VMLY&R's newly formed employee resource group Fluorescent, Powered by DEI is presents the Just Ad Flava conference in celebration of Black History Month.On February 18, VMLY&R hosted its first ever Just Ad Flava conference. A one-day virtual event that aimed to amplify VMLY&R’s commitment to become the world’s most diverse, inclusive, and creative agency. The event featured a curated lineup of VMLY&R employees and guest speakers discussing key issues in black culture, representation, and impact across various industries....Read MoreFEATURED PANELSPlease note that the Just Ad Flava Conference has passed. You can utilize the below timings as a reference for where these panels are represented in the above recording....Read More12:20 - 12:35 p.m. ESTBLACK IN HISTORYHow Will They Tell Our Story?Black in History will focus on how the Black community has been depicted historically, through brands and adverts—and what VMLY&R is doing to change that narrative.12:20 - 12:35 P.M. ESTRoy MiltonModerated byRoy MiltonAssoc. Creative Director, VMLY&RLori Nicole St.LouisLori Nicole St.LouisJr. Art Director VMLY&R Commercergb(255,255,255)12:45 - 1:20 p.m. ESTBLACK IN TECHHow Are We Changing the Narrative?Black in Tech will focus on the representation of black leadership in tech, how we are creating space in tech for the black community and how the black community utilizes technology to communicate and advocate. 12:45 - 1:20 P.M. ESTNikeisha BeckfordModerated ByNikeisha BeckfordAssociate Director, VMLY&RCarla DorseyCarla DorseyFleet Contact Center of Excellence Manager, FordLamark JohnsonLamark JohnsonCX HCD Product Manager, FordRhonda FoxxRhonda FoxxHead of Social Equity Policies & Engagements, IntelCharlyn StanberryCharlyn StanberryChief of Staff, U.S. House of RepresentativesLena LewisLena LewisVice President of Consumer Experience, Ferrarargb(255,255,255)1:30 - 2:05 p.m. ESTBLACK IN HEALTHWhat Do We Know Now?Black in Health will tackle how the healthcare industry is providing access, dispelling misinformation and addressing the greatest health issues impacting the black community today.Walter T. GeerModerated ByWalter T. GeerExec. Creative Director, VMLY&RNiesha FosterNiesha FosterVice President of Product Access, PfizerLa Vonia CannonLa Vonia CannonArea Healthcare Supervisor, WalgreensDr. Andrea BoudreauxDr. Andrea BoudreauxCEO, Lamaze InternationalBeth LeonardBeth LeonardChief Corporate Affairs Officer, Emblemhealthrgb(255,255,255)2:15 - 2:40 p.m. ESTBLACK IN SOLIDARITYWHAT IS AUTHENTIC ALLYSHIP?Black in Solidarity is going to focus on allyship and corporate responsibility of supporting Black employees.Leslie CollinModerated byLeslie CollinSenior Planner, VMLY&RZack TomlinsonZack TomlinsonProgram Manager, VMLY&RLuid NunezLuid NunezAssociate Creative Director, VMLY&R CommerceKate WadkinsKate WadkinsConnections Director, Social Media, VMLY&RSabrina BrowneSabrina BrowneAcct. Director, BCW Global and Marketing VP, PRSArgb(255,255,255)2:05 - 3:25 p.m. ESTBLACK IN CULTUREWhat Do We Know Now?Black in Culture will address the current state of Black Culture, its influence and impact on mainstream media and trends, and the challenges that innovators and influencers face in 2021.Destiny K. ChambersModerated byDestiny K. ChambersMarketing & Events Manager and Chair of Just Ad Flava, VMLY&RBig FreediaBig FreediaRap Artist, TV PersonalityEboni K. WilliamsEboni K. WilliamsAttorney, TV Host, AuthorMorgan DixonMorgan DixonFounder, M.A.D Nails and Lead Set Nail Stylist, Claws TV ShowMike BarnesMike BarnesDJ and Owner o Mike Mogul Apparelrgb(255,255,255)3:35 - 4:10 p.m. ESTBLACK IN GOVERNMENTDo we know our Impact?Black in Government will focus on the relationship between the Black community and government entities like the U.S. Census Bureau and NAVY. Erika HatfieldErika HatfieldDirector, Client Engagement and Chair, VMMLY&R Fluorescent ERGKendall JohnsonKendall JohnsonExecutive Program Director, 2020 CensusJamal SowellJamal SowellSecretary of Commerce, State of Florida and CEO, Enterprise of FloridaHoward BryantHoward BryantCommander, U.S. NavyKwame JacksonKwame JacksonMSNBC and CNN Commentator, TV Personalityrgb(255,255,255)FULL AGENDAAll times in EST12:05 - 12:15: Opening Remarks (Destiny Chambers & Myron King)12:15 - 12:20: Video Break featuring Black National Anthem12:20 - 12:35: Black in History | How Will They Tell Our Story? 12:45 - 1:20: Black in Tech | How Are We Changing the Narrative? 1:30 - 2:05: Black in Health | What Do We Know Now? 2:15 - 2:40: Black in Solidarity | What is Authentic Allyship? 2:50 - 3:25: Black in Culture | They Love Our Culture, But Can They Love Us?3:35 - 4:10: Black in Government | Do We Know Our Impact?4:10 - 4:15: VMLY&R DE&I Spotlight with Tasha Gilroy4:15 - 4:25: Closing Remarks (VMLY&R CEO Jon Cook & Ericka Hatfield) 4:25 - 4:28: Thank you Video + Second Line4:30 - 5:30: Wrap Party with DJ Shermski...Read MoreON-DEMAND CONTENT SPEAKERS/PANELISTS...Read MoreBLACK IN ADVERTISINGINTRO TO VMLY&R’S CULTURE STUDIOIntroducing VMLY&R’s Culture Studio. The Culture Studio dives into culture with your customer as our guide. We help brands unearth their disconnect in culture and find their connection to new market opportunities.Amber Chenevert, PHDAmber Chenevert, PHDGroup Director, Strategy & Insight, VMLY&Rrgb(255,255,255)BLACK IN ADVERTISINGHow it started vs how it's goingHistoric racism, lack of diversity in the advertising industry, and the recent social and racial events of 2020 sparked a demand for change. This candid conversation addresses VMLY&R's company initiatives to create long lasting change in our agency.Myron KingMyron KingChief Integration Officer, VMLY&RAngelique MalloyAngelique MalloyHR Generalist, VMLY&Rrgb(255,255,255)BLACK IN CULTUREExploring the BLERD Identity?What is a Blerd? To put it simply it's the amalgamation of the words “Black” and “Nerd”, and refers to a unique culture within a culture. “Blerds” have often found themselves in spaces where they were the only one or outcast, straddling the lines of racial identity and social labels. This discussion peels back the layers of what it means to be a blerd and how it defines a black experience.Sarah HodgeModerated BySarah HodgeAssociate Director Strategy & Insights, VMLY&RTerry AhlanderTerry AhlanderSr. Experience Designer, VMLY&RBrian HamiltonBrian HamiltonDirector of DE&I, University of Kentucky, College of Medicinergb(255,255,255)BLACK IN CULTUREEmbracing my blacknessIn one way or another, many Black people have struggled with “owning their Blackness.” Seeing our skin color as a burden, we’ve loosened the ties to our identity in order to assimilate into mainstream culture. This panel will explore personal stories of celebration and the acceptance of our authentic selves.Nikeisha BeckfordNikeisha BeckfordAssociate Director, VMLY&RBrittany AdamsBrittany AdamsConnections Manager, Social Community & Strategy, VMLY&RSarah HodgeSarah HodgeAssociate Director Strategy & Insights, VMLY&RStephanie SmallStephanie SmallCreative Operations Manager, TAXISeth WatermanSeth WatermanGroup Account Director, Taxirgb(255,255,255)BLACK IN HISTORYIllustrious Institutions: Beyond the EducationHBCU’s have a long and rich history. With the recent ascension of several HBCU alumni into prominent positions of influence, this panel will shine a light on these historic institutions that offer more than just an education. This two part panel will explore the HBCU experience, and the values instilled in their students that set them up for success both professionally and personally.Part 1:Part 2:Angelique MalloyAngelique MalloyHr Generalist, VMLY&R | Winston-Salem State Univ.Kelli AndersonKelli AndersonDirector Strategy & Insights, VMLY&R | Hampton UniversityJay CarverJay CarverAssoc. Director, Experience Design, VMLY&R | Norfolk State UniversityAnwar EichelbergerAnwar EichelbergerSr. Connections Manager, VMLY&R | Morehouse UniversityShonna SandersShonna SandersSr. Project Manager, VMLY&R | Albany St.UniversityTosha TurnerTosha TurnerGroup Director, Client Finance, VMLY&R | Howard Universityrgb(255,255,255)ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS...Read MoreJon CookJon CookGlobal CEO, VMLY&RTasha GilroyTasha GilroyExecutive Director, DE&I VMLY&RSherman "DJ Shermski" WinfieldSherman "DJ Shermski" WinfieldExec. Creative Director, VMLY&Rrgb(255,255,255)OUR PARTNERSFeaturing all musicians, artists, and organizations showcased during the commercial breaks for Just AD FLAVA....Read MoreWill LawsonWill LawsonMusician (Tuba/Trombone)Sylvester JonesSylvester JonesMusician (Saxophone)William AllenWilliam AllenMusician (Trumpet)Kenny ClarkKenny ClarkMusician (Drums)Carita MarrowCarita MarrowArtistFlo Mitchell-BrownFlo Mitchell-BrownExecutive Producerrgb(255,255,255)Caleb BrownCaleb BrownExecutive ProducerAshford J. ThomasAshford J. ThomasActorChandler JohnsonChandler JohnsonChristian Colbert Fretty (Aka "The Bearded Artist)Christian Colbert Fretty (Aka "The Bearded Artist)ArtistJay WigginsJay WigginsEntrepreneur, Producer, Photographerrgb(255,255,255)Georgia PowerGeorgia PowerAPM MusicAPM MusicMixed Company PodcastMixed Company PodcastBlack Girls CodeBlack Girls CodeWe Code KCWe Code KCJewel MensahJewel MensahConnections Supervisor, VMLY&RPlaygroundAppPlaygroundApprgb(255,255,255)...Read More