My Voice Matters: Bridging the Gap

AEF and The Weather Company event on 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

2:00pm: Welcome & Introduction


2:10pm – 2:30pm: Keynote

This keynote will explore how cutting-edge innovations like AI, big data, and climate technology are transforming industries. Faculty and industry professionals will gain insights into how these advancements can enhance curriculum development and talent training while offering opportunities for partnership with HBCUs.


2:30pm – 3:10pm: Panel: 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.

Moderator: Derrick Echoles, Head of Future Talent – Group M


3:10pm – 3:20pm: Break & Tour


3:20pm – 3:55pm: Roundtable: Career Pathways in Marketing, Media, & Tech
Focusing on retention, this session will explore how faculty and industry can work together to ensure diverse talent not only enters but stays and grows 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.


3:55pm – 4:25pm: 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.

Moderator: Aisha Brown, Sr. Director, Talent Programs – AEF


4:25pm – 4:55pm: 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


4:55pm – 5:00pm: Closing Remarks & Networking


Please register now to join us on Wednesday, November, 6, 2024:

Event Registration Form - Bridging the Gap

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"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