Just Ad Flava

A warm welcome to the 2022 Just Ad Flava conference delivered by Nikeisha Beckford, Rick Bowden, and Brandee Lake, Fluorescent co-chairs.

A fireside chat between Tianna Bartoletta (Madison), 3x Olympic track & field gold medalist, and Nikeisha Beckford, Fluorescent co-chair, on navigating mental and emotional wellness when the weight of your crown starts to feel heavy.

A panel discussion on the state of health equity in the Black community, its social determinants, and the intersections between various dimensions of wellness.

The panel featured Brandee Lake, Fluorescent co-chair; Phil Schermer, founder of Project Healthy Minds; Othelia Pryor, senior project manager at Pathways Learners & Leaders Program; Rego Marquiis, head of creative at Walgreens; and Louis Byrd, director of experience design at VMLY&R.

From birthday parties to pick-up games, the YMCA was the home of many of our fondest childhood memories. Valerie Barker Waller, SVP and CMO at YMCA, and Juliet Moffat, managing director of client engagement at VMLY&R, discussed how the Y is evolving to meet the integral needs of local communities.

The website dearblacktalent.com is a platform created to connect Black professionals with advertising and marketing agencies. Amber Chenevert, group director of strategy and insights at VMLY&R, and Jennifer Mack, senior marketing manager at VMLY&R, took some time to share more about this innovative and exciting initiative.

The past two years of remote working have changed our relationship with health. And when busy meets the body, the results aren't always great. Randy Jackson, Grammy Award-winning producer and music executive, sat with Walter Geer, executive creative director of experience design at VMLY&R, to speak about his transformation to a holistic health lifestyle in the midst of a demanding schedule.

Jon Cook, global CEO at VMLY&R, sat with Nikeisha Beckford, Rick Bowden, and Brandee Lake, Fluorescent co-chairs, to reflect on the 2022 Just Ad Flava conference and look ahead at what is to come throughout the remainder of the year.

This interactive session was an offering to anyone interested in learning about available mental health resources, sharing their personal triumphs and struggles, or listening to other attendees discuss their mental health journeys. We created a space for everyone to bring their whole selves to the conversation.

*In an effort to honor and protect the personal stories shared by speakers and attendees alike, this session was not recorded.

The apprehension around doctor visits is understood. However, it leads to alarming statistics—like Black men being 30% more likely to die from prostate cancer, a treatable disease. This session explored how establishing a team of medical professionals and an accountability circle can help you stay vigilant with your health to get more out of life.

*In an effort to honor and protect the personal stories shared by speakers and attendees alike, this session was not recorded.

This session was dedicated to Black womxn and covered tuning your attention to your body and trusting that you know it best. During the conversation, attendees shared honest experiences and learnings about navigating the healthcare system and left encouraged and equipped with the confidence to advocate for your health.

*In an effort to honor and protect the personal stories shared by speakers and attendees alike, this session was not recorded.