Talent Champion – Lukeisha Paul

Talent Champion Spotlight

AEF Talent Champion - Lukeisha Paul

Lukeisha Paul
Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
GroupM US

Lukeisha Paul is the head of diversity, equity and inclusion for GroupM US.  She leads the company in creating a work environment that welcomes diversity, promotes inclusivity and is purposeful in providing equitable opportunities to all employees. She also serves as GroupM’s representative on WPP’s Collective – Inclusion & Diversity leads across their network, the Advertising Club of New York’s steering committee for diversity and inclusion and a board member of the 4A’s. Paul’s been with Mindshare, MAXUS and GroupM for 15 years in her previous role overseeing print media for a vast array of accounts in pharma, retail, CPG, QSR, and finance. She started her career at Saatchi & Saatchi.  

Paul’s passion for her work has garnered her industry recognition: AEF Talent Champion – 2020, Adweek Executive Mentor – 2020, Advertising Week of NY Presenter “Bringing Equity to Light” – 2019, 4A’s Decisions 20/20 Panelist on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – 2019, Ad Club of New York President’s Award – 2018, Advertising Working Mother of the Year Award – 2012 Mediaweek Media Plan of the Year, and Best Use of Magazines Award – 2008.

What prompted you to get involved with the AEF and why are you passionate about the future of the industry?

I was prompted to get involved with the AEF after reading “Bridging the Diversity Disconnect”. Being in the presence of industry and academia leaders that focuses on bringing more awareness to the industry while ensuring we do so inclusively is what keeps me involved with the AEF. Advertising is creative, innovative and a connector of people and brands. Now more than ever people need that connection, communication and personalization advertising brings into their lives, homes and relationships.

What is the best career advice you've ever received?

Make sure you get a career in something you love, and it wouldn’t feel like work.

Who was your favorite professor and why?

My favorite professor was my advertising professor, Constance Frazier. She poured her heart into her work and her students. She didn’t just teach; she brought the work to life for us, exposing us to industry leaders and various opportunities. She showed us that she cared by pushing us to be our very best.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The thing I love the most about my job is getting to positively impact the lives of so many by creating a platform for greater acceptance of diverse voices, an understanding of how to be more inclusive and action-oriented, equitable practices and treatment of all.

"Our future marketing and advertising leaders are not just looking for a job, they are looking for a meaningful career that will make a positive impact on society."
— Gord McLean, President and CEO at ANA Educational Foundation