campaigned to Diversify The Handshake, an initiative to include multi-racial handshakes in the emoji library (coming to a phone near you in 2022).
Most recently she was named Next Creative Leader 2020 by the 3% Conference & The One Club. She’s a proud member of the ADCOLOR Advisory Board, a mentor at ONE School and The Knowledge House.
Although her mom paved the way for her career path, like all parents, she still doesn’t quite “get it” but agrees it beats selling souvenirs.
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Brittany Allen
72andSunny
Brittany is deeply committed to creating equitable spaces for people of color. She integrates social justice into diversity and inclusion strategies, ensuring marginalized communities are centered.
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Bryan Stromer
Microsoft
Bryan Stromer is passionate about telling the stories of brands that make our world a better place. He found his way into marketing after studying Human and Organizational Development at Vanderbilt University. At Vanderbilt, he realized the vital role that advertising and marketing play in shaping culture and society. He is currently a Product Marketing Manager at Microsoft, where he focuses on re-imagining the value proposition for Microsoft’s global e-commerce business. In this role, he works to elevate Microsoft’s customer experience and drive initiatives that ensure our virtual store is the best place to experience Microsoft.
Born with Cerebral Palsy, Bryan is a passionate advocate for the disability community and is the founder and co-lead of Microsoft’s Disability in Marketing group. This group works to ensure and drive authentic representation of individuals with disabilities in Microsoft’s advertising and marketing.
Bryan’s writing and thought leadership has been published by the Washington Post, NY Times, and NPR. He has been featured on the Today Show, Forbes, NY1 and the NY Daily News.
He currently serves on ADCOLOR’s advisory board, The Seattle Transit Advisory Board, and currently helps community organizations with design challenges as a participant in AIGA Seattle's Changemaker Series.
Bryan has been recognized as a 2019 ADCOLOR FUTURE, a 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 List-maker for his work in advertising and marketing, and the Disability:IN 2019 NextGen Alum of the Year.
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Cameron Carr
BBDO Worldwide
Native New Yorker, Harlemite and Pragmatic Optimist. Cam is an Account Manager at BBDO Worldwide, MAIP Coach, IDEA Co-founder, 100 Roses From Concrete Mentor, 2020 ADCOLOR FUTURES Finalist, and 2020 Snapchat Creative Council Pitch Winner. Outside of the office, Cam is a Creative Producer, determined to be the next Issa Rae/Jordan Peele/Donald Glover. His mission: to propel Black-led stories and creative while disrupting the status quo lack of representation in corporate settings and senior leadership.
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Carlin Dixon
TBWA NY
Carlin is an award-winning culture-first strategist who has a passion for telling universal stories that ensure all communities are seen and heard. His experience stretches across brands in travel & hospitality, healthcare, CPG, financial services, and home improvement. Carlin has always been a firm believer in rising up and reaching back, as his first encounter with the ad industry came from a group of diverse professionals working with marginalized students to ensure they had portfolio pieces to break into the industry. Since that experience, paying it forward has become a key component of his belief system--leading him to serve as a MAIP coach, always involved with DEI initiatives at his place of employment, and as a current member of the ADCOLOR Advisory board.
Carlin hails from Cleveland, OH, and is always happy to bring a Midwest POV to the conversation. He holds a B.A in Media Production & Studies from Bowling Green State University, which cemented his desire to reframe perceptions around how marginalized communities are represented in media, specifically advertising.
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Cherish Lee
Droga5
Cherish Lee currently serves as a co-lead on the FUTURES Planning Committee for the ADCOLOR Advisory Board. Outside of ADCOLOR, Cherish is currently a Communications Strategist at Droga5, after most recently leaving W+K Portland.
Her accolades include being selected for the 2018 ADCOLOR FUTURES class, where she was recognized as part of the next generation of leaders in the advertising, media, and marketing industries.
Cherish also believes in serving the local communities where she is based and often volunteers with local nonprofits such as Embrace Oregon, aimed at standing in the gap to meet the needs of local DHS offices, their workers, and the families they serve. Cherish is also passionate about uplifting the immigrant and refugee communities and is working with organizations like the Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) to establish greater accessibility to creative industries for groups that are underrepresented.
Cherish has a B.S. in advertising communications from the School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Oregon. Cherish, who currently resides in New York city, hails from the sunny island of Singapore.
Her accolades include being selected for the 2018 ADCOLOR FUTURES class, where she was recognized as part of the next generation of leaders in the advertising, media, and marketing industries.
Cherish also believes in serving the local communities where she is based and often volunteers with local nonprofits such as Embrace Oregon, aimed at standing in the gap to meet the needs of local DHS offices, their workers, and the families they serve. Cherish is also passionate about uplifting the immigrant and refugee communities and is working with organizations like the Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) to establish greater accessibility to creative industries for groups that are underrepresented.
Cherish has a B.S. in advertising communications from the School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Oregon. Cherish, who currently resides in New York city, hails from the sunny island of Singapore.
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Deepti Turlapati
Microsoft
Deepti Turlapati is a Sr. Account Manager at Microsoft for the Global Strategic Sales team. Deepti worked for Google in India for 8 years and a couple years at Barracuda Digital in London as their Head of PPC. She is passionate about mental health awareness. As an Immigrant, she actively evangelizes East Asian Culture. Deepti is also serving on the steering committee of embRACE - an internal Microsoft diversity initiative. Deepti also partners with Mandela Legacy to help create jobs in South Africa. When not at work, she and her husband Kalyan have their hands full with their 10 yr. old daughter, Deeksha and two loving Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Titan and Romeo.
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EJ Stancil
R/GA
E.J. Stancil, a Houston native now residing in Los Angeles, is known for constantly challenging convention and having a bias towards action. With a background of producing world-class marketing content and retail products, he aims to bring a fresh perspective and a collaborative approach to each team he’s a part of.
Currently, E.J. serves as Director of Culture & Operations at R/GA, an international innovation firm that helps companies and brands grow by enabling them for a more human future. In his role, E.J.’s mission is to democratize the work and accountability of ED&I across every level of the organization. The goal is to fully embed the ideals of ED&I into the operating system and heartbeat of R/GA.
E.J. established his roots in advocacy through the 4A’s Multicultural Advertising Internship Program (MAIP) and ADCOLOR FUTURES, and has become a recognized champion for marginalized communities. Previously, he was recognized with the Unsung Hero award for his contributions on the ADCOLOR Content Team. He now serves as an acting member on the ADCOLOR Advisory Board. In addition, his leadership in R/GA’s corporate ED&I efforts were acknowledged when he received three R/GA Cube’s for Innovation, Collaboration, and Culture by breaking down silos and establishing space for meaningful and inclusive conversations around race relations and gender inequality. Furthermore, E.J. is co-author of R/GA’s Make / Change playbook, which serves as the foundation for the organization to build equitable opportunities with accountability at every level.
In his spare time, you can find E.J. twirling on a dance floor, eating at a Michelin-starred restaurant with an emergency bottle of hot sauce, or digging through the crates of your favorite music streaming service.
Currently, E.J. serves as Director of Culture & Operations at R/GA, an international innovation firm that helps companies and brands grow by enabling them for a more human future. In his role, E.J.’s mission is to democratize the work and accountability of ED&I across every level of the organization. The goal is to fully embed the ideals of ED&I into the operating system and heartbeat of R/GA.
E.J. established his roots in advocacy through the 4A’s Multicultural Advertising Internship Program (MAIP) and ADCOLOR FUTURES, and has become a recognized champion for marginalized communities. Previously, he was recognized with the Unsung Hero award for his contributions on the ADCOLOR Content Team. He now serves as an acting member on the ADCOLOR Advisory Board. In addition, his leadership in R/GA’s corporate ED&I efforts were acknowledged when he received three R/GA Cube’s for Innovation, Collaboration, and Culture by breaking down silos and establishing space for meaningful and inclusive conversations around race relations and gender inequality. Furthermore, E.J. is co-author of R/GA’s Make / Change playbook, which serves as the foundation for the organization to build equitable opportunities with accountability at every level.
In his spare time, you can find E.J. twirling on a dance floor, eating at a Michelin-starred restaurant with an emergency bottle of hot sauce, or digging through the crates of your favorite music streaming service.
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Ejeb Dema
As the first of four in a Cameroonian household, Ejeb’s upbringing uniquely shaped her dedication to society, desire to do what's right, and change-agent aspirations. Before graduating from Cornell University, she rooted herself in scholar-activist work, bridging communications between university administrators and underrepresented communities. Most notably, her work with first-generation student resources was piloted across the Ivy League and partnered with Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher Initiative.
Ejeb’s passion for where tech, media and mission intersect led to internships at Google, KaBOOM!, and now at Facebook, where she manages a multimillion dollar book of business of ecommerce brands. Career highlights include championing a performance branding lift study for TULA, consulting on digital strategy for emerging disruptors like Prose, StockX, and eBates, and exceeding revenue attainment by 130%.
Ejeb invests in community at the personal, local, and national levels. Most recently, she led Mentorship for Elevate (formerly Level Up), Facebook's ads coaching program for minority-owned SMBs, and leads brand activations for Black@ATX, including the annual Black@SXSW. She has represented Facebook at renowned industry events like NMSDC 2019 Gala, ADCOLOR Future in 2018, Fearless Conference 2018, and Afrotech 2017.
Off the clock, Ejeb is a hater of buzzwords, maker of banana bread, dystopian lit enthusiast, and Viola Davis stan.
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Emmeline Jean
Microsoft
As a first generation Haitian American, Emmeline Jean grew up understanding the importance of leading with empathy, being resilient and viewing every challenge as an opportunity for growth.
Currently, Emmeline is an Account Manager at Microsoft on the Global Strategic Sales team. In her role, Emmeline is focused on building strong client relationships while providing strategic solutions to help clients exceed their goals and drive revenue. Emmeline’s empathetic, creative and client first approach to sales has contributed to consistent revenue attainment. In addition to her current role, Emmeline is also the Vice-Chair (incoming FY22 Chair) of the Blacks at Microsoft New York/New Jersey Chapter, an Employee Resource Group. Emmeline also serves on the steering committee of embRACE, a Microsoft Search Advertising Community.
In her spare time, Emmeline fuels her creative spirit by showing off her chef skills on her Food Blog, Emmes Kitchen.
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Fontaine Bland
72andSunny
Fontaine roots herself in authenticity, consistency, and generosity. As a Brand Manager at 72andSunny, plays a central role with clients and within the agency’s culture. At 72, Fontaine has led the development and execution of multiple projects for the National Football League (NFL), including their 2020 Inspire Change campaign, 2020 Voting campaign, Super Bowl 2021 Social Justice work, amongst others. She is a founding member of 72X, a grassroots initiative that champions diverse perspectives and celebrates intersectionality within the agency.
Previously, Fontaine was an Account Executive at Ogilvy, where she worked in the social change sector to bridge gaps between audiences, various government organizations, and private sector brands.
Her professional accomplishments include being named a Diversity Distinction Outstanding Young Professional by PRWeek in 2019, being awarded a member of the ADCOLOR Futures 2018 Class and becoming an ADCOLOR Futures Ambassador in 2019.
As a minority in this industry, it is Fontaine’s distinguished honor to stand for and with people of color, advocate for them, and pave the way for those who are preparing to follow in her footsteps. She is working daily to shift the narrative surrounding "diversity and inclusion" and refocus organizations on enhancing "authenticity and equity" for all.
Previously, Fontaine was an Account Executive at Ogilvy, where she worked in the social change sector to bridge gaps between audiences, various government organizations, and private sector brands.
Her professional accomplishments include being named a Diversity Distinction Outstanding Young Professional by PRWeek in 2019, being awarded a member of the ADCOLOR Futures 2018 Class and becoming an ADCOLOR Futures Ambassador in 2019.
As a minority in this industry, it is Fontaine’s distinguished honor to stand for and with people of color, advocate for them, and pave the way for those who are preparing to follow in her footsteps. She is working daily to shift the narrative surrounding "diversity and inclusion" and refocus organizations on enhancing "authenticity and equity" for all.
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Geoff McHenry
Translation LLC
Before Translation, Geoff was at Wieden+Kennedy where he led strategy for the Sprite, vitaminwater, and Jordan Brand accounts.
Of his accomplishments at Wieden, Geoff is most proud of his work with Sprite. Geoff’s passion, vision, and leadership helped get the brand back to its roots of supporting hip-hop culture and inspired the brand to use it’s platform and resources to help young black creators realize their dreams. Through art, fashion, and music Geoff helped pave the way for creators to do everything from star in a campaign commercial, to design a merch and apparel for a new flavor launch, to using their artistic expression to inspire the next generation to vote.
In his spare time, Geoff is a writer, podcaster, playlist guru, and cultural critic. He is a Bay Area native, a proud graduate of Morehouse College, and his passion is to create a world where people of color have the space to dream big, imagine the unimaginable, and create bold ideas that challenge the status quo.
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Ghada Soufan
Ghada works in Global Marketing for WhatsApp, with the mission of connecting the app’s 2.5 billion users privately and without barriers. With a passion for creativity and brand-building, Ghada is motivated by pushing creative boundaries to create work that has cultural impact on a global scale.
Prior to WhatsApp, Ghada Soufan was a Management Supervisor at Wieden+Kennedy NY and Portland, working on brands like Ford Motor Company and Old Spice. She is most proud of pushing both of these brands into new areas of growth, audiences and creative that unlocked more inclusive worlds for both brands. On Ford, Ghada successfully launched a visual and strategic rebrand for Ford Trucks, influencing the brand to pivot from a less inclusive campaign that ran 12 years strong. On Old Spice, her work not only included iconic global campaigns with Terry Crew, Deon Cole and Von Miller – but also pushed platform boundaries like the first-ever live Twitch video game and the world’s first paper blazer print ad. Ghada also worked alongside P&G to innovate in the men’s grooming space with the launch of Old Spice Beard Care collection and Men’s Dry Shampoo.
As an Arab-American, Ghada is a dedicated advocate for diversity & inclusion efforts within her organization and through ADCOLOR. In 2019, she co-founded and launched MENA for ADCOLOR, the first community group providing a platform and authentic representation for Middle Eastern/North African voices in our industries. Ghada also serves on the Advisory Board as the Community Council Co-Lead, leading and shaping the future of community groups for the organization. These efforts were recognized in 2020 when awarded the ADCOLOR Community Unsung Hero award. Outside of ADCOLOR, she dedicates her time to championing MENA art, rhetoric and history through co-chairing an initiative with The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Near East wing.
Ghada graduated from The University of Texas with a B.S. Advertising with Honors. Last year, she was selected and graduated as one of 30 scholars for the 2020 Marketing Academy class.
When Ghada isn’t working, you can find her on an urban hike, hosting a dinner party or planning her next scuba trip.
Prior to WhatsApp, Ghada Soufan was a Management Supervisor at Wieden+Kennedy NY and Portland, working on brands like Ford Motor Company and Old Spice. She is most proud of pushing both of these brands into new areas of growth, audiences and creative that unlocked more inclusive worlds for both brands. On Ford, Ghada successfully launched a visual and strategic rebrand for Ford Trucks, influencing the brand to pivot from a less inclusive campaign that ran 12 years strong. On Old Spice, her work not only included iconic global campaigns with Terry Crew, Deon Cole and Von Miller – but also pushed platform boundaries like the first-ever live Twitch video game and the world’s first paper blazer print ad. Ghada also worked alongside P&G to innovate in the men’s grooming space with the launch of Old Spice Beard Care collection and Men’s Dry Shampoo.
As an Arab-American, Ghada is a dedicated advocate for diversity & inclusion efforts within her organization and through ADCOLOR. In 2019, she co-founded and launched MENA for ADCOLOR, the first community group providing a platform and authentic representation for Middle Eastern/North African voices in our industries. Ghada also serves on the Advisory Board as the Community Council Co-Lead, leading and shaping the future of community groups for the organization. These efforts were recognized in 2020 when awarded the ADCOLOR Community Unsung Hero award. Outside of ADCOLOR, she dedicates her time to championing MENA art, rhetoric and history through co-chairing an initiative with The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Ancient Near East wing.
Ghada graduated from The University of Texas with a B.S. Advertising with Honors. Last year, she was selected and graduated as one of 30 scholars for the 2020 Marketing Academy class.
When Ghada isn’t working, you can find her on an urban hike, hosting a dinner party or planning her next scuba trip.
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Gloria Lin
Huge
Gloria (she/her) is a content and cultural strategist. She began her career when she committed to doing thing per week that scared her. Finding a way to combine creativity, tech, and community into her livelihood was her biggest fear. She beat the challenge and the fear.
Now, she manages social content for Samsung U.S. with Edelman, where she merges these interests to build the voice of a Fortune 20 brand. Gloria’s former lives include leading 3,500+ members of the Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP) toward professional success, and speaking at Advertising Week on inclusion.
During her 5-9, Gloria researches and has published articles on hackathons and the tech talent pipeline. She also leads brand and social strategy for The Cosmos, a startup empowering 2,000+ Asian women and non-binary creators. With the team, Gloria led organizational strategy and copywriting for The Cosmos Summit, where 200+ members gathered to discuss how their identities and aspirations align. The Cosmos has been featured in The NY Times, Paper Magazine, and more.
Gloria’s unabashedly dedicated to building inclusion into every organization vision she’s involved with. She also harbors secret dreams of becoming a Zumba instructor.
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Ivy Phan
Digitas North America
Hi! My name is Ivy Phan & I'm a Vietnamese-American Art Director based in Brooklyn.
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Jesica Marquez
Wieden+Kennedy
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Joon Park
sparks & honey
Joon (they/them) is a cultural strategist at sparks & honey, where they consult tech and beauty clients on how to futureproof their business. They are one of the founding members of GLAAD’s Campus Ambassador program and is a recipient of GLAAD’s first Rising Stars Grant. Since then, they’ve been featured in publications like Seventeen, Teen Vogue, Vogue, and the Huffington Post. Joon is an alum of the ADCOLOR FUTURES program and is the first transgender non-binary Mx. ADCOLOR. They have spoken on stages like Cannes and SXSW about topics like ethical design and workplace diversity.
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Kia Robinson
Weber Shandwick
Kia Imani Robinson is a Client Experience Manger at Weber Shandwick, one of the world's leading global public relations firms. In her role she helps her consumer clients bring big ideas to life – from product launches, consumer events, branded partnerships, influencer programs, social stunts and more. She has developed and executed big ideas for countless brands including OREO, Excedrin, Papa John’s and Airbnb.
Kia’s work and passion lives at the intersection of culture and community building. No matter how big an idea is, her focus is to ensure it is culturally appropriate and provides consumers with a sense of community and belonging.
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Kia is a social butterfly at heart and is always looking for ways to bring people together in the spirit of culture and fun. In her spare time, Kia loves traveling, journaling, discovering the best happy hours and re-watching episodes of Girlfriends (because it’s the best show ever created).
Kia is a graduate of Hampton University and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She is thrilled to serve on the ADCOLOR Advisory Board and is excited about furthering her commitment to increase diversity in creative industries.
Kia’s work and passion lives at the intersection of culture and community building. No matter how big an idea is, her focus is to ensure it is culturally appropriate and provides consumers with a sense of community and belonging.
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Kia is a social butterfly at heart and is always looking for ways to bring people together in the spirit of culture and fun. In her spare time, Kia loves traveling, journaling, discovering the best happy hours and re-watching episodes of Girlfriends (because it’s the best show ever created).
Kia is a graduate of Hampton University and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She is thrilled to serve on the ADCOLOR Advisory Board and is excited about furthering her commitment to increase diversity in creative industries.
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Kristen Dufauchard
New York University (NYU)
Kristen Dufauchard uses storytelling to connect brands and organizations with their digital audiences. With over ten years of experience, she creates and implements strategic communications to advance institutions' goals and priorities.
She currently serves as the Associate Director of Communications for the NYU Libraries. Her role is responsible for leading the global division's newly formed Department of Communications, which oversees a range of creative services for campus sites in New York City, Shanghai, and Abu Dhabi. In her previous roles, she created NYU Wagner's first in-house marketing agency, helped launch Lone Star College's first international online enrollment campaign, and managed new website implementations for Lone Star College Online and Texas Southern University.
Kristen is passionate about finding ways to make higher education opportunities more accessible, and as a first-generation college graduate, she recognizes the importance of mentorship and professional development. Kristen currently serves as an ambassador to the LSU Alumni Recruitment Network, educating prospective and first-generation college students about the college admissions process.
Originally from New Orleans, she graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and earned a Master of Public Administration from Southern University. She loves exploring new countries and cultures, kickboxing, and listening to podcasts in her spare time.
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Mariano Pintor
Wieden+Kennedy
Mariano Pintor is a branding expert & an immigration reform advocate living and working in New York City. Mariano’s advocacy focuses on upward mobility within underserved communities. In 2019, Mariano was recognized as a Rising Star by ADCOLOR after launching the #WeAreImmigrants campaign after a tragic family emergency. With experience at global creative firms including Droga5 and McCann New York, Mariano has experience leading campaigns with a focus in the financial services industry for clients like JP Morgan Chase & Mastercard.
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Mefah Joyner
TikTok
From day one, Mefah has been uniquely positioned to embrace ambiguity, believe in the power of diversity, and create equitable environments for people of color. At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Mefah’s efforts to connect diverse advertising students with diverse industry professionals became recognized programming by the American Advertising Federation’s 200+ college chapters.
Mefah’s passion for tech and entertainment led her to internships at Google and BET Networks and working full time at Facebook where she leveraged her digital advertising prowess to accelerate the growth of her multimillion-dollar portfolio of B2B advertisers. Mefah also co-led the Black Employee Resource group where she helped spearhead programming and operations to uplift and share the black experience at Facebook.
Mefah is currently a product marketing manager at TikTok where she focuses on bring TikTok’s small to medium business solutions to market. Mefah is also a co-lead of TikTok’s Support Black initiative committed to support and amplifying black owned businesses on the platform. She is excited to be part of the AdColor Advisory Board in 2021 and hopes to continue making positive impact to people of color pursuing careers in the media, entertainment, advertising and tech industries.
Mefah’s passion for tech and entertainment led her to internships at Google and BET Networks and working full time at Facebook where she leveraged her digital advertising prowess to accelerate the growth of her multimillion-dollar portfolio of B2B advertisers. Mefah also co-led the Black Employee Resource group where she helped spearhead programming and operations to uplift and share the black experience at Facebook.
Mefah is currently a product marketing manager at TikTok where she focuses on bring TikTok’s small to medium business solutions to market. Mefah is also a co-lead of TikTok’s Support Black initiative committed to support and amplifying black owned businesses on the platform. She is excited to be part of the AdColor Advisory Board in 2021 and hopes to continue making positive impact to people of color pursuing careers in the media, entertainment, advertising and tech industries.
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Michanda Young
sparks & honey
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Nicole Dei
Nicole Dei is a Program Manager at Facebook planning events and strategic partner touchpoints for the Global Media Accounts team. Before jumping into her role in tech, Nicole had a passion for television and worked in various roles spanning across production, digital, and marketing at the Today Show, Bravo, and HBO. Her love for both innovation and media brought her to her current role at Facebook, where she’s still able to work with big media, but now creating more impact at scale.
Ever since she learned to edit video and audio, Nicole has always been an advocate for creating spaces for diverse voices to be heard. Whether it’s inviting brown bodies to be represented on her podcast, or creating a package on brown girls who dance, Nicole has always made it a point to lift up people of color through her craft.
She hopes to continue to lift as she climbs as she moves forward in her career endeavors. Outside of her 9-5, Nicole enjoys working out, traveling, and more importantly, teaching herself choreography from all of Beyonce’s music videos. As a former 2019 ADCOLOR FUTURE, Nicole is excited to serve a second term on the ADCOLOR Advisory Board as Co-lead on the Planning Committee.
Ever since she learned to edit video and audio, Nicole has always been an advocate for creating spaces for diverse voices to be heard. Whether it’s inviting brown bodies to be represented on her podcast, or creating a package on brown girls who dance, Nicole has always made it a point to lift up people of color through her craft.
She hopes to continue to lift as she climbs as she moves forward in her career endeavors. Outside of her 9-5, Nicole enjoys working out, traveling, and more importantly, teaching herself choreography from all of Beyonce’s music videos. As a former 2019 ADCOLOR FUTURE, Nicole is excited to serve a second term on the ADCOLOR Advisory Board as Co-lead on the Planning Committee.
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Pilar McQuirter
MullenLowe U.S
Pilar is a Cultural Strategy Director at MullenLowe LA. She considers herself a culturally conscious strategist who isn't afraid to speak from the heart. She’s a 2015 MAIP Alumni, 2019 ADCOLOR FUTURE and 2021 ADWEEK Creative 100 Honoree. Her experience working across brand, social and diversity equity and inclusion strategy enables her to find unique opportunities for companies and creatives to center diverse voices and create work that propels the cultural narrative. She has worked on a range of major brands like Patron, Coca Cola, P&G Always Global, and Jack Daniels. She's happiest working in collaborative environments, sharing experiences with people, whether that’s splitting an extra item on the menu at a dinner restaurant or presenting in any board room.
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Robert H. Tate
Rob is a Senior Account Manager, Digital Ad Sales - Technology at Google in Manhattan, NY. He manages Search, Display, and Video ads across all platforms for TechB2B companies. Working with global clients, Rob makes an effort to embrace other cultures, building strong partnerships as a trusted advisor and thought leader.
At Google, he’s a member of the Black Googler Network focusing on external partnerships with local tech companies. Rob also mentors Black+ and Latinx+ HS students interested in careers in STEM with the Governor's Committee for Scholastic Achievement. He works with students on resume building, college prep, and professional development.
Outside of work, you can find Rob in Brooklyn running his graphic design & custom clothing company nineOH7. His passion for advertising started in college where he worked for the university creating ad campaigns for student activities. Today, he helps small minority-owned businesses and nonprofit organizations bring their brands to life.
Prior to Google, Rob worked as an Innovation & Product Development Specialist for the United States Postal Service. Rob holds a B.S. in Management from North Carolina A&T State University and a MBA from University of Maryland University College.
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Roo Yeshpaul Johnson
Adobe
Hailing from an extensive creative agency background in both the UK and US, Roo Yeshpaul Johnson has a decade of experience in social media strategy and creative development with brands like Adobe, Microsoft, Unilever, Coors Light, Cadbury, Warner Bros., and more.
Before discovering her passion for social media and digital marketing, Roo worked in television production for companies such as Endemol, MTV and Tiger Aspect. She has a bachelors with honors in TV and Film Production from Bournemouth University, one of the UK’s premiere institutes for media and broadcast degrees.
Her years of varied work in social strategy, digital marketing, and film production with worldwide brands has trained her well in understanding the needs of clients with diverse audiences, industries, and products; all skills that she now lends to her role as a Senior Social Strategist at Adobe.
Outside of work, Roo is a passionate advocate for inclusion and diversity in creative and tech industries, in pursuit of which she has lent her time and expertise to ADCOLOR as an advisory board member for the last four years. Additionally, she helped to launch Living Color Utah, an organization commissioned by Salt Lake City Corporation to provide business and community resources for Utah’s diverse populations.
Reaching back to and representing for up-and-coming marketers is equally important to Roo, demonstrated by her active mentorship of younger industry professionals and students, and her involvement with national youth development nonprofit, Mouse, as a judge for Emoti-Con.
Before discovering her passion for social media and digital marketing, Roo worked in television production for companies such as Endemol, MTV and Tiger Aspect. She has a bachelors with honors in TV and Film Production from Bournemouth University, one of the UK’s premiere institutes for media and broadcast degrees.
Her years of varied work in social strategy, digital marketing, and film production with worldwide brands has trained her well in understanding the needs of clients with diverse audiences, industries, and products; all skills that she now lends to her role as a Senior Social Strategist at Adobe.
Outside of work, Roo is a passionate advocate for inclusion and diversity in creative and tech industries, in pursuit of which she has lent her time and expertise to ADCOLOR as an advisory board member for the last four years. Additionally, she helped to launch Living Color Utah, an organization commissioned by Salt Lake City Corporation to provide business and community resources for Utah’s diverse populations.
Reaching back to and representing for up-and-coming marketers is equally important to Roo, demonstrated by her active mentorship of younger industry professionals and students, and her involvement with national youth development nonprofit, Mouse, as a judge for Emoti-Con.
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Sarah Dossani
Razorfish
Sarah Dossani is a strategist, passionate about storytelling, uncovering human truths and solving clients’ challenges through creative and innovative thinking. Over the course of her career thus far, Sarah has gained experience working across multiple industries on brands like Blue Diamond Almonds, Almond Breeze, Robinhood, QuickBooks, Freddie Mac, Bridgestone Tires, International Market Centers, UPS, Dove and SunTrust.
In 2018, Sarah was selected as one of forty applicants to the 2018 AdColor Futures Class. As a Muslim-American woman of color, Sarah is an ally who advocates for diversity and inclusion both inside and outside of her professional life. From participating in research initiatives with the AAF on the portrayal of minorities in media to advocating for representation in her workplace, and most recently joining the AdColor Advisory Board, Sarah is dedicated to inciting change and making advertising a more equitable industry.
In her off time, Sarah can be found baking jalapeño cheddar bagels, rewatching virtually every romcom in existence or playing a fiercely competitive game of Jeopardy with her family.
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Yessy Downs
Uber
Yessy is a Spanglish-speaking, hoop-wearing, cafecito-drinking, Nicaraguan-American Copywriter with a passion for creativity and community. After trading law school for Miami Ad School, Yessy quickly began racking up an impressive client roster that includes Dunkin’, Burger King, MichelobULTRA, Samsung and Heinz. Today she’s the lead writer on the Boeing and Cottonelle businesses at FCB Chicago, while also writing for a variety of brands across the FCB portfolio. When she’s not writing about planes, rockets and TP, she’s running Oxford Comma Co., a writing studio that helps entrepreneurs of color find and establish their brand voice.
As a proud Latina, Yessy is also a champion for DE&I initiatives and mentorship. She has served as a mentor for the One Club of Creativity, Miami Ad School, and various internship programs. She also serves as a lead on FCB’s C&I committee. Yessy’s conviction and passions have helped her break barriers, both personal and professional, and find success in a career she loves. And through her mission to tell untold stories, highlight underrepresented voices, and create more representation in the media, Yessy has built a diverse and inclusive body of work that is rooted in purpose. And she’s just getting started.
ADCOLOR in Music Advisory BoardClick To Read Music Advisory Board's Bio
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Photographer, Filmmaker and Music Director at Adewole Photo + Film / Akande Music
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Grammy Award Winner, Singer, Songwriter, Entertainer, Philanthropist and Activist
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SVP, Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Officer at Universal Music Group
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Executive Vice President, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Sony Music Group
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Global Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, Spotify; Co-Founder and CEO at Zeal Culture
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Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Recording Academy®
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Emmy-nominated event producer; Chief Experience Officer and Founder at Captivate Marketing Group
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Grammy Award Winner Producer, DJ, Lecturer, Professor, Executive and Harvard Fellow
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MC Lyte
MC LYTE - a legend in the world of music and entertainment – is a pioneering artist and a formidable actress of television and film. Her most recent acting credits include a series regular on last year’s New York Undercover pilot (a reboot of the original Dick Wolf series), and she has recurred on S.W.A.T. (CBS), Power (Starz), and Queen of the South (USA). Lyte's film roles include acclaimed Sundance Winner Patti Cakes, the Universal hit Girls Trip; Bad Hair, from Director Justin Simien; and the upcoming features Loved To Death, and Sylvie, with Tessa Thompson and Eva Longoria. Her newest venture has her taking on the role of show Creator & Executive Producer alongside Lynn Richardson & Bentley Evans for UMC’s sitcom, “Partners In Rhyme.”
MC LYTE is also an iconic Rapper and DJ. Her groundbreaking music career spans 30 years - this Hip Hop LEGEND was the first female rapper ever to be nominated for a Grammy Award, the first rap artist to perform at Carnegie Hall, and the first female artist to earn a gold single. A true leader in the music industry, MC LYTE has also performed at the Kennedy Center Honors and the White House for President Barack Obama.
In addition to a busy on-screen career, Lyte's production company, Sunni Gyrl, Inc., has several television and film projects — both scripted and unscripted — in various stages of development. Her voice work is also well known and admired, representing dozens of Fortune 500 companies as well as being the voice of the BET Awards and the NAACP Image Awards.
As an author, motivational speaker, and philanthropist, MC LYTE has written books and speaks globally on many inspiring topics from her vast knowledge of the entertainment and hip-hop industries, to entrepreneurialism and economic empowerment. Her charity, “Hip Hop Sisters Foundation,” has presented over $1,000,000 in scholarships.
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CO-CHAIR
Michael L. Bivins
Sportyrich Enterprises
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Akintayo Adewole
Adewole Photo + Film / Akande Music
For the past 20 years, Akintayo has built a dynamic career playing at the intersection of creativity, technology and design. With a bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University, a masters in Information Systems from New Jersey's Institute of Technology and both a penchant and passion for expressing himself through the creative arts, Akintayo has made a way for himself to help individuals and organizations solve their technical and creative problems. He believes that all good designs start with story. All technical and creative decisions must support that story. The result will be the best possible version of that story ever told as supported by the infrastructure of a sound design.
Akintayo's career work as an audio-visual design engineer in the corporate sector has helped to inform his creative work musically, photographically and through film. For the past 14 years, he has served as the music director and portrait photographer for ADCOLOR, an organization that focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion within the advertising, marketing and media industry. His photographic subjects have spanned from the music industry, to Hollywood, to corporate and includes the likes of Snoop Dogg, Eva Longoria, Becky G, Jesse Williams, Wilson Cruz, Laz Alonso and Aisha Tyler. He has been published in Elle, Vogue, Upscale and Essence magazines. All of his work can be seen at http://www.adewole.com/.
Akintayo is forever a student, always pushing both technological and creative boundaries. His latest entreprenurial venture, Darker Pixels, is based around telling high production value stories cost effectively by using a virtual production (VP) workflow. VP tools include immersive and experiential technologies such as real-time 3D rendering and virtual/augmented/mixed realities. You can follow his chronicle into this space on his vlog, http://becomingdope.com and at http://darkerpixels.com.
Akintayo is the proud father of three amazing teenage children and husband to a patient, kind and loving wife of 20+ years, who has been supportive of him and all of his creative quests.
Akintayo's career work as an audio-visual design engineer in the corporate sector has helped to inform his creative work musically, photographically and through film. For the past 14 years, he has served as the music director and portrait photographer for ADCOLOR, an organization that focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion within the advertising, marketing and media industry. His photographic subjects have spanned from the music industry, to Hollywood, to corporate and includes the likes of Snoop Dogg, Eva Longoria, Becky G, Jesse Williams, Wilson Cruz, Laz Alonso and Aisha Tyler. He has been published in Elle, Vogue, Upscale and Essence magazines. All of his work can be seen at http://www.adewole.com/.
Akintayo is forever a student, always pushing both technological and creative boundaries. His latest entreprenurial venture, Darker Pixels, is based around telling high production value stories cost effectively by using a virtual production (VP) workflow. VP tools include immersive and experiential technologies such as real-time 3D rendering and virtual/augmented/mixed realities. You can follow his chronicle into this space on his vlog, http://becomingdope.com and at http://darkerpixels.com.
Akintayo is the proud father of three amazing teenage children and husband to a patient, kind and loving wife of 20+ years, who has been supportive of him and all of his creative quests.
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Anthony Hamilton
With over 50 million albums globally and proclaimed a "national treasure" by the Los Angeles Times, Anthony Hamilton’s voice will resonate louder than ever in 2021 with more music and performances on the horizon.
GRAMMY® Award winning singer, songwriter, producer, and actor Anthony Hamilton has achieved global sales of over 50 million albums. The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee notably performed for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle, cementing his place in the history books as the "narrator of love." Introduced by way of the iconic 2003 smash "Charlene," his raw, awe-inspiring performances garnered the attention of NPR where he starred in their Noteworthy documentary series. He made his film debut in the critically acclaimed American Gangster, and lent his vocals to the song "Freedom" from the Academy® Award-nominated film Django Unchained. Hamilton now adds author and publisher to his list of accomplishments with the unveiling of his first self-published book, Cornbread, Fish 'n Collard Greens where he shares the inspiration for some of the iconic songs in his illustrious career and his love of southern food. Hamilton currently stars as Kyle Kirby in the feature film Carl Weber's Influence, now streaming on BET+.
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Brandon Rochon
Kastner
Brandon has spent his whole career trying to find interesting ways to not make advertising, but build brands that are some of the most loved brands in culture. He started his career on the hard streets of Madison Ave. where he worked on Hennessy, Lugz Shoes, and Sapporo Beer.
With a few years in the NYC under his Jordan’s, he decided to move to Europe where he joined the award-winning TBWA/Paris and worked on brands like Absolut Vodka, McDonalds, PlayStation, Heineken and Nissan. After five years at TBWA/Paris, he decided to take on another challenge in the most romantic city in the world and moved to Ogilvy Paris and became the Global Creative Director of Coke Zero, while working on other brands such as Louis Vuitton and Perrier.
The red white and blue was calling him back, and after seven years in Paris Brandon came back to the US of A to Leo Burnett Chicago where he was SVP, Global Creative Director of Samsung Electronics, helping usher the brand into the pop-cultural icon it has become to date. After that, he continued west to Los Angeles, taking the helm at Kastner as CEO. At the same time, Brandon was driving other entrepreneurial triumphs as co-founder and CCO of SNKR INC. and founder and CCO of Fluent Group – a venture-building innovation studio with the cultural impact of a lifestyle brand.
Brandon has won every single major award in the industry on both continents and is one of the world’s youngest and freshest CCO’s in the business including: 2019 AAF Hall of Achievement Inductee, Los Angeles Business Journal’s Most Influential Marketers 2019, Ad Age 40 Under 40 2018, and 4A’s 100 People Who Make Advertising Great 2017. But when you meet him you will realize he’s just a kid with a big heart.
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Dr. Maurice Stinnett
Warner Music Group
Dr. Maurice A. Stinnett is an experienced leader and expert in the areas of diversity, inclusion, and equity across corporate, nonprofit, and education sectors. He serves as Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Warner Music Group, a leader in global music entertainment. In his role at WMG, he spearheads the company’s equity initiatives and implements tailored strategies and programs designed to cultivate a diverse and inclusive company culture.
Dr. Stinnett previously made history as inaugural Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for BSE Global, owner of Barclays Center and the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, where he provided leadership and support across BSE’s brands. Dr. Stinnett was the first Black man to be appointed Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for an NBA team.
His earlier career experience includes roles in higher education and nonprofit leadership. He held positions as Vice President of Engagement and Chief Diversity Officer at Cleveland State University and as Dean of Students at Central State University. In the nonprofit sector, he acted as Senior Director of Community Engagement and Education at CentroNia, a multicultural, bilingual education nonprofit located in Washington, DC, and Chairman for the World Leadership Program, a White House initiative under the Obama administration that sought to spark learning and dialogue between graduate students and universities in the Middle East and the United States.
Dr. Stinnett is an energetic presenter who is a fierce advocate for equity and inclusion. He has been recognized for his work by various organizations, including receiving the Jackie Robinson Trailblazer Award from Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition and being named to the ‘The Responsible 100’ corporate leaders list by City & State New York. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Central State University, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Master of Education and Doctor of Education and Organizational Leadership from Columbia University.
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Hannah Karp
Billboard
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Jason White
Curaleaf
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Liliahn Majeed
Universal Music Group
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MAJOR
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Ryan Butler
Recording Academy®
Ryan Butler is an educator, leader and diversity and inclusion practitioner. He is the Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion atf the Recording Academy and formally served as a key member of the Advocacy & Public Policy team. Butler has a wealth of experience in the music industry, legal field, and academia — previously serving as Assistant Dean and Director for Innovation in Media at Hampton University in Virginia. Ryan has also worked in key roles at Atlantic Records, MTV Networks and the RIAA. Butler received his M.A. from New York University and his B.A. from Howard University.
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Ryan Ford
Cashmere Agency
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Sofia Hernandez
TikTok
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Ted Suh
Snap, Inc.
Ted Suh has been building innovative companies in the digital music space since 2002. He was a Co-Founder and CMO of the largest ringtone company in the US, 9Squared (acquired by Zed USA) and served as a content licensing executive at Amazon Music, SoundCloud, Red Bull Media House and musical.ly / TikTok. Ted joined Snap in August 2018 and has been focused on deepening the company’s music partnerships by developing scalable strategies for tapping into Snapchat’s young and highly engaged audience. In the past year, Ted has formalized partnerships with thousands of labels and music publishers to support music-based creative tools, like Sounds on Snapchat (creative tool that enables users to embed up to 60 seconds of music into their messages).
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Tiffany R. Warren
Sony Music Group
Tiffany R. Warren is EVP, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for Sony Music Group. In this newly created role, Tiffany will expand equity and inclusion activities and policies across of all Sony Music Group's (SMG) global recorded music, publishing and corporate divisions.
Recognized as a leader in the field of diversity, Tiffany is a talent strategist with 22+ years of championing diverse professionals in the advertising industry. In 2005, she founded ADCOLOR, which has launched the ADCOLOR Industry Conference, ADCOLOR Awards and ADCOLOR University. As President of ADCOLOR, she is deeply involved in the direction the industry is taking around diversity.
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Travis Robinson
Zeal Culture
Travis L. Robinson is a people and brand evangelist, specializing in curating connections and experiences for diversity, equity and belonging.
Travis currently serves as Global Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Spotify. He previously served as Vice President, Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Universal Music Group, the first for any major label music company. While at Universal Music Group, he also served as co-chair of the Internal/Institutional Change committee for the Task Force for Meaningful Change. Prior to joining Universal Music Group, Mr. Robinson was Head of Global Diversity Recruiting & Americas Campus Programs at Spotify. He has also served in similar roles in diversity & inclusion and people operations at other industry leading, multinational brands such as: JPMorgan Chase & Co., The Federal Reserve System, and W Hotels. In his community and economic impact work, he is involved in advocacy and change work for equity with underrepresented communities. He is an Advisory Board Member for Diversity and Inclusion We The Project, an accredited Investor with The Gaingels Network, and is Co-Founder of thought-leadership and diversity brand development organizations: Zeal Culture, The 12th Avenue Agency, and Belonging. At Monday.
Travis graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting from Lee University and holds a master's degree from The George Washington University in strategic public relations, through The Graduate School of Political Management. He resides in Los Angeles, California with his partner.
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Valeshia Butterfield Jones
Recording Academy®
Valeisha Butterfield Jones serves as Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer for the Recording Academy®. She is responsible for advancing the Recording Academy's mission and ensuring that diversity and inclusion are core to business values and standards, and demonstrated throughout the organization.
In her role, Butterfield Jones brings business acumen and strategic rigor to inclusion practices across all areas of the Recording Academy, including internal and external programs, organizational and staff culture, membership, awards and related initiatives. As Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Butterfield Jones is responsible for designing, building and implementing world-class programs and industry standards focused on inclusion, belonging and representation for underrepresented communities and creators.
Prior to joining the Academy, Butterfield Jones served as global head of inclusion at Google, Inc., where she was responsible for accelerating diversity, equity and inclusion outcomes for underrepresented communities internally and externally across the global brand. She also served as the national youth vote director for the Obama for America campaign, delivering one of the highest youth voter turnouts in American history and in the Obama Administration as the deputy director of public affairs for International Trade. She served as the senior vice president of Rush Communications (Def Jam Enterprises, Baby Phat, Phat Farm, Hip-Hop Summit Action Network) and as the national director of diversity and inclusion for the Alzheimer's Association. Her two decades-long career began at Home Box Office (HBO Sports).
In 2007, Butterfield Jones co-founded Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN), a nonprofit, global coalition of women and men committed to the balanced, positive portrayal of women in the entertainment industry. She also serves on the National Board of Directors of ColorComm, MC Lyte’s Hip Hop Sisters Network and iVote for America.
Her leadership has been recognized by Forbes, Glamour, and Ebony magazine's Power 100, The Root 100, Essence magazine's Top 40 Under 40, Elle magazine's Top 25 Most Inspiring Women, Fortune, and others.
Butterfield Jones earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Clark Atlanta University.
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Yesenia Bello
iHeartMedia
Yesenia Bello kicked off her tenured career in media sales at Telemundo Network after graduating from the City University of New York, College of Staten Island with a Bachelor of Science in Communications.
At Telemundo, the second largest Spanish Language TV Network in the U.S., Ms. Bello supported the development of the multi-million-dollar advertising business for two major regions, New York and Chicago.
Shortly after, Ms. Bello made the timely move to the subscription video start up, Hulu. At Hulu, Ms. Bello held a National Multicultural role, allowing her to partner with major brands across the United States. After several years at Hulu, Ms. Bello transitioned to Google where she focused on Multicultural strategy and sales for YouTube advertisers. Following her success at Google, Ms. Bello joined the iHeartMedia team in 2019, where she led Multicultural advertising strategy and sales for the organization. This position led Ms. Bello to an exciting new space, the Diversity and Inclusion and Human Resources function, becoming iHeart’s first-ever SVP of Diversity & Inclusion. In this role, Ms. Bello will work closely with Michele Laven, iHeartMedia’s Chief Diversity Officer, to drive comprehensive long-term and measurable diversity and inclusion strategies.
Ms. Bello immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic at the age of 11. Coming from a working-class immigrant family, Ms. Bello is deeply passionate about mentoring and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups. Her individual opinions on the marketing industry can also be heard on “The Marketing Misfits” Podcast.
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Yvonne McNair
Captivate Marketing Group
Captivate Marketing Group is led by, Yvonne McNair, the highly creative certified Entertainment Marketing Professional and Emmy Nominated Event Producer. Yvonne has a proven track record of conceptualizing and orchestrating small and large production events, marketing campaigns and programs to effectively create business development opportunities, increase revenue and growth. Yvonne is known as a powerhouse behind the scene closing deals, sculpting entertainment, one exquisite experience at a time. She has worked with some of the biggest names and brands in the entertainment industry from grassroots organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and A-List artists.
Yvonne started her career early in the music industry, under the mentorship of Esther Gordy Edwards, sister of Berry Gordy and creator of the Motown Museum. At the age of 22, Yvonne was featured on the cover of Crain’s magazine as "Someone to Watch in the Industry". The tutelage from Ms. Gordy-Edwards proved as an on-ramp for her career. Yvonne has used those valuable
lessons throughout her career, establishing herself as a strategic thinker with the tenacity to over deliver for her clients. Her wealth of brand management expertise in both the branded corporate environment and entertainment industry, allows her to execute events and marketing programs that have increased ROI for her many clients. Yvonne’s experience has given her the latitude to create innovative marketing campaigns and event management for top brands and numerous media and entertainment companies over the years. The Sundance Film Festival, VH1, NBC, BET Networks, Apple Music, and MTV are among many others and for her work designing the marketing campaign for the Chicago Urban League’s Emmy award-winning urban lifestyle television program, garnered her the Emmy Nomination as Event Producer. She was also nominated for an Emmy for her work on WVON’s 50th Anniversary Historical Documentary Yvonne’s creative reputation and work ethic have far-reaching effects that will stay with many of us for years to come. Notably so, her work with Prince. Yvonne was responsible for the Prince residency secret shows at City Winery in New York. In 2013, the shows were named as the 39th reason to love NY in New York Magazine. Yvonne was also responsible for producing Prince’s record-breaking performance at the ESSENCE Festival in 2014, along with turning the Mercedes Benz Super Dome purple to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Purple Rain.
Most recently Yvonne has continued her mission of creating historic events. In 2018, Yvonne produced the notable 30th Anniversary show of New Jack Swing at the Essence Music Festival and two historic shows at the legendary Apollo Theater. The show was led by the King of New Jack Swing, Teddy Riley and featured appearances by Keith Sweat, Guy, Blackstreet featuring Dave Hollister, Doug E. Fresh, Mc Lyte, Kool Moe Dee, SWV and DJ – D-Nice. Yvonne also produced the first annual BET Her Awards which kicked off the annual BET Experience weekend in Los Angeles. Yvonne’s work is highly respected by top industry executives as she was able to break an artist without marketing dollars, radio airplay or label support.
Accolades to date:
In 2010, Black Enterprise/WVON recognized Yvonne as one of the elite “40 Game Changers”. She was also recognized by BizBash as a 2011 finalist for Social Event Planner of the year and in 2012 as Event Producer of the year. In 2013, Yvonne was nominated for an Emmy as a producer for a historical documentary that she created. Yvonne currently resides in New York City and is a current member of International Special Events Society, Women in Music and the Recording Academy. Yvonne holds a B.A. in Management and M.B.A. in Marketing. She is also a Certified Special Events Producer and Certified in technical event production.
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9th Wonder
9th Wonder is a super producer, CEO, DJ, and lecturer from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He began his career as the main producer for the group Little Brother, and has also worked with Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Destiny’s Child, Mary J Blige, Jean Grae, Wale, Murs, Drake, Buckshot, Chris Brown, Rapsody, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Big Boi of Outkast, Ludacris, Mac Miller, David Banner and 2 Chainz to name a few.
9th Wonder entered the world academia in 2007 at North Carolina Central University, where he currently is Artist of Residence, lecturing a class titled Hip-Hop History. His role as a music professor continued to expand where in 2010 it was announced that he would co-teach a class titled “Sampling Soul” with Dr. Mark Anthony Neal at Duke University. Most recently, he was accepted to Harvard University under the Nasir Jones Fellowship where he lectured and is currently researching at the Hip Hop Archive in the W.E.B. Dubois Institute, under the
direction of Dr. Marcy Morgan and Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. 9th Wonder is currently working on a research project in conjunction with the Loeb Library at Harvard University, chronicling the top 200 Hip-Hop Albums of all-time. 9th Wonder has also served as Artist of Residence at The University Of Pennsylvania and The University of Virginia, while also guest lecturing at The University Of Michigan, Cornell University, Columbia College, Florida Southern, Winston-Salem State University, The College Of Charleston, Fayetteville State University, The University of Denver, and several others.
In 2005, he was awarded a Grammy through his contributions to Mary J Blige’s 7th studio album, Breakthrough, in which he produced “Good Woman Down”. In 2008, 9th Wonder produced the first single “Honey”, by legendary soul singer Erykah Badu. In 2010, 9th Wonder started his independent label Jamla Records in Raleigh, NC, which fostered the career of rising star “Rapsody”, an emcee hailing from Snow Hill NC, who after numerous mixtapes landed her first breakthrough on Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp A Butterfly”, also earning him a Grammy Nomination for sound engineering on the album. In that same year, 9th Wonder was selected to join the Executive Committee for Hip-Hop and Rap at the National Museum of African
American History and Culture at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., where he has an exhibit on the Musical Crossroads floor. In 2016 9th Wonder signed a partnership with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation imprint, establishing Jamla Records as one of the premier independent labels today. In 2017, 9th Wonder produced the song “Duckworth” on “Damn”, the 4th studio album of Compton MC, Kendrick Lamar. Presently, 9th Wonder continues to produce, teach, inspire, and push the culture of hip-hop forward in the community, industry, and the world of academia.
