ADCOLOR Announces 2023 Class of FUTURES and LEADERS

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Aug 22, 2023, 12:22 ET

NEW YORK, Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ADCOLOR, the premier organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting diversity in the creative industries, today announced its 2023 class of ADCOLOR FUTURES and ADCOLOR LEADERS. The two talent programs build upon ADCOLOR's "Rise Up, Reach Back" motto, encompassing those just beginning in their career and those well-established in their respective industry.

The 2023 class of ADCOLOR FUTURES and ADCOLOR LEADERS can be found below.

Launched in 2012, the ADCOLOR FUTURES program identifies and nurtures the next generation of leaders who have one to three years of experience in their industry. Now in its 12^th year, the program provides training, mentorship and empowerment to selected young professionals with the goal of supporting the talent of tomorrow, today.

After an extensive application and interview process, 30 young professionals were chosen as the 2023 class of ADCOLOR FUTURES. These individuals showcase strong leadership potential, sustained involvement in reaching back, interest in partnering with leadership to drive change through DEI initiatives, and innovative thinking to solve today's problems.

As part of the program, the FUTURES will be immersed in an orientation day hosted by Spotify and a full day of programming hosted by Deutsch LA. This programming includes ADCOLOR University, an intensive training facilitated by top-ranked leadership and talent consulting firms. It also includes the annual FUTURES Hackathon, presented by Apple, taking place at ADCOLOR 2023.

"If you need a dose of inspiration, take a look at this year's class of FUTURES," said Criseli Roddy, Director of Programs at ADCOLOR. "Though early in their careers, these promising young professionals already have made remarkable achievements and are on their path to becoming influential voices in their industries. We are honored to be part of their journeys and to provide these rising stars a place to learn and create invaluable connections as they continue to advance in their careers."

ADCOLOR, together with Amazon, is also hosting its second annual ADCOLOR LEADERS program. Launched in 2022, this program aims to support historically excluded professionals with 15+ years of experience in creative industries as they rise to executive roles. It features cutting-edge workshops, discussions with thought leaders, and curated exercises encouraging self-exploration.

From the many applications received, 30 changemakers were selected for the 2023 class of LEADERS. Those chosen are in a position to institute change in their field, believe in the power of diversity, and display a passion to champion DE&I for the long term. The aim is for participants to walk away from the program with a renewed sense of purpose, a reinvigorated approach to their work, and meaningful relationships to propel them to the next level.

"Through years of dedicated efforts, this year's ADCOLOR LEADERS have already proven their ability to make a positive impact on their respective industries," said Dipal Shah, Head of Brand Strategy, Amazon Ads. "The goal of the program is to equip these LEADERS with the connections and knowledge that will both encourage and energize them to continue their inspiring work. We are thrilled to partner with ADCOLOR on this year's program and to see the new levels these visionaries will reach."

Both programs offer sponsorship to attend ADCOLOR 2023, which encompasses both programs as well as the 17^th Annual ADCOLOR Awards and the ADCOLOR Conference. Taking place November 9-11 at the JW Marriott LA Live in Los Angeles, CA, the 2023 event will center on its "Double Down & Double Up" theme, which serves as a reminder that diversity, equity and inclusion must remain a priority and urges companies to uphold their social justice and CSR commitments.

To learn more about the FUTURES and LEADERS programs, please visit https://adcolor.org/futures and https://adcolor.org/leaders. For additional updates and information on ADCOLOR 2023, please follow ADCOLOR on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

ABOUT ADCOLOR
ADCOLOR® is a not-for-profit 501(c) (6) organization whose mission is to celebrate and champion diversity in the creative industries. Our process is twofold. First, we help individuals and organizations RISE UP, letting their accomplishments and ideas shine. Then we teach these new leaders and would-be-mentors how to REACH BACK and find others who deserve to be noticed and promoted. Our goal is to create a community of diverse professionals who are here to support and uplift one another. Learn more by visiting www.adcolor.org.

ADCOLOR 2023 Partners
Disney, Google | YouTube, Spotify, Amazon, LinkedIn, Droga5, Activision, Sony Music Group, Mondelēz International, MSL, Nextdoor, Omnicom, TikTok, Walmart Connect, American Express, Basis Technologies, Endeavor, Expedia Group, FCB, Havas, McCann Worldgroup, Yahoo, Apple

ADCOLOR Corporate Members
The Brandtech Group, Cardinal Change Consulting, Deutsch LA, Droga5, Energy BBDO, JKR, McCann Worldgroup, Meta, Microsoft, MSL, Sony Music Group, The Advertising Club of NY

ADCOLOR Vendor Partners
5WPR, Adewole Photography, Adrianne Lipscomb Graphic Design, Akande Music, Bravely, Debut Capital, dirty sugar, EGM Security Management, Isa Beltre-Plush Merchandising Consultants, Squeaky.com, STAMP Event Co., Studio Mark Clennon, Tabernacle, the STUDIO NYC, Virtual Event Site, Wendy Shanker

2023 ADCOLOR FUTURES

Aaron Marshall: Copywriter, BBDO NY
Alexander Thompson: Copywriter, The Martin Agency
Allison Holmes: CEO Research, Insights, and Communities Manager, Microsoft
Ana Rubin: Account Executive, Amazon Advertising
Anita Ngo: 2023 MAIP Creative Intern of the Year
Ashleigh Smith: Strategic Planner, FCB Chicago
Brianna Lowder: Worldwide Xbox Accessories Category Marketing Lead, Microsoft
Christopher Morales: Project Manager, Deutsch LA
Coral Li: Brand Strategist & 2023 MAIP Fellow of the Year
Davawnna Clark: Account Executive, Amazon Advertising
Dyneisha Gross: Designer, Ogilvy North America
Elsa Ramesh: Product Marketing Manager, Microsoft
Grant Bennett: Diversity Strategist, Google
Hamy Huynh: Talent Acquisition & DEI Manager, Colle McVoy
Jalen Coleman: Social Strategist, Merkley and Partners
Jasmine Baker: Consumer Insights Associate, Spanx
Jayda Hill: Creative Coordinator, Droga5
Kariesha Martinez: Paid Media Specialist, MongoDB
Kim An Ta: Client Solutions Manager, TikTok
Madilyne Nguyen-Acosta: Senior Specialist, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Sony Music Group
Maya Iwata: Senior Art Director, BBDO New York
Maya Siegel: Social Editor, Feminist
Merc Heredia-Ferran: Adjunct Professor, University of Illinois & Indiana University
Nafisa Hassan: Account Coordinator, R/GA
Roberto Del Real Jr.: Junior Art Director, Leo Burnett Detroit
Stephanie Ologan: Global Editorial Coordinator, Spotify
Toni Walker: Integrated Marketing Coordinator, Paramount Global
Yaritza Vallejo: Brand Marketing Specialist, McDonald's
Zachery Burton: Associate Manager, Product Marketing, Spotify
Zuri Godfrey: Associate Product Marketing Manager, Google

2023 ADCOLOR LEADERS

Alicia Nassardeen: Head of Business Affairs, Mother
Andriena Coleman: Director, DE&I, Hearts & Science
Bernice Chao: Co-Founder, Asians in Advertising
Deanna Barnes: Sr. Client Partner, Doubleverify
Dimas Adiwiyoto: SVP, Group Account Director, FCB New York
Eniola Tay-Agbozo: Head, Analytics & Insights US CPG & Grocery, Amazon
Eric Payne: Senior Content Manager, theCut
Gilbertson Cuffy: VP Marketing Partnerships and Promotions, Illumination
Jennifer Lin: Senior Manager, Philanthropy Communications, Salesforce
Jonathan Daly: Head of Communications Strategy, Johannes Leonardo
Jonelle Brown: Director, Global Franchise Planning and Studio Marketing, Paramount
Kai Weidie: SVP, Diversity Equity & Inclusion, dentsu Media
Kali Williams: Owner, More Than Three Fifth
Kristin Jarrett: Lead, Equity & Impact, Spotify
Laurel Stark: Creative Director, The Sims, EA (Electronic Arts)
Lopaka Purdy: President/Owner, Waldinger Creative
Nicky Lorenzo: SVP, Executive Creative Director, 305Worldwide
Nina Bell: Senior Director of Experiential Marketing, Essence Communications
Patrick Bennett: Executive Creative Director, Momentum Worldwide
Phillip Collins: Founder, Good Black Art
Priscilla Lau: Creator Partnerships, Representation Matters, LLC
Quency L. Phillips: Founder / Executive Director, Lighthouse Silicon Valley
Rebecca Chin: Internal Communications for Diversity & Belonging, Airbnb
Roo Yeshpaul Johnson: Senior Manager, Social, Adobe
Sakinah Charbeneau: Director, DEI, Omnicom Media Group
Solange Sheridan: Experiential Marketing Leader
Suzie Bao: Group Account Director, Quigley Simpson
Tia Nicole Newton: Creative Director
Venkata Bhonagiri: Sr Partner, Group Director, Data Strategy & Analytics, Mindshare
Veronica Warman: SVP, Group Creative Director, Entrée Health