Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Ana Rubin is an immigrant who moved to the US after graduating high school to pursue career development opportunities. Leaving a home and culture behind, her ultimate goal is to eventually return to her country and contribute through her acquired resources and leadership skills. Her journey to work on becoming a […]

Allison Holmes is a Research, Insights, and Communities Manager in the Office of the CEO at Microsoft. She is passionate about supporting early-in-career professionals through mentorship and finding avenues to increase diverse representation in the technology industry. Prior to starting her career, Allison worked remotely as a Digital Marketing Teaching Assistant and Internship Coach for […]

Alexander Thompson is a copywriter, problem solver, aspiring agency founder, and a self proclaimed ADolistionist. He aims to create innovative work that pushes the boundaries of culture, while also making tangible change amongst underrepresented communities. Taking the first steps on his unconventional path, Alex graduated college without yet knowing the ad industry existed. But he […]

Aaron Marshall is a copywriter, storyteller, and creative at BBDO NY, working on prominent global brands such as Bacardí, AT&T, Bombay Sapphire, Dewar’s, Snickers, Degree Deodorant, and Pedigree. He believes the best advertising authentically redefines how everyday people view the world through creative problem-solving and universal human truths. In his short but impactful time in […]

So A Ryu (she/her) is a Hard of Hearing Korean-born artist. An award winning creative director, designer, and illustrator, So A has been recognized by the Society of Illustrator / D&AD / One Show / 3×3, Best of Show / American Illustration / Communication Arts and more. During her career, So A has spoken at […]

Carlin Dixon is an award-winning culture-first strategist with experience across brands like Hilton, The Mayo Clinic, and Brooklyn Film Festival. As Associate Director of DEI Strategy at global advertising agency TBWA\Chiat\Day\NY, Carlin works alongside agency leadership to create an equitable and inclusive environment for employees while ensuring the agency’s creative product tells diverse, equitable, and […]

Jerri DeVard is the Founder of the Black Executive CMO Alliance (BECA), an alliance designed to champion corporate diversity and help build the next generation of C-suite marketing executives. As a former Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer of Office Depot, Inc., Jerri was responsible for the P&L for eCommerce, Customer Service, all Marketing […]

Helen Zia is a writer, activist and Fulbright Scholar and is outspoken on issues ranging from human rights to countering gender and hate violence and homophobia. Her latest book, Last Boat out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese who Fled Mao’s Revolution, was an NPR best book of 2019 and shortlisted for a […]

Bernard Drayton’s 48-year career in the music industry began in his native New York, after his graduation from Boys High in Brooklyn. Beginning in 1963 as a recording engineer with Magno Sound, Bernard recorded music and location sound for films and for such television shows as Candid Camera and ABC Sports specials. While at Magno […]

As Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, Tariq Hassan leads all marketing efforts to create holistic, compelling brand experiences for customers of over 14,000 McDonald’s restaurants. Prior to joining McDonald’s, Tariq worked in agencies and at premier brands like HP, Omnicom Group, and Bank of America before joining Petco as Chief Marketing Officer. His leadership […]