“Diversity is definitely a very important thing in any industry in the world, especially advertising because advertising can literally influence and affect the world.”
–Tiffany Edwards, P.O.P
I can’t recall the exact moment when I decided I wanted to go into advertising but I do remember gravitating towards the profession very early on in college. However, even once I decided I wanted to focus on it in school it took me awhile to figure out whether or not I wanted to work on the creative or account side. I think my struggle to decide was due in large part to the conflicting parts of my personality and the various passions and interests I have. Be it as a child or as an adult, I’ve always enjoyed assignments or projects that allow me to showcase my creativity and/or strategic problem solving skills. Ultimately though, what led me to the account services side was my passion for helping people tell their story/message and solve their problems, both strategically and creatively. It’s a decision I’ve yet to regret and one I’m thankful I made.
But what if I hadn’t been fortunate enough to attend a school that offered a degree in advertising or grown up in a house with parents that encouraged me to cultivate my curiosity and creativity and pursue my passions? Or, what if I wasn’t Caucasian? Yes, I’m bringing race into things because most of the advertising world is predominantly white. I don’t know why, but it is. What I do know is that in order for advertising to thrive in the coming decades the advertising community as a whole must work together and make it a priority to expose young people of diverse backgrounds to the agency world and all the amazing positions that exist within it. Without diversity in advertising we as an industry are limiting ourselves and missing out on ideas and ways of thinking that people of a diverse background can bring to the table.
Interestingly enough, the other day I came across an inspiring short film titled, “The Pursuit of Passion: Diversity in Advertising,” created in partnership by the 4A’s and VCU Brandcenter. According to VCU Brandcenter’s Rick Boyko, ‘Pursuit of Passion’ is aimed at ‘exposing, educating and exciting minority high-school and community-college students, as well as their counselors and parents, to the opportunities available in a career in the advertising and marketing industries.’ Mr. Boyko, along with Cecilia Gorman, VP-director of creative services at Y&R/Wunderman, Irvine, Calif., served as managing director and producer on the film that features perspectives, insights and stories from agency folk from the likes of TBWA\Chiat\Day, Ogilvy & Mather, Young & Rubicam Brands, McCann Erickson, Bartle Bogle Hegarty, Omnicom, and MDC Partners to name a few.
Visit the Pursuit of Passion Web Site to see clips and learn the latest updates on this important project or view the film in its entirety above.
If you found this post/subject interesting you should also check out a recent Advertising Age article titled, ‘Minneapolis’ BrandLab Aims to Diversify Ad World’s Future.’ It’s a great piece about the efforts of the Minneapolis ad community to connect diverse and low-income high school students with some of Minneapolis’ most talented marketers and agencies.
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