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

aron Parrish-Dean is an award-winning filmmaker and multidisciplinary creative from Southeast Washington, DC where he developed an early love for reading and writing that shaped how he understands people and stories. As an only child raised by an educator and a probation officer, he became deeply observant and often experienced moments of sonder that fueled his imagination and sense of empathy. A Morehouse College graduate and Film of the Year honoree, Aaron went on to complete the S4 Fellowship before transitioning into a full-time copywriting role at Monks, where he contributed to campaigns for Lenovo Legion, BJ’s Restaurants, and General Motors. His directing credits span major brands including Walmart, Microsoft, and Cencora. Beyond his commercial work, Aaron is the founder of a community-based organization in Atlanta called The Social Club that has fostered friendships, business partnerships, and even marriages. He creates work that connects people, on screen and off.

Abri Saenz is an Account Executive on the Social Impact team at The Lede Company, where she works across brands, nonprofits, talent, and philanthropic organizations to advance initiatives across a variety of issue areas. Since joining the team as one of its earliest members, she has helped support the division’s rapid growth while leading high-impact workstreams spanning strategic communications, partnership development, executive thought leadership, and risk assessment strategy.

Originally from a South Texas border town, Abri’s work is deeply shaped by her commitment to service, advocacy, and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities. Prior to her career in social impact, she studied Human Rights and International Law at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service and later earned a master’s degree in Sustainable Finance and Development from the Geneva Graduate Institute in Switzerland.

Outside of her professional work, Abri has been deeply involved in wrongful conviction advocacy through Georgetown University’s Making an Exoneree initiative. She spent several years helping advocate for the release of Rodney Derrickson, a man wrongfully imprisoned for 30 years, leading communications and storytelling efforts that contributed to broader awareness of his case.

As a proud Tejana, Abri is passionate about mentorship, community-building, and using storytelling and strategy to drive meaningful social impact across industries and communities.

Andrea Paredes is a multidisciplinary creative strategist with expertise in organic social, influencer partnerships, and content creation. She currently serves as a Social Media Manager at GSD&M, where she helps evolve the social presence of one of the world’s most iconic legacy brands, Corona.

Andrea gained experience across both boutique and global agencies including Ogilvy New York and Wonderkind Co, contributing across art direction, content creation, and social strategy for brands including Nationwide, Gerber, H&R Block, Halfday, and ONE Brands.
Andrea has been nationally recognized for her leadership and emerging impact within the advertising industry. In 2024, she was selected as a LAGRANT Foundation Scholar, and in 2025, named one of the American Advertising Federation’s Most Promising Multicultural Students.

Born and raised in Mexico City, Andrea is passionate about expanding cultural representation within the industry and advocating for more accessible pathways into creative careers. Outside of advertising, she is a mixed media artist with a deep interest in physical media, handcrafted storytelling, and mentorship for young creatives exploring entrepreneurship and artistic expression.

I started my career determined to understand what it truly means to work within an agency environment. Over the past year, that curiosity has turned into hands-on experience with AT&T. I’ve contributed to TV commercials for the “AT&T Guarantee 2.0” launch with college football and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra launch. I’ve led the eSIM out-of-home campaign across 14 airports nationwide, handled audio recordings, and supported social content and activations for the 2026 World Cup. Each project has challenged me, pushed me outside my comfort zone, and strengthened my confidence in the work I do.

I believe ADCOLOR represents a valuable professional investment, which is why I’m eager to be a part of the cohort.

My name is Brandon Silva, a proud first-generation Latino, son of immigrants, and a Product Marketing Manager (PMM) at Google Labs. Growing up, I saw firsthand how a single open door could alter a family’s trajectory. That perspective stripped away my desire to just build a standard career, instead, it fueled my mission to use my experiences and position to create equitable spaces for communities like my own.

At Google, I leverage my technical and creative background from UT Austin to lead go-to-market strategies and creative direction for responsible emerging tech. I spearheaded Google’s flagship partnership with Roblox, bringing online safety education to over 4 million students. Most recently, I led the cross-functional launch of Pomelli, Google’s first tool purpose-built to empower independent/ small business owners, scaling it to over 1.1 million SMBs.

I’ve dedicated my early career to dismantling barriers for marginalized talent, serving as the Professional Development Lead for Google’s BOLD intern program and mentoring underserved youth through Omega Delta Phi Service Fraternity. I am a marketer driven by human-centric innovation, intentional representation, and an unwavering commitment to holding the door open for the next generation.

Brian Oviedo is a strategist and super-connector operating at the intersection of tech innovation and community advocacy. As a first-generation professional, his mission is clear: combining his love for strategy with a passion for connecting people to life-changing opportunities.

At Google, as a People Experience Operations & Solutions Specialist, Brian pioneers human-centric Agentic operations. He spearheaded the global launch of HallpassAI, an autonomous system managing 135,000+ annual tuition reimbursements. By automating workflows and authoring the Agentic playbook, he achieved rapid financial inclusion—slashing wait times from days to minutes so employees no longer carry the financial burden of upskilling. To hone his creative edge, he modernized the Takao Home Real Estate Team as a passion project, building corporate-scalable systems for short-form video and human-centric events that demystify wealth-building.

Brian’s true legacy is Reaching Back by architecting pathways into elite spaces. Through his leadership as Marketing Director for the Harvard SVMP Alumni Association, and his active presence across MLT and ALPFA, he builds community and demystifies the journey to advanced education and corporate leadership. Whether elevating University of Illinois students on a global stage or championing undergrad mentorship programs within Google, Brian’s advocacy connects one core dot: bridging the gap between untapped diverse talent and systemic opportunity.
Whether architecting AI solutions or mentoring students, Brian uses his platform to build the tables he once had to pull a chair up to, ensuring the future of industry is equitable, connected, and unapologetically human.

Chiamaka is a Clio-award winning strategist who is committed to making work that inspires. She has a philosophy of curiosity and collaboration, always hunting for deeper insights that are true to culture. At her current agency, she transforms how brands like Journeys, CELSIUS, and Zales connect with their audiences by reigniting their social ambitions and connecting them with high-impact creators. Endlessly ambitious, she lends a hand at every step of the process, from briefs to creative brainstorms to production.

Chiamaka’s north star is authenticity; it’s the guiding principle of her personal and professional life. This dedication to what’s genuine has allowed her to build and uplift communities. Outside of work, Chiamaka is an ambassador for the nonprofit Gurls Talk, a champion of diversity in New York’s innovation sector as a Factor Fellow at Primary Ventures, and an active member at her community center. In the workplace, her authenticity consistently leads to impactful work. To date, her campaigns have earned over 231 million views and 1 million impressions for clients, transforming them from retailers to forces in culture.

Colvin Prince, Jr. is a digital strategist, creative storyteller and award-winning communications professional passionate about using creativity, innovation and community to drive meaningful impact. He currently serves as Social Media Director for Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business, where he leads digital strategy, brand storytelling and student creator initiatives that connect with audiences across higher education and beyond.

Known for blending strategic insight with authentic storytelling, Colvin has helped expand institutional visibility and engagement while creating opportunities that empower emerging creatives and future communicators.

A nationally recognized communicator, Colvin was named the 2025 Communication Specialist of the Year by Troy University’s Hall School of Journalism & Communication and was recognized on COLOR Magazine’s Best Under 40 list. Through mentorship, innovation and storytelling, he continues to help others grow, connect and lead with impact.

“Cooper Olson is an award-winning Indigenous Art Director and creative from Minnesota. When he was 17, he started his own photography/creative studio, CooperOlsonStudio. In 2024, he was recognized as one of the Most Promising Multicultural Students by the American Advertising Federation. Currently working full-time at Fallon in Minneapolis as an Art Director, he previously worked within the BBDO network. His work has won awards and spanned iconic brands such as SPAM, The General Insurance, Jack Daniel’s, Hormel Pepperoni, and more.

Already making a large impact on his community, Cooper has been involved in numerous programs that uplift others. Last year, he was one of 8 BIPOC creatives selected to co-design a Black History Month clothing collection that benefited a youth arts non-profit in North Minneapolis.

He works closely with Ad 2 Minnesota, where he is the Co-Director of Public Service. There, he leads a team of young creatives to build a pro bono campaign for a Minnesota nonprofit. In 2025, he served as Art Director and presenter for the team, creating the concept “The Future is Native” for Native Governance Center. That campaign won first on the national stage at AAF’s ADMERICA. He will serve as Vice President of the organization in the 2026-2027 board year. Eager to give back, he is a mentor for multiple programs, most notably the AAF’s MPS and the AEF MADE programs.”

Damaryan Benton (duh-mah-ree-yawn, inspired by Omarion) is an LA-based account executive, brand strategist, and community builder whose career spans PR and advertising. His experience includes agencies like Edelman and Anomaly, where he now crafts culturally resonant campaigns for Starbucks, with prior work spanning brands like Foot Locker, Mars Petcare, PayPal, and Google Maps.

Raised in Chicago, Damaryan grew up watching news cycles reduce Black men to stereotypes or stories defined by harm. That dissonance sparked his commitment to reshaping who gets to tell stories and how they’re told.

He is the founder of The PR Habitat, a platform serving over 20,000 Gen Z communicators, and one of 50 creative entrepreneurs selected to help shape ADCOLOR’s Entrepreneurs Community. He also serves as co-chair of Anomaly’s LGBTQIA+ ERG, where he leads inclusive programming and community initiatives.

From empowering first-generation professionals to championing inclusive storytelling, he uses media as a tool for cultural impact and career access.

Diana Vicezar is a Product Marketing Manager at Microsoft’s Security division, leading market positioning and go-to-market strategy for Global Secure Access.
Previously, Diana served as a Product Manager driving AI product development for Security Copilot in Microsoft Entra, an AI platform built for identity security professionals, where she helped shape the product roadmap and customer experience for emerging AI-powered security capabilities.
Passionate about expanding access to the tech industry for underrepresented communities, Diana founded Techies, an initiative dedicated to increasing visibility and access to internship opportunities for students interested in careers in tech.
Diana is also deeply committed to mentorship and community-building. At Microsoft, she actively mentors early-career employees and interns, helping foster connection, confidence, and career growth.
Diana holds a Bachelor’s degree with honors in Cognitive Science from Pitzer College.

I am a Junior Digital Producer at Saatchi & Saatchi, where I support integrated campaigns across web and digital media ecosystems for global brands. Since joining the agency in 2023, I have contributed to Toyota campaigns including the Super Bowl, Winter Olympics and Paralympics, vehicle launches, and other large-scale digital initiatives.

I am especially inspired by the evolving intersection of culture, storytelling, and technology. I launched an annual initiative called Digital Device Day at Saatchi, securing Client funding for emerging technologies to encourage creative experimentation and innovation across teams. I also contributed to award-winning projects for the Publicis/Saatchi & Saatchi AI Film Festival, recognized with 1st Place in 2024 and 2nd Place in 2025 among Publicis-wide teams.

Grace is a self-described “creative ideas person,” or what some may call a creative problem solver, with a diverse background spanning advertising and marketing for both startups and Fortune 500s, self-driven UGC creation, and an enthusiasm for technology and design. This unique blend equips her with a deep understanding of consumer behavior, product development, & the power of authentic storytelling. Her passion for creativity, innovation, and social impact fuels her ability to craft meaningful experiences that make a difference. With a curious mind and entrepreneurial spirit, Grace is committed to making things that matter.

Jaya Wilson is best described as a strategist who’s usually in one of three places: Universal Studios, Regal, or midway through another rewatch of The Wiz. As a Brand Marketing Strategist at Universal Destinations & Experiences, she supports the guest experience, from on-property communications and accessibility initiatives to new product development. Beyond the parks, Jaya serves as Co-President of Ad 2 Orlando, where she develops opportunities to connect with and support up-and-coming advertisers. She is also a freelance strategist and all-around marketer for local theatre and independent film productions. She finds pride in celebrating differences by finding common shapes, shades, and textures within them to create something meaningful. She strives to ensure every voice is heard and every community is celebrated; With every project she touches, Jaya joins these elements together into the beautiful mosaic that makes us who we are. At the end of the day, her dedication to the industry comes from a genuine love of it in all its forms. If you ever need someone to geek out about campaigns and ad placements, theatre, or vinyl collecting – she’s your girl.

Jessica Angamarca is a social media manager with a foundation in experiential marketing and a focus on creating thoughtful, strategy-led content that helps brands build meaningful connections with their audiences. Her work spans content strategy, copywriting, graphic design, community management, and performance analysis, with a strong emphasis on understanding what resonates and why.

She began her career in experiential marketing as an account coordinator, where she supported the execution of 11 campaigns and activations for brands including Meta, NBC Sports, and Audible. That experience shaped her approach to social media, blending big-picture strategic thinking with hands-on execution and a strong attention to detail. It also deepened her interest in work that sits at the intersection of storytelling, culture, and audience engagement.

Based in New York, Jessica is especially interested in how culture shows up through digital content and how brands can participate in that space in ways that feel intentional and relevant. She is continuously exploring new formats, refining her creative perspective, and building a deeper understanding of what drives engagement across platforms.

John Bonney is the inaugural Partnerships Business Development hire for Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing, where he leads the new business sales process, generating revenue through strategic marketing partnerships. He has built experience across the sports and entertainment industry through roles with CAA Sports, the National Basketball Players Association, the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Navigate, Sports Biz Careers, Legends, Pro Hoops, SponsorUnited, and Major League Baseball.

John has earned recognition as a 2025 Sports Business Journal Rising Leader, 2023 Michigan Sports Business Conference Big Initiative Honoree, 2024 Sports Business Ventures Next Wave Honoree, 2025 MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference Mentee Class member, 2025 Black Sports Business Symposium Winning 10 Recipient, and 2025 National Sports Forum BDSE Cohort participant.

He is passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders, creating access in the sports business for underserved communities, and serves as Alumni Board President at Sports Biz Careers. John is a proud Ghanaian and Brooklyn native who graduated from SUNY Albany with a BS in Information Systems, Business Analytics, and Marketing.

Jordan Gooden is a media and advertising professional, community builder, and creative storyteller passionate about representation, connection, and culture-driven impact. Originally from the DMV and now based in New York City, Jordan currently works as an Account Manager at Quizlet, where she manages strategic partnerships and advertising campaigns for major brands. In her first year as an Account Manager, she successfully grew client investment opportunities, rebuilt key client relationships, and earned recognition for her reliability, strategic thinking, and client leadership.
Prior to Quizlet, Jordan worked at TikTok supporting telecommunications advertisers including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Comcast, with a focus on multicultural storytelling and community-centered campaigns. She also served as NYC Chapter Lead for TikTok’s BLXCK ERG, leading initiatives focused on mentorship, representation, and early-career access for Black professionals in media and tech.
A childhood cancer survivor, Jordan’s journey has been shaped by resilience, creativity, and a deep understanding of the importance of community. She earned her B.S. in Mass Communication with a concentration in Advertising and Public Relations from Towson University and was recognized as the university’s Most Promising Mass Communications Student in 2022. She is also a TEDx speaker and recipient of the Saatchi & Saatchi Diversity Taskforce Scholarship.
Beyond her corporate career, Jordan is the founder of Hired Hotties, a growing platform and community dedicated to empowering ambitious women through networking, mentorship, wellness, and honest career conversations.

My name is Josué Petion “Josh”. As a Producer at Omnicom Production, I produce high-end commercial and video content for brands such as Taco Bell, NerdWallet, Dr. Pepper, Behr Paint, and Adobe. However, my true passion lies in storytelling, which creates change and impacts lives.
Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, immersed me in a world of exceptional artists, entrepreneurs, and hustlers from a young age. This unique environment shaped my urban, stylistic choices and instilled the determination to become a true visionary.
My mission is to elevate as one of the premier storytellers in the corporate world. Through powerful visuals and narratives, I strive to move minds, provoke thought, and transform perspectives. I envision my work reaching thousands, if not millions, by capturing real, relevant, and reputable stories that transcend borders.
In addition to my commercial production, I work globally as a documentarian and humanitarian, giving a voice to those who have been historically silenced or excluded. I’m inspired by the opportunity to share the unique stories of underrepresented communities and cultures. This commitment has taken me around the world, demonstrating my dedication to creating meaningful change through exceptional storytelling.
Whether producing client brand videos or documenting underrepresented groups, I aim to tap into the profound humanity that connects us all. With an urban edge, creative vision, and passion, I plan to leave an indelible mark on hearts and minds.

Kehinde is a creative technologist driven by faith and ambition, committed to innovating products that better the lives of others. As an AI Product Manager within the Omnichannel Services team at Pfizer, he combines software solution engineering and innovation strategy to build digital experiences that better engage patients and healthcare providers. In addition, he is currently pursuing his Master’s in AI and Computer Science at the University of Pennsylvania. Inspired by technology’s ability to save lives, the first-generation Nigerian American is committed to uplifting all communities.

His passion for empathetic innovation began during undergrad at Florida State University, where he founded a startup centered on rapid STI diagnostics and awareness campaigns responding to the growing STI epidemic among young adults. This work later received recognition from Harvard Medical School and the National Science Foundation. At Mayo Clinic, he further championed storytelling and healthcare technology to advocate for marginalized communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grounded in both intentionality and connection, he leads initiatives within Pfizer’s Global Black Community and Digital DEI Council, promoting healthcare equity and cultural engagement. Beyond his professional work, he is passionate about mentorship and creating pathways for the next generation through organizations like NSBE, O4U, Out in Tech, and his alma mater. Across every space he enters, his mission remains the same: to build technology, stories, and communities that inspire people to dream bigger about what humanity can become.

Kyle Hobson is a creative strategist, program manager, and community advocate building at the intersection of culture, storytelling, and civic power. A proud Morehouse College graduate and New York native based in Atlanta, Kyle has spent his career closing the gap between institutions and the people they are meant to serve, across government, nonprofit, music, media, and community organizing. As Brand Manager at Black Male Initiative, Kyle oversees organizational narrative, digital strategy, and community-centered programming.
His production credits span some of culture’s most recognized stages — TEDx, ONE Musicfest, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Atlanta Hawks, BET, and The Home Depot Backyard — where he has consistently translated creative vision into measurable impact. Earlier in his career, Kyle served as a Policy Director in the Georgia House of Representatives, Director of Community Affairs at the Consulate General, and a labor organizer with the UFCW, each role driven by the same conviction: that creativity and advocacy are not separate lanes.
Known creatively as Kyle the Jukebox, he is also a poet and performer who has shared stages with Common and Killer Mike, hosted free community poetry workshops, and used storytelling as a vehicle for organizing and connection. In everything he builds, Kyle operates from one belief: make it art.

My name is Leko Ritchie, I’m 23 years old based in New York City. I am a tennis player, freelance brand strategist, model in NYC signed with PMP, and a content creator within the mental health space. I’ve had the opportunity to intern at Nike EMEA in Amsterdam, TBWA/Chiat/Day LA on Gatorade, The Team (Wasserman) on Taco Bell, ONA Creative on Nike and Oakley, and now am at 72andSunny.

The through line throughout my life has always been to try to be better so I can be more for others. Working on myself helps me show up the best for others, whether for my sister, partner, co-workers, friends, family, and loved ones.

Lubens Benjamin is an emerging force in customer experience and marketing innovation. Over his two years at Havas, he has contributed to projects spanning pharma, automotive, health and wellness, sports, travel, and tourism—including work on Enfamil—developing a sharp understanding of how culture shapes and reshapes consumer behavior. Guided by a belief that the customer always comes first, Lubens focuses on crafting data-led digital experiences that connect insight with emotion and drive meaningful engagement.

Beyond his agency work, Lubens leads partnerships for a nonprofit founded alongside his college peers that expands access to STEM through after-school programming and mentorship. In this role, he works to build strategic collaborations that increase opportunity, broaden participation, and create lasting impact for students in underserved communities.

Before joining Havas, Lubens earned his degree from Boston College, where he served as President of the Undergraduate Government. His leadership and commitment to community were recognized through the Welles Remy Crowther “Ever to Excel” Award—one of the university’s highest honors for service and integrity.

A motivated, empathetic, and passionate design thinker, Lubens thrives at the intersection of creativity and strategy. His work is driven by a desire to create meaningful, lasting impact for both people and brands—building experiences that not only perform, but resonate.

Maya Logan is an Experiential and Strategy Manager at Octagon, where she leads large-scale experiential activations and creator partnerships tied to global sporting and entertainment events, including the FIFA World Cup. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with degrees in Quantitative Biology and Public Policy, she specializes in building experiences that blend strategy, storytelling, and creativity. Her work spans experiential marketing, creator campaigns, and multi-platform content strategy, where she manages immersive experiences, oversees influencer partnerships, and drives campaigns that connect brands to culture. Beyond her professional work, she is the founder of a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Black girls in STEM through mentorship and hands-on programming. A Pogue Scholar, Management Leadership for Tomorrow Fellow, and member of the Google Tech Equity Collective, she is passionate about shaping the future of media through cultural insight and community impact.

Sofia Fugón (she/her) is a bilingual marketing and communications professional based in New York City.

As Marketing Manager at USA TODAY Co., Sofia supports national B2B marketing initiatives, driving brand presence at major industry stages and building meaningful partnerships and client relationships. Previously at Omnicom Group, she worked directly with C-suite executives to develop and expand global employee programs, policies, and communications across a network of 1,500+ agencies and 80,000+ employees.

Beyond her corporate work, Sofia co-founded ‘From the Center’, an event series and collective dedicated to advancing and celebrating Central Americans in media. She has produced arts and cultural programming at the intersection of music, media, and equity — with events spanning academic institutions like Dartmouth College to industry tentpoles like the Latin GRAMMYs.

Sofia holds a BA in Business Communications from the City University of New York (CUNY Baruch).

Tayler Towles is an Account Executive at Wieden + Kennedy New York on the McDonald’s account. She graduated from Howard University in 2025 as Valedictorian of the School of Business and was recently published in AdAge. Tayler amplifies voices to inspire change through the power of storytelling. Through account management, Tayler champions bold truth fueled by a deep love for emotional connection.

Taylor Falls is an innovator, changemaker, and equity strategist committed to building pathways of access for underrepresented talent. An Alabama native who witnessed inequities in higher education and corporate America firsthand, she now channels those experiences into her work as a Program Manager at Adobe, where she drives global partnerships and programs that strengthen inclusive experience and employee engagement. Currently based right outside Washington, D.C., Taylor also serves as a Gen Z career educator, LinkedIn creator with an audience of over 60,000, and host of Care to Elaborate, a podcast centering work, culture, and community for Gen Z and millennial professionals. Through relatable storytelling and actionable advice, she empowers young professionals to build confidence, secure opportunities, and thrive in their careers.

Uzo is a Nigerian-American strategic planner obsessed with how we find meaning in the world today. Uzo weaves together his background in creative direction and strategy at Erich & Kallman to equip brands like Toyota, Taylor Farms, and Torani with actionable insights to remain relevant and be loved today.
Uzo believes deeply in the power of collaboration, whether through coffee chats, interviews, workshops, or building alongside others. The richest insights emerge through the exchange of diverse perspectives and lived experiences.
Outside of work, you’ll find him supporting Manchester United and sharing unsolicited movie recommendations. You should check out My Father’s Shadow (2025) if you haven’t already.

Valeria Tineo is a first-generation Latina, South Florida native, and Florida Atlantic University alumna with a degree in Marketing and International Business. While at FAU, she earned a full-ride scholarship through the Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program and founded her own NIL sports marketing agency, partnering with brands and athletes to drive culturally relevant storytelling, partnerships, and brand growth.

After graduation, Valeria joined the Cleveland Cavaliers as an Account Executive, quickly becoming the top seller in her inside sales class before being promoted to Business Development Specialist. Driven by a passion for representation and community impact, she later served as President of HOLA, the Cavaliers’ Hispanic/Latin Teammate Resource Group. There, she led initiatives focused on cultural awareness, mentorship, and professional development launching sports business panels and volunteer programs with local schools and community organizations to uplift black and brown students. In recognition of her advocacy and leadership, she received the Young Adult Community Advocate Award from Florida State Representative Marie Woodson.

Currently, Valeria is a Sr. Global Brand Marketing Specialist at Under Armour, helping shape global campaigns across the Women’s and Men’s Train category. Most notably, she helped bring to life the sold-out Under Armour x Jujutsu Kaisen collaboration, blending sport, anime, and culture to engage new audiences and drive business impact.

Beyond her professional work, Valeria mentors first-generation students through her TikTok platform, empowering the next generation to break barriers in sports, marketing, and media.

Yuliana Garcia is a Senior Account Manager at VML Miami, where she leads integrated marketing campaigns for global brands including Wendy’s, across General and Hispanic Market workstreams. With a strong foundation in multicultural strategy, she specializes in building culturally resonant campaigns that drive engagement across digital, social, and influencer channels. Yuliana leads brand and cultural strategy initiatives, shaping how brands show up in culture while driving creator partnerships that deepen audience connection. She collaborates cross-functionally to bring these strategies to life through fully integrated, 360° marketing solutions.

A first-generation Latina and summa cum laude graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications, Yuliana brings both cultural insight and strategic rigor to her work. She has been recognized for her leadership and impact, serving as the youngest chair and first every intern co-chair of VML’s SOMOS (Formerly NOSOTROS) Hispanic ERG and as the VML Miami Culture Connector Ambassador, advancing inclusion initiatives within the agency. Her contributions have supported award-winning work recognized by Cannes Lions, Effies, and the Clios.

Yuliana’s passion for mentorship and representation extends beyond her client work. She was selected as 1 of 2 Cannes Can Diversity Collective VML Global Ambassadors at the 2025 Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, becoming the youngest accounts lead in VML history to attend the festival. She is also an alumna of the 4A’s MAIP program, committed to amplifying diverse voices in advertising.

Zaria Gray is an Associate Art Director at Barker, where she blends strong visual craft with culturally relevant, insight-led campaigns. With a background in graphic design, print production, and advertising, she approaches each project with a holistic understanding of the creative process—from ideation through execution.

Her journey began at Barker as an Art Direction Intern through the BLAC program and previously worked as a Social Media Intern for Black Girls in Media, where she refined her voice in digital and community-driven storytelling. Zaria has experience developing integrated campaigns, social content, and brand storytelling.

She is the creator of “Meet Me on Broadway,” an event designed to bring people of color into the advertising space to connect with industry leaders, share experiences, and foster open dialogue around the current state of the industry—creating opportunities for learning, access, and community. Additonally, she is the creator of Stuck Together Stickers a project focused on fostering connection among students of color at predominantly white institutions, through the use stickers.

Passionate about creativity and representation, Zaria is dedicated to advancing diversity within the advertising industry while crafting thoughtful, engaging work that resonates with modern audiences.