Just Ad Flava 2021

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.

FEATURED PANELS

Please 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.

12:20 - 12:35 p.m. EST

BLACK IN HISTORY

How 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. EST

Roy Milton

Moderated by

Roy Milton

Assoc. Creative Director, VMLY&R

Lori Nicole St.Louis

Lori Nicole St.Louis

Jr. Art Director VMLY&R Commerce

12:45 - 1:20 p.m. EST

BLACK IN TECH

How 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. EST

Nikeisha Beckford

Moderated By

Nikeisha Beckford

Associate Director, VMLY&R

Carla Dorsey

Fleet Contact Center of Excellence Manager, Ford

Lamark Johnson

CX HCD Product Manager, Ford

Rhonda Foxx

Head of Social Equity Policies & Engagements, Intel

Charlyn Stanberry

Chief of Staff, U.S. House of Representatives

Lena Lewis

Vice President of Consumer Experience, Ferrara

1:30 - 2:05 p.m. EST

BLACK IN HEALTH

What 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. Geer

Moderated By

Walter T. Geer

Exec. Creative Director, VMLY&R

Niesha Foster

Niesha Foster

Vice President of Product Access, Pfizer

La Vonia Cannon

Area Healthcare Supervisor, Walgreens

Dr. Andrea Boudreaux

CEO, Lamaze International

Beth Leonard

Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Emblemhealth

2:15 - 2:40 p.m. EST

BLACK IN SOLIDARITY

WHAT IS AUTHENTIC ALLYSHIP?

Black in Solidarity is going to focus on allyship and corporate responsibility of supporting Black employees.

Leslie Collin

Moderated by

Leslie Collin

Senior Planner, VMLY&R

Zack Tomlinson

Zack Tomlinson

Program Manager, VMLY&R

Luid Nunez

Luid Nunez

Associate Creative Director, VMLY&R Commerce

Kate Wadkins

Connections Director, Social Media, VMLY&R

Sabrina Browne

Acct. Director, BCW Global and Marketing VP, PRSA

2:05 - 3:25 p.m. EST

BLACK IN CULTURE

What 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. Chambers

Moderated by

Destiny K. Chambers

Marketing & Events Manager and Chair of Just Ad Flava, VMLY&R

Big Freedia

Rap Artist, TV Personality

Eboni K. Williams

Attorney, TV Host, Author

Morgan Dixon

Founder, M.A.D Nails and Lead Set Nail Stylist, Claws TV Show

Mike Barnes

DJ and Owner o Mike Mogul Apparel

3:35 - 4:10 p.m. EST

BLACK IN GOVERNMENT

Do 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 Hatfield

Director, Client Engagement and Chair, VMMLY&R Fluorescent ERG

Kendall Johnson

Executive Program Director, 2020 Census

Jamal Sowell

Secretary of Commerce, State of Florida and CEO, Enterprise of Florida

Howard Bryant

Commander, U.S. Navy

Kwame Jackson

MSNBC and CNN Commentator, TV Personality

FULL AGENDA

All times in EST

12:05 - 12:15: Opening Remarks (Destiny Chambers & Myron King)
12:15 - 12:20: Video Break featuring Black National Anthem
12:20 - 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 Gilroy
4:15 - 4:25: Closing Remarks (VMLY&R CEO Jon Cook & Ericka Hatfield)
4:25 - 4:28: Thank you Video + Second Line
4:30 - 5:30: Wrap Party with DJ Shermski

ON-DEMAND CONTENT SPEAKERS/PANELISTS

BLACK IN ADVERTISING

INTRO TO VMLY&R’S CULTURE STUDIO

Introducing 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, PHD

Group Director, Strategy & Insight, VMLY&R

BLACK IN ADVERTISING

How it started vs how it's going

Historic 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 King

Chief Integration Officer, VMLY&R

Angelique Malloy

HR Generalist, VMLY&R

BLACK IN CULTURE

Exploring 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 Hodge

Moderated By

Sarah Hodge

Associate Director Strategy & Insights, VMLY&R

Terry Ahlander

Sr. Experience Designer, VMLY&R

Brian Hamilton

Director of DE&I, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine

BLACK IN CULTURE

Embracing my blackness

In 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 Beckford

Associate Director, VMLY&R

Brittany Adams

Connections Manager, Social Community & Strategy, VMLY&R

Sarah Hodge

Associate Director Strategy & Insights, VMLY&R

Stephanie Small

Creative Operations Manager, TAXI

Seth Waterman

Group Account Director, Taxi

BLACK IN HISTORY

Illustrious Institutions: Beyond the Education

HBCU’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: