My Voice Matters: Bridging the Gap
Join us for a three-day journey of impactful programming from our HBCU Campus Connect Program. The week kicks off on Wednesday, November 6, from 2:00-5:00 P.M. at The Weather Company with, My Voice Matter: Bridging the Gap – HBCU Talent, Tech, Marketing & Media Innovation! This important session will focus on the recruitment and retention of young Black talent in marketing, media, and tech.
The afternoon will conclude with a dinner and networking mixer, providing an excellent opportunity to connect with professionals in the industry. Don’t miss this chance to engage, learn, and be inspired! For registration details, contact hbcu@aef.com
Agenda
2:00-2:10pm: Welcome & Introduction
Michelle Kilroy – Chief HR Officer – The Weather Company
Elliot Lum – EVP Community + Growth – ANA
LaTasha Emmanuel – Sr. Manager, Community + Growth – ANA
2:10 – 2:50pm: Roundtable Diversity in Marketing, Media, & Tech – Why Representation Matters
This discussion examines the critical role that diverse representation plays in media, marketing, and tech industries. Faculty and industry leaders will discuss how representation in these fields not only enhances cultural competency but also drives innovation. The session will offer strategies on how faculty and companies can collaborate to prepare students for roles where diversity is essential for business success.
Derrick Echoles – Head of Future Talent – GroupM
Tiffany Wade – Associate Director, Planning – Essencemediacom
Simona Rabsatt Butler – Senior Director, Visa, Global Sourcing – Responsible Sourcing, Change/Knowledge Mgmt. & Culture
2:50 – 3:25pm: Roundtable: Career Pathways in Marketing, Media, & Tech
Focusing on retention, this session will explore how faculty and industry can work together to ensure diverse talents not only enter but stay and grow within the fields of marketing, media, and tech. Through interactive discussions, faculty will learn about developing curricula that reflect industry needs, while industry professionals will share best practices for creating environments that retain diverse talent through mentorship, ongoing training, and cultural alignment.
Caroline Halpin – Associate Director, Data Strategy Mindshare
Tiffany Wade – Associate Director, Planning – Essencemediacom
3:25 – 4:00pm: Roundtable: Partnering with HBCUs to Build a Diverse Workforce
This roundtable will focus on building sustainable partnerships between HBCUs and industry. Topics will include how to structure internship programs, research collaborations, and the development of joint initiatives that ensure HBCU students have access to cutting-edge tools and professional experiences, preparing them for leadership roles in industry.
Aisha Brown – Sr. Director, Talent Programs – AEF
Dr. M. Dee Guillory – Associate Professor of Marketing – Morehouse College
Janis Middleton – EVP, Inclusion Strategy – 22squared, Inc.
4:00 – 4:35pm: Fireside Chat: Innovation in Atlanta – The Role of Diversity
This conversation will dive into how Atlanta’s diversity has contributed to its growth as a tech and media innovation hub. Faculty and industry professionals will discuss how fostering diverse ecosystems leads to stronger companies and more innovative solutions, and what roles HBCUs can play in this ongoing development.
Michael Baptiste – VP, DE&I – Atlanta Chambers of Commerce
Simona Rabsatt Butler – Senior Director, Visa, Global Sourcing – Responsible Sourcing, Change/Knowledge Mgmt. & Culture
4:35 – 4:55pm: Break & Tour
4:55 – 5:00pm: Closing Remarks
Please register now to join us on Wednesday, November, 6, 2024:
