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.

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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.

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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
Roy Milton
Moderated by
Roy Milton
Assoc. Creative Director, VMLY&R
Lori Nicole St.Louis
Lori Nicole St.Louid
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
Nikeisha Beckford
Moderated By
Nikeisha Beckford
Associate Director, VMLY&R
Carla Dorsey
Carla Dorsey
Carla Dorsey
Fleet Contact Center of Excellence Manager, Ford
Lamark Johnson
Lamark Johnson
Lamark Johnson
CX HCD Product Manager, Ford
Rhonda Foxx
Rhonda Foxx
Rhonda Foxx
Head of Social Equity Policies & Engagements, Intel
Charlyn Stanberry
Charlyn Stanberry
Charlyn Stanberry
Chief of Staff, U.S. House of Representatives
Lena Lewis
Lena Lewis
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
Walter Geer
Moderated By
Walter T. Geer
Exec. Creative Director, VMLY&R
Niesha Foster
Neisha Foster
Niesha Foster
Vice President of Product Access, Pfizer
La Vonia Cannon
La Vonia Cannon
La Vonia Cannon
Area Healthcare Supervisor, Walgreens
Dr. Andrea Boudreaux
Dr. Andrea Boudreaux
Dr. Andrea Boudreaux
CEO, Lamaze International
Beth Leonard
Beth Leonard
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
Leslie Collin
Moderated by
Leslie Collin
Senior Planner, VMLY&R
Zack Tomlinson
Zac Tomlinson
Zack Tomlinson
Program Manager, VMLY&R
Luid Nunez
Luis Nunez
Luid Nunez
Associate Creative Director, VMLY&R Commerce
Kate Wadkins
Kate Wadkins
Kate Wadkins
Connections Director, Social Media, VMLY&R
Sabrina Browne
Sabrina Browne
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
Destiny K Chambers
Moderated by
Destiny K. Chambers
Marketing & Events Manager and Chair of Just Ad Flava, VMLY&R
Big Freedia
Big Freedia
Big Freedia
Rap Artist, TV Personality
Eboni K. Williams
Eboni K Williams
Eboni K. Williams
Attorney, TV Host, Author
Morgan Dixon
Morgan Dixon
Morgan Dixon
Founder, M.A.D Nails and Lead Set Nail Stylist, Claws TV Show
Mike Barnes
Mike Barnes
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
Erika Hatfield
Erika Hatfield
Director, Client Engagement and Chair, VMMLY&R Fluorescent ERG
Kendall Johnson
Kendall Johnson
Kendall Johnson
Executive Program Director, 2020 Census
Jamal Sowell
Jamal Sowell
Jamal Sowell
Secretary of Commerce, State of Florida and CEO, Enterprise of Florida
Howard Bryant
Howard Bryant
Howard Bryant
Commander, U.S. Navy
Kwame Jackson
Kwame Jackson
Kwame Jackson
MSNBC and CNN Commentator, TV Personality

FULL AGENDA

All times in EST

  • 12:05 - 12:15Opening 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 - 1:20Black in Tech | How Are We Changing the Narrative?
  • 1:30 - 2:05Black in Health | What Do We Know Now?
  • 2:15 - 2:40Black 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 - 4:15VMLY&R DE&I Spotlight with Tasha Gilroy
  • 4:15 - 4:25Closing Remarks (VMLY&R CEO Jon Cook & Ericka Hatfield)
  • 4:25 - 4:28Thank you Video + Second Line
  • 4:30 - 5:30Wrap Party with DJ Shermski
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ON-DEMAND CONTENT SPEAKERS/PANELISTS

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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
Headshot of Amber Chenevert
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
Myron King
Myron King
Chief Integration Officer, VMLY&R
Angelique Malloy
Angelique Malloy
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
Sarah Hodge.
Moderated By
Sarah Hodge
Associate Director Strategy & Insights, VMLY&R
Terry Ahlander
Terry Ahlander
Terry Ahlander
Sr. Experience Designer, VMLY&R
Brian Hamilton
Brian Hamilton
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
Nikeisha Beckford
Nikeisha Beckford
Associate Director, VMLY&R
Brittany Adams
Brittany Adams
Brittany Adams
Connections Manager, Social Community & Strategy, VMLY&R
Sarah Hodge
Sarah Hodge.
Sarah Hodge
Associate Director Strategy & Insights, VMLY&R
Stephanie Small
Stephanie Small.
Stephanie Small
Creative Operations Manager, TAXI
Seth Waterman
Seth Waterman
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:

Part 2:

Angelique Malloy
Angelique Malloy
Angelique Malloy
Hr Generalist, VMLY&R | Winston-Salem State Univ.
Kelli Anderson
Kelli Anderson.
Kelli Anderson
Director Strategy & Insights, VMLY&R | Hampton University
Jay Carver
Jay Carver
Jay Carver
Assoc. Director, Experience Design, VMLY&R | Norfolk State University
Anwar Eichelberger
Anwar EichelBerger
Anwar Eichelberger
Sr. Connections Manager, VMLY&R | Morehouse University
Shonna Sanders
Shonna Sanders
Shonna Sanders
Sr. Project Manager, VMLY&R | Albany St.University
Tosha Turner
Tosha Turner
Tosha Turner
Group Director, Client Finance, VMLY&R | Howard University

ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS

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Jon Cook
Portrait of Jon Cook.
Jon Cook
Global CEO, VMLY&R
Tasha Gilroy
Photo of Tasha Gilroy
Tasha Gilroy
Executive Director, DE&I VMLY&R
Sherman "DJ Shermski" Winfield
Sherman Winfield
Sherman "DJ Shermski" Winfield
Exec. Creative Director, VMLY&R

OUR PARTNERS

Featuring all musicians, artists, and organizations showcased during the commercial breaks for Just AD FLAVA.
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Will Lawson
Will Lawsone
Will Lawson
Musician (Tuba/Trombone)
Sylvester Jones
Sylvester Jones
Sylvester Jones
Musician (Saxophone)
William Allen
William Allen
William Allen
Musician (Trumpet)
Kenny Clark
Kenny Clark
Kenny Clark
Musician (Drums)
Carita Marrow
Carita Marrow
Carita Marrow
Artist
Flo Mitchell-Brown
Flo Mitchell-Brown
Flo Mitchell-Brown
Executive Producer
Caleb Brown
JustAdlava Vmlyr logo
Caleb Brown
Executive Producer
Ashford J. Thomas
Ashford J Thomas
Ashford J. Thomas
Actor
Chandler Johnson
Chandler Johnson
Chandler Johnson
Christian Colbert Fretty (Aka "The Bearded Artist)
Christian Colbert Fretty
Christian Colbert Fretty (Aka "The Bearded Artist)
Artist
Jay Wiggins
Jay Wiggins
Jay Wiggins
Entrepreneur, Producer, Photographer
Georgia Power
Georgia Power logo
Georgia Power
APM Music
Apm Music Logo
APM Music
Mixed Company Podcast
Mixed Company logo
Mixed Company Podcast
Black Girls Code
Black Girls Code
Black Girls Code
We Code KC
WeCodeKC
We Code KC
Jewel Mensah
Jewel Mensah headshot
Jewel Mensah
Connections Supervisor, VMLY&R
PlaygroundApp
PlaygroundApp
PlaygroundApp
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