The ADVERTISING Club of New York Presents 2015 Action Awards to Diversity Advocates at Media:NOW Conference

NEW YORK, April 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, The ADVERTISING Club of New York, the industry's leading professional organization representing the vision and mission of the global advertising community across crafts, presented Media:NOW – Strategy Ascending: We (heart) the Consumer. The conference explored the industry progress in creating relationships with consumers based on deep knowledge of human behavior and establishing context for more targeted communication and content.

During the program, The AD Club presented their 2015 Action Awards to valued members and partners who have made it a priority to honor and advocate diversity and inclusion in the industry through MEDIACTION. MEDIACTION is The AD Club's largest fundraiser, which has raised nearly $2 million in funds for i'mPART, a Club initiative that launched in 2012, dedicated to helping Promote, Attract, Retain, and Train a diverse workforce in the industry. These funds benefit worthy endeavors, including college scholarships and career training opportunities for industry professionals.

The purpose of the award is to recognize and honor champions for inclusion from publishers, agencies and brands. The 2015 honorees included:

• Hearst – accepted by Jeff Hamill, EVP, Sales and Marketing, Hearst Magazines
• Moxie – accepted by Mac Hagel, EVP, Account Director at ZenithOptimedia Group | The ROI Agency
• OMD – accepted by Rosa Nunez, Associate Director, Diversity & Inclusion, Omnicom Media Group
• Unilever – accepted by Rob Master, Global Vice President of Media, Categories and Partnerships, Unilever
• Verizon – accepted by Diana Ziccardi, VP, Supply Chain, Verizon Wireless
• Yahoo – accepted by Kathy Kayse, VP, Sales Strategy and Solutions, Yahoo

"These companies represent what it means to 'walk the walk'.  We are fortunate to have such valuable partners in our ongoing efforts to rally the industry and impact the issue of inclusion," said Gina Grillo, President & CEO of The ADVERTISING Club of New York. "Through MEDIACTION, these organizations pledge to be a part of a movement not willing to accept the status quo and we are thrilled to recognize their well-deserved commitment with this year's Action Awards."

The advertising industry continues to make inroads for a more diverse workforce, yet it remains behind the national aggregate; 22% of employees and 11% of executives are diverse. Through initiatives like MEDIACTION and i'mPART, the Club and its partners are working to rally the industry around a shared movement to make diversity a priority in the advertising, marketing and media workplace.

About The ADVERTISING Club of New York
The ADVERTISING Club of New York is the advertising industry's leading organization, providing members access to a network of thought leaders, the fuel for creativity, greater diversity, and the best training for professional development. The AD Club represents the vision and mission of a vibrant international advertising community across crafts, uniting professionals around a shared experience and passion in the name of exchanging ideas and best practices for business. www.theadvertisingclub.org

SOURCE The ADVERTISING Club of New York

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