Last night was an inspiring evening! Our very own VP of DE&I Eric Winkfield, had the honor of serving on a panel alongside Denise Penagos, Sabrina N. Browne, Jennifer Cho, and Lauren Strayhorn, MPS, where they engaged in a powerful discussion on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in our industry. The conversation was fueled by insights from a recent study commissioned by the Diversity Action Alliance (DAA), shining a light on the important work being done to drive real, impactful change. As proud sponsors of the DAA, we were thrilled to support their mission and celebrate the incredible achievements of people of color in communications at the GEMS reception. The night was a true testament to the brilliance, leadership, and resilience of those tirelessly advancing DEI work in our field. We’re so grateful for this opportunity to come together, honor the legacies of remarkable individuals, and continue pushing the envelope toward a more inclusive and equitable industry.
Last night was truly incredible. I had the honor of serving on a panel alongside esteemed leaders like Denise Penagos, Sabrina N. Browne, Jennifer Cho and Lauren Strayhorn, MPS. Together, we delved into vital conversations on furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in our industry, drawing insights from a recent study commissioned by the DAA. It was a powerful discussion that left me inspired by our shared commitment to driving meaningful change. The evening continued with a celebration of the GEMS in communications at the Diversity Action Alliance reception. We recognized the contributions of people of color in the industry, celebrating their legacies and efforts to advance critical work. It was a joy to reconnect with old colleagues, meet new ones, and honor remarkable individuals leading the charge. The night was incredibly special as some of the people who inspire me most were recognized by the Diversity Action Alliance for their tireless dedication to DE&I. My dear friends and fellow Florida A&M University School of Journalism & Graphic Communication—Natalie T. J. Tindall, Faith McIver, MPS and Nadia Sharìs —along with my Next 15 /Archetype colleague and fellow DE&I champion, Erica Billups Johnson, were honored. These amazing individuals, along with living legends like Rochelle L. Ford, Ph.D., APR, Andrew McCaskill, Patrice Tanaka, Bill Imada, and so many more, are people I regard as true mountain-movers. They champion DEI every day, in every way, pushing boundaries and advancing our industry forward creating opportunity and access. Congratulations to all the honorees—you inspire us with your relentless commitment and truly deserve this recognition! A heartfelt thank you to Carmella Glover, Soon Mee Kim, and the entire Diversity Action Alliance team for creating such a powerful and unforgettable evening of community, strategy, and celebration. While we’ve made great strides, there is still much work ahead—but it’s moments like this that remind us how important it is to pause, uplift one another, and celebrate our collective contributions. Together, we are building the future of DEI, and every step forward is worth honoring!
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