Maisha Gray-Diggs
Maisha
Gray-Diggs
Month: September 2024
Dr. Maisha Gray-Diggs (Dr. MGD) stands out as a rare example of an engineering leader who successfully transitioned into talent acquisition leadership. She leverages her deep expertise in engineering, research, development and human resources to deliver tangible results to organizations on a global scale. Dr. MGD contributes to company success and organization health by driving growth, advancing and enabling innovation and executing winning approaches to develop and retain people, enhance organizational capability, build capacity, and optimize processes and systems. Her approach and work is a result of her extensive experience inside of several Fortune 500 companies across the CPG and tech sectors.
Dr. MGD recently joined LiveRamp as the Vice President of Talent, Diversity, and Enablement. In her current role, she will lead an organization focused on talent and workforce planning; employee experience & engagement; DEIB integration and tracking; and HR/TA technology. Prior to LiveRamp, she held talent, inclusion, and employee experience roles of increasing responsibility at Microsoft, Twitter, and Eventbrite. She pivoted her time and talents into an advisory role at 8genC, where she is partnering to build a community of trusted advisors and fractional leaders to support startups, creators, and brands.
Dr. MGD is an experienced change agent who navigates ambiguity and wields an innate ability to “sense and respond” dynamically. She has earned the reputation as a quick study, a reflective thought leader and one who is uniquely positioned to deliver game changing results.
Dr. MGD believes that to whom much is given, much is expected. As such, she continues to share her time, talents, and treasures with organizations focused on topics close to her heart which include equity and access for the underrepresented and marginalized; eye, organ and tissue donation; youth empowerment; and STE[A]M.
Dr. MGD is an HR advisor with SemperVirens Venture Capital, Reach Capital, and A.Team, partnering with other senior HR leaders to innovate around the concept of “future of work”. She also serves as the President for the Oakland Bay Area Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and is a devoted Soccer Mom with the Bay Oaks Soccer Club’s 2010 Premier Girls and 2010 Premier Boys Soccer Teams. Dr. MGD enjoys spending quality time with her 14 year old twins, William and Maya, and exploring new frontiers as a continuous learner.
More Speakers
More Speakers
Eric Austin
Eric
Austin
Month: September 2024
Eric Austin is a brand building marketing executive at Procter & Gamble with 20+ years of experience. He has developed some of the world’s most successful, global billion-dollar brands in the US and abroad in Europe including Pantene, Head & Shoulders, Wella Koleston, Braun, Olay and others.
Throughout his career, Eric has gained a broad range of experiences across the Marketing and IT landscape which includes initiative management, consumer insights, data & analytics, product design & market delivery, data & analytics, marketing strategy, digital & ecommerce systems, creative ad development, enterprise strategy and platform development.
Beyond marketing, Eric is a media maven with deep expertise in leading disruptive innovation, accelerating media productivity for the world’s largest advertiser. He’s a recognized expert in the media & AdTech industry and an advocate for driving equality and inclusion across the media ecosystem. Eric has developed industry award winning programs such as THE TALK, THE LOOK, #TalkAboutBias,THE CHOICE, Widen The Screen, Queen Collective, 846 Films, These Hands and others, which sheds light on systemic bias and facilitates equitable solutions for P&G, the media industry, and beyond.
Outside of work, you will find Eric cheering on his 2 boys, nurturing friendships, staying active, and enjoying life with his wife.
More Speakers
More Speakers
Lela Coffey
Lela
Coffey
Month: September 2024
Lela Coffey is Vice President, Multi-Cultural Business Acceleration for P&G N.A., helping P&G to serve multicultural consumers across P&G’s enterprise. In her prior role, Lela was VP for P&G’s N.A. Multicultural Hair Portfolio, which includes brands like Gold Series, My Black is Beautiful and Bevel.
With more than 20 years of brand-building experience, Lela has led some of P&G’s iconic brands including Cascade, Olay, and Tampax. Her passion for marketing and inclusivity sets a high bar for impact, challenging others to deliver products and programs that are meaningful for consumers and communities alike.
An advocate for developing talent and capability, Lela invests a substantial time supporting her teams, including fostering understanding of the impact diverse, inclusive teams can have on businesses and organizations. Lela also spearheaded the creation of P&G’s 4R Framework for Equality & Inclusivity, which is used across P&G to aid brands in more authentically connecting with traditionally underserved consumers. As a testament to her body of work, Lela was recently inducted into the P&G’s Brand Mastery society.
Lela resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, Maurice. They have two daughters, Mikaela, 22 and Mikenzi, 18. Outside of work, Lela serves as a board member for the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
More Speakers
More Speakers
Tope Ajala
Tope
Ajala
Month: September 2024
Tope Ajala is a trailblazing DE&I advocate with over a decade of experience across marketing, operations, and change management. As an executive at Ogilvy, she champions initiatives such as the Modern Exchange and bespoke leadership programs, embedding inclusion at the core of both employee and client experiences. Renowned for her innovative approach, she has delivered many industry “firsts,” including the pioneering global leadership program for Black men. In her previous roles, she launched global “Belonging” trainings for over 100,000 individuals and established a global supplier diversity council. As a former Operations Director and Business Strategist, Tope oversaw mergers and acquisitions, streamlined business operations, and developed data-centered models for both finance and people functions. Co-founder of Levelset, Saif-Hands, and “To A Tee,” she remains deeply engaged in her communities through volunteering, proudly advocates for mental health as an Ally, and finds joy in traveling, surfing, literature, and yoga.
More Speakers
More Speakers
Danny Robinson
Danny
Robinson
Month: September 2024
Danny Robinson’s career is a testament to outside-the-box thinking. After all, it’s not common to find a chief executive officer, who was previously a chief creative officer, who was previously a chief client officer who never saw himself in any of these roles. Throughout his career, Danny has been both the tone setter for and champion of creativity, As CEO of Martin, he is responsible for the overall health, vision and growth of the agency. Danny’s blend of creative and business acumen leads to a big-picture perspective that results in breakthrough ideas. He brought this approach with him in 2004 and has since helped lead the agency to back-to-back Adweek Agency of Year wins in 2020 and 2021, Ad Age’s 2023 Agency of the Year and #5 on the A-List in 2024, and a spot on Fast Company’s Most Innovative List for 2023 and 2024.
Prior to becoming CEO in 2024, Danny was both the first Black chief creative officer in Martin’s history and one of the few leading a non-Black-owned agency. Over the course of his three-year tenure, he oversaw work from some of the world’s most beloved brands including UPS, GEICO, Walmart, TIAA, DoorDash and OREO.
Remember when Oprah gave away 276 Pontiac G6s? So does Danny. He was a big part of that history-making brand integration as the chief creative officer at Vigilante, an ad agency he co-founded. While at Vigilante, Danny was the creative leader and writer behind award-winning campaigns for national brands including Sprint, Major League Baseball, Heineken and Johnnie Walker Black Label.Danny is a Hampton University grad with an MBA from Atlanta University, an accomplished artist, a pop culture aficionado, a former DJ and standup comic, and was even once voted by the Stand Up NY Comedy Club as “one of the funniest men in advertising.”
More Speakers
More Speakers
Blackweek Connect Powered by Idlewild, BIPOC Filter and Mokamoto
Month: September 2024
Details
Date
Fri, Oct 18
Time
8:30AM – 12:30PM
Instructors
CEO, DoSomething.org
Managing Partner, Vaughan Capital Advisors
Chief Data Strategy Officer, WPP
Former Global President of Warner Music Experience
Director, Multicultural Business Solutions at Horizon Media
Associate Director, of Agency Partnerships at Horizon Media
What is Blackweek Connect? It is a targeted event developed for future business leaders, dedicated to bridging the gap between up-and-coming talent and decision-makers in the advertising industry. Designed specifically for students, junior-level executives and job seekers, this day offers invaluable opportunities for learning, networking, and career development, setting the stage for the next generation of leaders in advertising.
Event Highlights
Welcome Keynote: A short, inspirational address to kick off the day, setting the tone for growth and professional success.
Master Classes: Engage in short, impactful master classes led by Chief Creative Officers (CCOs) and Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) from top advertising agencies. These sessions will dive into practical skills and strategies needed to succeed in the advertising industry.
Professional Development Sessions: Gain hands-on experience and advice on critical aspects of advertising, from branding to campaign execution. These sessions will provide attendees with career insights, actionable skills, and mentorship from industry leaders.
Thanks to our Blackweek Connect Business Expo participants: Amy Anaiz Photography, Freckles Juice, Harlem Chocolate Factory, Plain Sight, Luxe Photobooth Houston, In Earnest, Sheila Gray Collection, Tinky Poo, Urbana Tree, Camille Rose, Mokamoto, BIPOC Filter, Mommy Look, BLK & BOLD.
Details
Date
Fri, Oct 18
Time
8:30AM – 12:30PM
Stage
TBD
Diversity by Design: Creating Inclusive Tech Cultures
Month: September 2024
Details
Date
Thu, Oct 17
Time
3:25PM – 4:10PM
Stage
Premier stage
Address
Spring Studios
50 Varick St,
New York, NY 10013
Speakers & Moderators
As the tech industry continues to shape the future of work, innovation, and global economies, the importance of diversity and inclusion has never been more critical. This panel will explore how intentional, thoughtful, and strategic efforts to build inclusive cultures within tech companies can foster creativity, drive innovation, and lead to sustainable success.
Leading experts in technology, business, and diversity will share insights into the practical measures that companies can take to design more inclusive work environments. Discussions will focus on the importance of diverse leadership, equitable access to opportunities, and how technology itself can be leveraged to create positive social change. Panelists will highlight case studies of organizations that have successfully embraced diversity by design, offering attendees actionable strategies for integrating inclusion into the very fabric of their corporate cultures.
Whether you are an entrepreneur, executive, or a tech professional, this session will provide valuable insights into how diversity is a fundamental element in designing the future of tech and driving economic growth.
Details
Date
Thu, Oct 17
Time
3:25PM – 4:10PM
Stage
Premier stage
Address
Spring Studios
50 Varick St,
New York, NY 10013
Black Health on the Big Screen
Month: September 2024
Details
Date
Thu, Oct 17
Time
2:10PM – 2:50PM
Stage
Impact stage
Address
Spring Studios
50 Varick St,
New York, NY 10013
Speakers & Moderators
President & Co-founder, Association of Black Gastroenterologists & Hepatologists (ABGH)
Managing Director, Healthcare Industry Lead, Ketchum
Senior Director, Oncology Marketing, Regeneron
Actress, Brilliant Minds, Dr. Carol Pierce
Black Americans watch more TV and consume more media than the rest of the population. Yet, they remain one of the most underrepresented groups on TV—from the lack of doctors on the big screen to the lack of representation in advertising—and this is affecting the community in more ways than you may think, including its overall health. This panel will discuss the role entertainment plays and the impact it has on shaping healthcare perceptions and health disparities, particularly in the Black community.
This Blackweek discussion is proudly sponsored by Omnicom|OPRG. We’re grateful for their generous support and commitment to right-sizing industries to help create more opportunity for equity and ownership.
Details
Date
Thu, Oct 17
Time
2:10PM – 2:50PM
Stage
Impact stage
Address
Spring Studios
50 Varick St,
New York, NY 10013
Peloton: Building Diverse Communities from the Inside Out
Month: September 2024
Details
Date
Thu, Oct 17
Time
2:00PM – 2:40PM
Stage
Breakthrough stage
Address
Spring Studios
50 Varick St,
New York, NY 10013
Speakers & Moderators
Lauren Weinberg
CMO, Peloton
Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts
Peloton Instructor
Walter T. Geer
CCO, Innovation North America
Peloton rode into everyone’s lives, ushering in new realities of what at home fitness and self care would be. What made Peloton different is how it built community around its brand. At the core of the Peloton community are its instructors, who are with you anytime and anywhere, be it first thing in the morning, in the middle of the day, or after work to help you meet your personal fitness goals. In this fireside chat between Walter Geer, Peloton Instructor Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts, and Peloton Chief Marketing Officer Lauren Weinberg, we’ll discuss how Peloton built a diverse influencer army of instructors and a thriving community, and how its instructors have become brands and influencers in their own right.
This Blackweek discussion is proudly sponsored by Peloton. We’re grateful for their generous support and commitment to right-sizing industries to help create more opportunity for equity and ownership.
Details
Date
Thu, Oct 17
Time
2:00PM – 2:40PM
Stage
Breakthrough stage
Address
Spring Studios
50 Varick St,
New York, NY 10013
Beauty Beyond Boundaries: Sephora's Model for Economic Inclusion & Brand Growth
Month: September 2024
Details
Date
Thu, Oct 17
Time
1:55PM – 2:35PM
Stage
Premier stage
Address
Spring Studios
50 Varick St,
New York, NY 10013
Speakers & Moderators
EVP, Head of Client Inclusivity & Impact, Digitas
Vice President, Marketing Partnerships, Sephora
At a time when many companies are pulling back from DE&I initiatives, Sephora is doubling down on its investment by continuing its work around ensuring diverse representation, expanding partnerships, and strategically aligning its brand with inclusive cultural narratives. Join us for an engaging fireside discussion with Sephora’s Celessa Baker, Vice President, Marketing Partnerships, and Danisha Lomax, Head of Client Inclusivity and Impact at Digitas, where they will discuss how Sephora’s commitment to economic inclusion is reshaping the beauty industry and supercharging the brand’s growth.
This discussion will explore:
– Sephora’s strategic DE&I initiatives: Including its commitment to the Fifteen Percent Pledge and the impact of Sephora’s Racial Bias in Retail Study.
– The evolving role of brand partnerships: How leveraging collaborations helps the retailer authentically connect with diverse communities.
– Business outcomes: Sephora’s commitment to inclusion is not just a social imperative, but a business strategy that enhances brand loyalty and drives revenue.
This Blackweek discussion is proudly sponsored by Digitas. We’re grateful for their generous support and commitment to right-sizing industries to help create more opportunity for equity and ownership.
Details
Date
Thu, Oct 17
Time
1:55PM – 2:35PM
Stage
Premier stage
Address
Spring Studios
50 Varick St,
New York, NY 10013