This “Diversity Imperative” has been launched to help support the career track of under-represented individuals desiring a fair chance to participate in all aspects of brand storytelling. From directors to videographers to editors and producers and all roles in between, this imperative will strive to balance the workforce so that the stories brands tell are created by individuals that fairly represent our societal and cultural makeup.
The Brand Storytelling team is dedicated to the success of this imperative. As caretakers of this community, we have a responsibility to ensure that all individuals have equal and fair access to career opportunities within our industry. We have a unique opportunity to affect hundreds of individual careers in just a few short years and contribute towards leveling the imbalance that currently exists within the workforce. We know we can make a difference. Ignoring the opportunity would be contributing to the problem.
As Dr. King said, “It’s always the right time to do the right thing.”
Benefits to qualified participants
at zero cost include:
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Access to full library of premium content on BrandStorytelling+
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Enrollment in Professional Certification courses in Brand Filmmaking and Purpose-Driven Brand Storytelling (more courses to come in 2023)
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Opportunity to respond to course sponsor’s RFP and present directly to brand team
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Connection to assigned sponsor for mentorship, endorsement and introductions
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Attendance to job fairs and recruiting workshops
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Profile and resume in participant directory
FAQ
Why Brand Storytelling?
Because the community we serve consists of industry leaders that provide quality training, education, mentoring and sponsorship. They can break down the barriers and influence the gatekeepers. They can make REAL change.
Isn’t this already happening with
various organizations and industry associations?
Sure, and we hope they are successful, but there is NOT an effort underway aimed specifically at the burgeoning business of brand storytelling. That’s our jam and where we intend to make a difference.
How many participants will be welcomed to the program?
We hope to qualify and welcome up to 500 individuals over the next three years.
Who can apply to participate?
Any under-represented individual desiring a role in the brand storytelling industry, including; BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Asian and Hispanics.
What experience or educational criteria is necessary for acceptance?
We will consider anyone with an interest and/or background in creative services, production and storytelling.
Are there any associated or hidden costs to participate?
NO! It’s free to qualified applicants.
I love this! How can I help?
If you are someone working in the business with established contacts and 5+ years of experience, you might be suited to serve as a sponsor. Contact us and let’s talk!
DIVERSITY IMPERATIVE
STEERING COMMITTEE
Sarah Colamarino
Diversity Imperative
Program Champion
Rick
Parkhill
Brand Storytelling
Director
Stephen Marshall, Phd
ETSU
CMO, ETSU
Research Corp
Sharron
Polk
Honor the Gift
CMO/Brand Operator
Lou
Dubois
Home Depot
Sr. Director, Content, Communications
Tashion Macon, Phd
Strut Agency
Principal
Allison
Polly
PepsiCo
Head of Content Development & Distribution
Rob
Sundy
LAZBoy
SVP, Chief
Commercial Officer
Eric
Tu
EST Media
President
Co-Founder
Charles
Ifegwu
The Fifth
Managing Director
Sarah
Squiers
Televisa Univision
Executive Vice President
Afdhel
Aziz
Conspiracy of Love
Founder
Jon-Thomas
Royston
Never Whisper Justice
CEO & Co-Founder
Shannon
Pruitt
Stagwell Media Network
Global Chief Content Officer
Alberto
Ferreras
Televisa Univision
Executive
Creative-in-Residence
Terry
City
Tastemade
Head of Partnerships
Zach
Kazin
Vox Media
Head of Content Partnerships, Vox Creative
Brian
Newman
Sub-Genre
CEO
DIVERSITY IMPERATIVE
GRANTEES
Landon Jermain
Adams, MDiv
New Salem
Baptist Church
Director for Department of Maturity
Ime
Etuk
Lion Speaks
Founder
Director & Producer
Desmond Jackson
Academy Gold
Creative Director
& Project Manager
Timothy
Offor
Coco Butter Family
Writer/Director/Producer
Eternal
Polk
Writer & Director
Heidi
Reinberg
Necessary Pictures
Executive Producer
Eric D.
Seals
Digifé
Director & Cinematographer
Mina
Fitzpatrick
Documentary
Filmmaker
Clairesa
Clay
For My People
Film Curator, Writer, Director
Kenwyn
Forgenie
Kaiso
Chief Executive Officer
Jeff
Baraka
Planet Boom!
Journalist/Presenter
Creator/Producer
Simmy
Bhargava
Dentsu
Content Director
Sabrina
Ruiz
Independent
Strategic Marketing Communications & PR Consultant
Jonathan
Lopez
And Them
Creative Director
Daquan
Saxton
Saxton Pictures
President
Paloma Duplat
​Santofimio
Hidden Village Films
Associate Producer
Whitney Spencer, M.Ed.
Kartemquin Films
Director of Marketing
and Distribution
Samra
Seifu
ADCOLOR
Advisory Board Member
Gisele
Chu
Narrative
Publicist Assistant
David
Alvardo
Structure Films
Director, Producer
Rodrigo
Olivar
Independent
Director, Editor, Producer
Anwulika
Oputa
RELATE Media Group
Creative Strategist + Experiential Producer
Khalid
Seña
NYC Mayor Office
Production Coordinator