Diversity-Driven Marketing Symposium

Opening Remarks

The (un)Intended Consequences of the Affirmative Action Ruling in the Workplace

How can Corporate America continue to build diverse pipelines despite the Supreme Court ruling?

In 1965, Affirmative Action policies were established as a cornerstone of American civil rights, aiming to eliminate employment discrimination and guarantee equal opportunities regardless of race, sex, gender, religion, national origin, or disability. The Supreme Court’s 2003 decision further extended these principles, permitting educational institutions to consider race in admissions. However, twenty years later, the Supreme Court reversed its decision, compelling colleges and corporations to rethink (or eliminate) their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices.

Join our distinguished panel of experts who will offer insightful perspectives on:

• The Broader Implications: This segment explores the downstream effects of the Supreme Court’s decision on diversifying professional environments. We’ll examine how this ruling could reshape the future of corporate and societal advancement, focusing on the integral role of diversity in fostering innovation and growth.
• Impact on Students of Color: This critical discussion centers on the specific challenges and consequences faced by students of color in the workplace. We’ll delve into the perceived impact and how students can create opportunities to ensure they can develop prosperous long-term careers and maintain their overall mental well-being.
• Strategies for Hiring Managers and Organizations: In this solution-focused segment, we’ll provide practical insights for hiring managers and organizational leaders. Learn how to effectively build and maintain diverse talent pipelines and champion DEI initiatives within various professional disciplines and organizational structures, ensuring a commitment to inclusivity and equity remains strong despite the changing legal landscape. 

This session is an essential platform for marketers, educators, corporate leaders, HR professionals, and anyone committed to understanding and navigating the evolving dynamics of Affirmative Action and DEI in the wake of this significant judicial shift.

Community Spotlight by Destine Tucker, VP of DEI, AMA Puget Sound

Decoding AI Bias in Marketing

How Marketing teams can leverage AI responsibly and ethically.

In marketing, creativity and imagery play a pivotal role in connecting with audiences through visual representation. Yet, for so long, an exclusion loop has pervaded our society, creating a societal gap that has yet to be remedied. This exclusion loop is being exacerbated by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that aren’t leading with inclusion in mind. While AI proves to be a promising technology that will only grow in capability and usage, it will also have a substantial effect on the very people it seeks to empower. So, if the tech that you are using is not inclusive, how can ensure that you are building authentic connections with your customers?

Join the visionary founders of PocStock, who are intentionally forging a union between imagery AI, all with the overarching goal of empowering marketers to harness AI responsibly and ethically when connecting with their diverse audiences. Together, we will answer three questions:

1. What are the table stakes for marketers using AI tools as it pertains to DEIA?
2. What are the repercussions of AI bias in marketing, and how can it be mitigated?
3. What is the most responsible and ethical way to leverage AI for marketing efforts?

This engaging discussion promises to shed light on the intersection of creativity, imagery, and AI in the marketing landscape and lead marketers on a path toward more inclusive, ethical, and effective marketing practices.

Community Spotlight by Andrea Smith, Immediate Past President, AMA Washington DC

Becoming a Culturally Intelligent Marketer

Community Spotlight by Vanessa Torres, President, AMA Professional Chapters Council

Strategies for Unlocking Supplier Diversity in Marketing

How marketers can incrementally deliver on their DEI goals by leveraging their vendors.

In the ever-evolving landscape of marketing, embracing supplier diversity has emerged as a paramount objective for organizations striving to make a lasting impact. “Strategies for Unlocking Supplier Diversity in Marketing” explores the power and influence marketing can have on advancing economic vitality through supplier diversity efforts.

Hosted by a cross-functional panel of experts in marketing, procurement, and supplier diversity programs, this webinar will unravel key insights, strategies, and thought-provoking discussions about:

• Recognizing Marketing’s Role: Explore the pivotal role that marketing plays in creating equity within the supplier ecosystem and gain meaningful insights into how marketing’s influence extends across branding, creativity, campaigns, PR, and customer experiences when curating a diverse supplier pool.
• The Three Phases of Impact: We’ll take a closer look at the three fundamental phases of supplier interaction: identification, engagement, and amplification. Discover how marketers can proactively create opportunities for diverse suppliers and passionately advocate for their inclusion throughout this intricate process.
• Collaborations for Success: Delve into the significance of forging strong partnerships between marketing teams and key stakeholders, such as Chief Diversity Officers and Chief Procurement Officers, and why this level of collaboration is pivotal not only for achieving Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) goals but also for aligning with broader corporate objectives, including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG).

This session is tailored for marketing leaders, Chief Diversity Officers, procurement leaders, and all individuals entrusted with critical decisions regarding supplier selection. Our aim is for attendees to leave with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the marketing supplier landscape and be equipped with practical strategies to drive meaningful change within their teams and organizations.

Closing Remarks