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Adrian Hernandez is a creative director and founder of Need Pastel, a marketing agency shaping culture through music, design, and bold storytelling. He’s also the founder of Ugly Primo, a creative platform celebrating Latino culture. From working with artists like Bad Bunny and Peso Pluma to building brands that cut through clutter, Adrian’s vision centers on creativity, community, and cultural impact. His work bridges music, art, and marketing to create moments that last.

Award-winning actor Adrian Holmes is best known for his role as Uncle Phil in Peacock’s hit series Bel-Air – for which he won the 2024 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor. He also stars as Admiral Robert April in Paramount+’s Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and previously led Netflix’s V-Wars. His acclaimed role in 19-2 earned him the Canadian Screen Award for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Born in Wrexham, North Wales, and raised in Vancouver, Holmes has also appeared on film in Skyscraper, Elysium, Chained, Debug, Vendetta, and Red Riding Hood.

Alicia transforms global brands into cultural icons by crafting marketing strategies that resonate with audiences. She has led brand, engagement, and social strategy for major brands like BMW, Roc Nation, PepsiCo, The North Face, Samsung, Pernod Ricard, and AT&T at agencies including Ogilvy, United Entertainment Group, and most recently, Translation, where she is Group Strategy Director. Alicia is also the creator of The Invisible Thread, a digital series and community that highlights strategists of color and their influence on culture. After one season, The Invisible Thread has become an essential mentorship resource for strategists of color.

Anahit Kirakosian is a creator who blends her Latino and Armenian heritage with a vibrant online presence that inspires connection and cultural pride. With over one million followers across social platforms, she has established herself as a leading voice and creative force behind Latino-driven campaigns that celebrate authenticity and community. Anahit uses her platform to create content that feels genuine, empowering, and deeply connected to her community, making culture the heart of every story she tells.

Anastasia Ali is an innovator in the evolving landscape of media and entertainment. As Vice President of Inclusive Marketing & Audience Growth at The Walt Disney Company, she leads enterprise strategies that advance market reach and strengthen Disney’s cultural relevance. The architect behind the Webby-nominated Disney “The Power of Joy” creator platform, Anastasia, builds authentic community ecosystems that drive engagement and measurable business growth. With over two decades of leadership spanning startups to global brands, and prior experience as VP of Marketing for The Walt Disney Studios, she continues to redefine how companies connect with consumers worldwide.

Ashley T Brundage started her second career as a means of survival. Fighting discrimination, harassment, and homelessness, she found employment as a part time associate, then rose to national VP of Human Resources in less than 5 years when she worked in the banking industry. She captured this process of career development in her award winning book and leadership development program called Empowering Differences, and now serves as President & CEO. Personally, she enjoys time with her 2 adult sons, who serve as the main source of inspiration and empowerment for her.

Ashley Simms is an experienced communications leader with 12+ years in technology and public sector PR. She currently leads PR and executive communications for Google Public Sector’s education, state, and local government business. She leverages deep experience in strategic communications to highlight how Google Cloud is transforming government services and education. Prior to Google, she managed PR for global education, state and local government initiatives at Amazon Web Services. She was also a Vice President at FleishmanHillard, managing large-scale campaigns for federal and consumer clients, with a focus on military, public health, and cybersecurity communications.

CJ is a commanding voice in media and digital culture, known for creating sharp, stylish, and irresistibly entertaining content that blends satire, luxury, and charisma. His videos offer a playful critique of status, privilege, and perception.

With a proven track record in both corporate marketing and creative leadership, CJ seamlessly bridges the worlds of boardrooms and social feeds. He curates experiences, builds audiences, and cultivates community—all while pushing conversations forward around visibility and belonging in high spaces.

From viral sketches to red carpet hosting to brand collaborations, CJ is building a modern media empire rooted in influence, entertainment, and excellence.

CP is a leader with 20+ years of experience growing tech businesses and innovating through new technologies. As North American AI Advertising Director, CP’s role is to lead North American brands and agencies into the future of audience engagement by adopting Microsoft’s AI Solutions. CP has been a proud member of the ADCOLOR Board of Directors for the past 4 years, and before that he was an active participant in the ADCOLOR community. Before his role as North American AI Advertising Lead, CP built businesses in gaming, advertising, SMB/Corporate marketplaces and Enterprise Sales.

Candace D. Queen is a hope-driven creative leader committed to designing more intentional and equitable futures. Her work is deeply rooted in neuroaesthetics—the science of how design impacts our well-being—to build restorative systems for brands, careers, and communities.

This mission comes to life through her creative studio, Tabernacle, which crafts culturally-rooted brand experiences, and her platform, Bright Road, which redefines career and leadership development. A longtime champion for the future of creative-powered industries, Candace is a proud ADCOLOR Unsung Hero and FUTURES Alum. She currently serves as ADCOLOR’s Strategic Growth Advisor.

An award-winning creative entrepreneur, Candace’s work through Tabernacle has been recognized by Goldman Sachs’ Black in Business Program and the Estée Lauder x Vital Voices VV Visionaries Initiative. With a passion for civic engagement, Candace is an alum of the LBJ Campaign School for Women and the NAACP’s NEXTGEN Fellowship.

Candace has also been recognized as a Rockstar by the Advertising Club of New York, one of the 4A’s 100 People Who Make Advertising Great, a 4A’s MAIPer to Watch, and a Bill Sharp Award Honoree.

Carla Banks Waddles, a Detroit native, studied journalism at Northwestern’s Medill School before pursuing her passion for storytelling in film and television. After earning her MFA in Screenwriting from USC, she launched a 20+ year career writing and producing hit shows like That’s So Raven, Half & Half, Hit The Floor, and Good Girls. She now serves as Showrunner and Executive Producer of Bel-Air, for which she won an NAACP Award for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series. She founded Babycakes Productions, Inc. as a vehicle for her creative projects, now being developed under her overall deal at Universal Television.

Cassandra Freeman is a dynamic actress, entrepreneur, and founder of Creatricity, a platform dedicated to empowering diverse creatives and amplifying underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry. She is best known for her role as Aunt Viv in Peacock’s Bel-Air.

Cassandra’s body of work also includes Inside Man, I Think I Love My Wife, The Enemy Within, Luke Cage, and Atlanta. Beyond the screen, Cassandra is a passionate advocate for women and creators of color. She is committed to fostering an industry where untold stories are celebrated and where all creatives are celebrated and have the resources and platforms.

Channing Martin is IPG’s Global Chief Diversity and Social Impact Officer, leading efforts to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and social impact across the company’s global network. Reporting to the CEO, she drives strategies to diversify senior leadership, build inclusive talent pipelines, and integrate DEI into business practices. Before joining IPG, Channing served as
Chief Diversity and Social Responsibility Officer at CSG and held DEI leadership roles with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Her career is defined by creating measurable, lasting impact through inclusive and equitable leadership.

Criseli Roddy is a strategic leader, equity champion, and cross-functional collaborator with nearly 15 years of experience driving inclusive culture transformation across global organizations. Currently serving as Associate Director of Inclusion & Impact at Omnicom Media Group, she brings a unique blend of emotional intelligence, program management expertise, and a DEI-centered approach to solving today’s most pressing workforce challenges—especially around engagement, retention, and internal communications.

Criseli’s career has been defined by her ability to lead with empathy while delivering measurable outcomes. From launching global ERGs and managing BRG leadership teams, to producing annual DEI reports and C-suite–backed initiatives, she integrates equity into every layer of the employee experience. Her cross-functional leadership and passion for purpose-driven work extends to her role as Director of Programs at ADCOLOR, where she oversees the FUTURES and LEADERS programs, cultivating the next generation of diverse talent in the creative industries.

A lifelong learner and creative thinker, Criseli recently earned certifications from Harvard Business School in Disruptive Strategy (2023) and AI Essentials for Business (2025)—further equipping her to align people strategies with business outcomes in an era of rapid change.

Recognized by the Hispanic Executive’s NextGen Collective 30 Under 30 and recipient of the AD Club of New York’s Rockstar Award, Criseli is a storyteller, connector, and culture builder on a mission to change hearts and minds one act of kindness at a time.

DJ Jazzy Jeff is a renowned DJ, music producer, and entrepreneur with a thriving career that spans more than three decades. Jeff’s rich legacy in music includes a DMC Championship, an EMMY Award, multiple GRAMMY Awards, American Music Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and multiple nominations. Introduced to the world as one half of DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, his accomplishments extend beyond his multi-platinum, Grammy-winning collaborations with Will Smith. Notable is his acclaimed production company, A Touch of Jazz, credited for work with Michael Jackson, Jill Scott, Darius Rucker, and more. In 2015, he founded the PLAYLIST Retreat, an invitation-only event that brings artists together to inspire, motivate, and fuel collaboration.

Prior to 2020, DJ Jazzy Jeff performed all over the globe and chronicled his travels in his Vinyl Destination web series. And when a global pandemic forced the world into lockdown, Jeff moved the party, literally, in-house with his signiture livestream series, The Magnificent House Party. 

Danielle McMeekin is Head of Global Performance Sales at Microsoft Advertising, leading revenue and partnerships with Microsoft’s top brands and agencies across 130+ markets worldwide. She oversees Global Ads revenue for Bing, Outlook, and MSN, and drives Mid-Market Acquisition and Sales House partnerships. She plays a key role in advancing Microsoft’s $20B advertising business, helping brands and agencies unlock full-funnel solutions and embrace emerging technologies. McMeekin brings deep expertise in global sales strategy, client partnerships, and driving innovation across the media landscape.

Dez Marzette is a Creative Advertising executive with two decades of experience working with the biggest brands and icons in the world.

Following teaching UC Berkeley’s first course in Hip Hop Studies, he worked at some of the most popular radio stations in the country before becoming a founding member of the Def Jam Mobile executive team in 2000.

Transitioning to advertising, he contributed to top agencies like Wieden + Kennedy and CAA, for brands including Nike and Coke. Currently, as Executive Creative Director at TBWA\Chiat\Day LA’s Sports & Lifestyle group, Dez leads creative work for Gatorade and Levi’s.

At Spotify, Erin Styles leads 360-degree communications across advertising, internal messaging, and now podcasts and audiobooks. She ensures Spotify’s story connects with advertisers, media, employees, and creators. After earning a Media, Culture and Communications degree from NYU, she worked at NBCUniversal on Saturday Night Live before moving to Oxygen Media and Publicis. Since joining Spotify in 2017, she launched Spotify Advance, debuting generative AI ads to industry leaders, and oversees comms at Cannes Lions and CES. Internally, she created The Download, a PRWeek-shortlisted employee series. She mentors through New York Women in Communications and enjoys time with her Dachshund puppy.

Gerardo is a Group Creative Director and boomerang @ 72andSunny, leading the NFL and Cadillac. Formerly the VP of Creative at The Athlete Storytelling Company, founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, and also an alum of TBWA\Chiat\Day. Gerardo has created work for Nike, adidas, the NFL, P&G, ESPN, Gatorade, and more. Born in Denver, Colorado, and a graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, Gerardo is a proud Mexican-American whose passion lies in telling human stories through the lens of sport. His guiding principle is simple: make the work personal, with the same care he gives his own story.

Hunter Mitchell-Adams (he/him/his) is the Equity+Impact Manager for Wieden+Kennedy. In this role, he partners with the Head of Equity+Impact to support the network, fostering an environment where employees feel safe to produce the best creative possible and provide access to the necessary tools for success in their work.

Before transitioning into the diversity, equity and inclusion space, Hunter was an executive assistant to C-Suite roles and an account manager at Grey Group and Cheil (Samsung). Outside of work, the former competitive swimmer is a dog dad, living in Washington Heights.

Isis Fabian is a neurodiversity speaker, researcher, and ICF-certified coach helping individuals and organizations embrace divergent thinking to confront the interconnected challenges of our time.

Isis, who is autistic, has partnered with organizations ranging from 30 to 30,000 employees and led mixed-methods research on workplace experience across global markets and diverse topics, most recently authoring The Neuroinclusion Imperative: Unlocking Untapped Potential. Their work is grounded in a commitment to nuance, liberation, and an insistence on subverting
“business as usual” to illuminate the problem-solving capacities and unseen strengths of those on the margins—our most vital resource for a radically transformed future.

Korean American creator and DJ from LA blending fashion, beauty, and sports with authenticity.

Jason Rosario is an award-winning executive, cultural strategist, and impact-driven leader shaping the national dialogue on masculinity, identity, and belonging. With over a decade of experience at the intersection of media, marketing, and business, Jason brings a multi-hyphenate perspective to storytelling, strategy, and systems change.

In 2017, he founded The Lives of Men (TLoM), a multimedia platform reimagining how men engage with purpose, identity, and emotional well-being.

Most recently, he served as Global Chief Impact Officer and Board Member at BBDO Worldwide, where he led inclusive marketing strategy, operational culture change, and client partnership innovation.

Jayde I. Powell is a creatorpreneur and social media strategist from Atlanta with 12+ years in marketing. She is the founder and head of creative at The Em Dash Co, a social-first creative agency leading strategic and creative campaigns for global brands, including Netflix, Timberland, LinkedIn, The Coca-Cola Company, and more. She’s also the host of #CreatorTeaTalk, a community fostering transparent conversations around creators, content, and culture. Known for her humorous presence on LinkedIn—popularly dubbed “The Briefcase App”—she champions Black, brown, and queer creatives while shaping conversations at the intersection of advertising, entrepreneurship, and the creator economy.

José Alvarado is a Honduran-born, NYC-based music curator working at the intersection of art and social impact. At THE OFFICE performing arts + film, he has curated for venues and festivals including MASS MoCA, The Momentary, Celebrate Brooklyn!, and the FreshGrass Festivals, and served as Co-Artistic Director at Guild Hall of East Hampton. He co-created the Young Masters series, celebrating a new generation of artistic pioneers, and has produced projects for NPR’s Tiny Desk x GlobalFest, the Rolex Arts Initiative, TROOKO, Ella Bric, Yo-Yo Ma, Angélique Kidjo, and Aurelio Martínez. In 2026, he joins the music curatorial team at CANYON, NYC.

Kameron Mack is an award-winning filmmaker, creative director, producer and host. As the former Director of Creative Content at Westbrook Media, he led creative for projects including Will Smith’s King Richard, Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever with Bevel, the TV series Bel-Air, and Britney Spears’ The Woman in Me. His work spans to the Emmy-winning Red Table Talk, Grindr’s Who’s the Asshole, and projects featuring Miley Cyrus, Naomi Campbell and Lil Nas X. His credits also include producing for Complex Networks, Paramount+, and NBCUniversal, and appearing on-camera for Meta and Walmart. In 2021, he received the Native Son Next Award.

Kelsey Lindell is the founder + CEO of Misfit Media, a disability strategy consultancy supporting creative teams to create more effective, inclusive content. Using proprietary frameworks built from a deep knowledge of advertising and disability community knowledge, her company advises enterprise and Fortune 500 companies, as well as agencies of all sizes.

Khleo is a multi-talented on and off-screen actor, host, content creator, gamer, and entrepreneur with a personality that is second to none when it comes to enthusiasm about everything he does in life. He is best known for his role as “Zero” from the hit Disney movie Holes, in addition to roles in more than 20 other films and 16 television shows. When Khleo is not working on his next role in a movie or show, he is hosting an event, streaming a variety of games daily on his Twitch channel, or creating short-form content across his other social channels.

Lachi is a world-touring recording artist and author, award-winning music executive, globally-renowned disability inclusion advocate, host of PBS series Renegades, and Recording Academy National Trustee. Born legally blind, Lachi created RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), collaborating on disability-inclusive solutions with Netflix, Live Nation and more, while bringing career opportunities to music creatives with disabilities. Her track Lift Me Up reached #29 on U.S. Adult Contemporary radio. Named USA Today Woman of the Year, ADCOLOR Innovator and on both Billboard Pride and Forbes Accessibility 100 lists, Lachi’s cultural activism has landed her spots on national ads and stages.

Lauren Ashley Smith is a writer and co-host of the Gracie award-winning SiriusXM radio show, Smith Sisters Live. On the TV side, she is currently in an overall deal at CBS Studios. Prior, she was the head writer and co-EP of the first two seasons of HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show, which earned her three Emmy nominations. Last year, Smith was tapped to write a feature produced by Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders and H.E.R. Smith’s other credits include being head writer on The Rundown With Robin Thede and a senior producer on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.

Elizabeth (Liz) Lem joined Kensington Grey as Chief of Staff and Strategy with nearly two decades of experience creating meaningful connections between brands and consumers through paid media, custom content, and partnerships. As SVP, Client Experience at Havas Media Group, she was the only North American client lead overseeing business across the US and Canada for premium brands. Liz has been recognized with industry accolades, including Silver in the Cannes Young Media Competition, and served as Chair of the Ad Club of Toronto Digital Day. Liz currently serves as a Board Member of The Ad Club of Toronto.

MARA BROCK AKIL has written and produced over 400 episodes of television, leaving her mark on Hollywood. She’s received the prestigious Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award by NATPE, and has been named in Variety and The Hollywood Reporter’s Showrunner Power Lists. Akil’s most recent project was the critically acclaimed Netflix adaptation of the 1975 Judy Blume novel FOREVER. The series was renewed for a season 2 and premiered to rave reviews. In 2021, Mara expanded her passion for non-profit work and started her very own non-profit writing residency in Los Angeles, the Writers’ Colony, where she supports up-and-coming underrepresented writers/creatives.

Melvin Rodriguez is a visionary entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist whose leadership spans beauty, wellness, tech, and community development. As Co-Founder and COO of Mielle, he helped grow the brand from one product in 2014 to a global powerhouse empowering women of color. With two decades of engineering experience at UPS, he brings operational excellence and strategic precision to every venture. Beyond business, Melvin champions education, mentorship, and youth empowerment through Mielle Cares and advisory board roles. He also hosts The Blessed Code podcast, blending faith, entrepreneurship, and storytelling to inspire purposeful living.

Michele Ghee is the Chief Content Officer at Essence Ventures, overseeing content strategy for Essence Magazine, Essence.com, Essence Music Festival, Essence Studios, and the Essence YouTube Channel. A dynamic media executive, she has generated over a billion dollars in revenue at Ebony and Jet, Allen Media Group, CNN, A&E, The History Channel, and BET Networks, where she launched BETHer, the first network for Black women. Her mission is to lead people, transform communities, and drive revenue. Ghee is an accomplished author and recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from Golden Gate University. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and children.

Mimi is a first-generation Vietnamese-American, daughter of refugees, and Mom to Vietnamese-Puerto Rican American daughters. She is the Executive Producer of Cannes Lion-winning films, “The Myth” and “Call It Covid.” She currently occupies the role of Equity + Impact Producer at Wieden+Kennedy. In an industry that champions brands, Mimi champions people. She uses her position in the industry to identify opportunities for brands to act as platforms to uplift marginalized communities. And where there are none, she creates them.

Monique Rodriguez is the Founder & CEO of Mielle, the fastest-growing Black-founded and woman-led beauty brand, available in over 100,000 U.S. stores and 90+ countries. Under her leadership, Mielle secured a nine-figure investment from Berkshire Partners and later partnered with P&G Beauty, solidifying its global reach. With a community of over 1M Mielle Mavens, Monique has been recognized on Glossy 50, WWD Power Players and Ebony 100. Beyond business, she champions empowerment through Mielle Cares and advisory roles with Hope Chicago and Building Better Futures. Monique is also the author of The Glory in Your Story, inspiring others to lead with faith and purpose.

Neisha Tweed Bell is an award-winning creative director and educator with over 20 years driving creative transformation for global brands. A former leader at Meta and Publicis, she built billion-dollar practices and culture-shaping programs that raised standards for creative excellence, innovation, and inclusion. As founder of Next Level Up Creative, Neisha helps creatives stay sharp as the industry shifts, evolving creative fundamentals for AI-powered creativity, cultural storytelling, and social media. She leads ADCOLOR’s Entrepreneurs Community, empowering creative professionals to build sustainable businesses and networks.

Nikki Buchanan is a sales and marketing executive with over 18 years of experience driving brand investment, innovation, and excellence in multicultural marketing. She currently leads the multicultural marketing and sales practice at SiriusXM Media, including platforms like SoundCloud and Pandora. As the national lead for multicultural audiences and consumer insights, Nikki bridges the gap between culture, community and engagement, which empowers advertisers to effectively engage consumers, drive growth strategies and resonate effectively with audiences that define the future of the advertising industry.

Omar Goff is President of Mielle, the fastest-growing textured hair care brand, where he drives growth through innovation, supply chain excellence, and brand-building. Since taking the helm, he has led milestone achievements, including Mielle’s first national TV commercial, a historic WNBA partnership, and a transformed media strategy. A 20+ year P&G veteran and FAMU MBA graduate, Omar previously spearheaded $500M in cost savings in Product Supply and delivered record-breaking growth for Old Spice, including its award-winning “Men Have Skin Too” campaign. A passionate leader, Omar is committed to empowering generations to come and resonating with multicultural consumers worldwide.

Rachel Lindsay is an author, attorney, and media personality. She co-hosts the Higher Learning and Morally Corrupt podcasts and made history as the first Black lead on ABC’s The Bachelorette (Season 13). A former attorney at Cooper & Scully, she is the author of Miss Me With That (2022) and Real Love (2023). Rachel has appeared on CNN, ESPN, NBC, Bravo, and The View, among others. She also serves as a College Football Playoff Foundation ambassador and on the University of Texas at Austin’s College of Education Advisory Council.

Rachel Smith is the co-host of Smith Sisters Live, the daily, Gracie Award-winning SiriusXM radio show on Andy Cohen’s channel, Radio Andy. Off the mic, she is also an award-winning social media executive who takes her obsessions with celebrities and their online behaviors seriously. Her dedication to evangelizing about the power of pop culture stems from her tenure on marketing, talent relations, and production teams at organizations like Sesame Street, TIDAL, and VH1.

Rachita’s a strategist and DEI advocate who’s spent her career working on brands, hot takes, and herself. She’s worked with Netflix, Nintendo, Hinge, Corona, Modelo, the American Indian College Fund, and most recently DoorDash, helping win the Cannes Titanium Grand Prix for their groundbreaking 2024 Super Bowl campaign. As an ERG lead, co-lead of Asians @ ADCOLOR, and 2020 ADCOLOR Future, she’s crafted executive training, thought leadership, and programming throughout Wieden+Kennedy, Publicis Groupe, and the industry as a whole. She believes diversity’s our most potent fuel for creativity, culture, and the bottom line. (Plus, it makes for way better food!)

Executive Creative Director, currently Global Director of Brand Creative for Airbnb. In my current role, I sit central to brand and creative development and lead all campaign efforts internationally. Prior to Airbnb, I worked across Europe and the US, most recently as ECD for 72andSunny Amsterdam. I’ve been lucky to have worked across many genres from gaming with Xbox and Activision to tech brands like Google and Uber, as well as other notable brands (Audi IKEA, Sonos). I prefer being a misfit among misfits, excited about finding the simple, soulful truth of a brand and bringing it to life.

Richelieu Dennis is the Executive Chairman of the Sundial Group of Companies, spanning beauty, media, technology, and culture. He founded Sundial Brands (SheaMoisture, Nubian Heritage), which eventually led to a historic acquisition by Unilever. Shortly thereafter, Richelieu launched the New Voices Fund to invest in and empower emerging entrepreneurs. As Chair of Sundial Technology & Media Group (STMG), he oversees brands including ESSENCE, Afropunk, BeautyCon, and, as of 2024, Refinery29. With over 30 years of business leadership, Richelieu champions a community-commerce-culture business model, creating economic pathways for underserved communities and transforming access to capital, mentorship, and opportunities for overlooked founders.

A passionate travel enthusiast, business owner, and dedicated advocate for diversity in tech, Rob is a seasoned professional with a proven track record in account management and digital marketing. Currently serving as a Senior Account Executive at LinkedIn, he specializes in building strong relationships with technology clients and driving impactful business outcomes.

Prior to his role at LinkedIn, Rob worked at Google in Travel and TechB2B, where he helped prominent brands like Meta, CheapOair, and HubSpot enhance their digital presence across platforms such as Search and YouTube. During his tenure at Google, he also co-led the Black Googler Network NYC Chapter, focusing on fostering external partnerships and creating a supportive community for Black employees.

Committed to giving back, Rob volunteers as a mentor for Black and Latinx high school students interested in STEM careers through the Governor’s Committee for Scholastic Achievement. He provides guidance on resume building, college preparation, and professional development, helping students navigate their academic and career paths. Rob has served as Co-Lead for the ADCOLOR FUTURES Hackathon and has been active on the ADCOLOR Advisory Board since 2021.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Rob is a dedicated entrepreneur. He runs nineOH7 (nineoh7.com), a thriving online apparel and accessories brand that celebrates HBCUs and Black art where he is a licensed vendor for 15+ HBCUs and has even partnered with Lids to get into 5 college bookstores. With a keen eye for design and a passion for creativity, he leverages his skills to help small business owners develop effective marketing strategies.

A proud alumnus of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and the University of Maryland University College, Rob brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion to his work.

Ronnie Dickerson Stewart is a two-time ADCOLOR Award Winner, creator and host of The Career Clinic Podcast, and founder of OhHeyCoach, a leadership development, career design, & learning company. Her forthcoming book, WORK LIFE REMIX (in stores 2026), offers provocations & guidance to help leaders reclaim their self-agency, while designing a life and career that aligns with who they are rather than what they do. Across her 20+ year career, Ronnie has worked within and alongside some of the most recognized companies across the creative and tech industries, bringing her expertise to spaces where creativity, commerce, culture, and leadership intersect.

Roo Yeshpaul Johnson is a senior marketing leader shaping the future of social, influence, and brand storytelling. With 17+ years across global brands and agencies, she leads Enterprise Social and Influencer Strategy at Adobe and is the founder of Be: Renowned, a strategic consultancy helping leaders build authority, visibility, and opportunity through thought leadership. A 2023 ADCOLOR Leader and LinkedIn Creator, Roo is known for her direct, human approach to social-led brand building, creator partnerships, and AI in marketing. She champions representation and equity in leadership and is a military spouse and mum of three boys.

Rosanna Durruthy is a trailblazer, a change igniter, and currently the Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIBs), Employee Experience and Talent Development at LinkedIn. Her career spans the Technology, Finance, Healthcare, and Media & Entertainment industries, reflecting her versatility and depth of expertise across human capital disciplines. Beyond her corporate leadership, Rosanna is an angel investor and advisor to startups, championing emerging innovators and next-generation leaders. A lifelong advocate for human potential, she continues to inspire others to lead with authenticity, equity, and purpose.

Sean Choi is your everyday first-gen Korean American, neurodivergent New Yorker on a crusade to arouse influential creativity through cultural fluency. Client jerseys he’s hung up include Google, DoorDash and Snapchat while repping award-winning shops. Sean’s side quest is ushering in future changemakers as a Parsons School of Design instructor. He’s brought honor to his family & career by taking the keynote stage at 4A’s Stratfest, interviewing the Oscars-sweeping directors of Everything Everywhere All At Once, podcasting with strategy godfathers Mark Pollard & Julian Cole, curating an industry-beloved cultural moments resource, & being dubbed an official Rockstar by Ad Club.

Shannae Ingleton-Smith is a creator, strategist, and multi-hyphenate entrepreneur conquering the media space. With a background in sales, managing a multimillion-dollar portfolio for one of Canada’s largest media conglomerates, she eventually set her sights on social media and launched Kensington Grey, an influencer management agency in 2019.

To date, Ingleton Smith’s agency represents over 100+ of the most powerful voices from underrepresented communities in the industry, who execute numerous successful campaigns with notable clients in the luxury, beauty, fashion, and lifestyle spaces.

Shola Aminu is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of The Mixx, where he leads operations and drives organizational excellence across the agency. He brings 15 years of multinational experience spanning the sports, media, and advertising industries. Previously, he served as Senior Director of Operations & Inclusion at Ogilvy, Global Head of DEI at DAZN, and held various senior finance leadership roles – shaping global culture, financial governance, and strategic planning. British-born and raised, Shola describes himself as a true Londoner at heart, now calling New York and Philadelphia home for the past decade.

Stanley Lumax is currently the Executive Director leading Talent and Cultural Partnerships at JP Morgan Chase. Prior to this role, he partnered with Complex Media Networks to create Climate, an agency built to help brands harness the power of youth culture. He has also worked with brands such as Nike Basketball, National Basketball Association, Converse, Beats By Dre and a host of other brands that have impacted popular culture.

T.D. Jakes is a global thought leader, visionary entrepreneur, and one of the most influential voices of our time. For nearly five decades, he’s inspired millions worldwide through faith, media, entertainment, and transformative leadership. A New York Times bestselling author, filmmaker, entrepreneur, spiritual advisor to U.S. Presidents and cultural commentator, Jakes leads the T.D. Jakes Group as Chairman & CEO advancing work that spans business, entertainment, philanthropy, real estate, and social impact. His commitment to equity, innovation, and purpose has shaped movements, built communities, and transformed lives worldwide cementing his legacy as a bridge-builder who turns vision into lasting impact.

Tarik Nally is a Chicago-based creative director, designer, inclusive housing developer, entrepreneur and social impact investor. He is a Founder/Partner in Kale & Flax, TKT Collab, Re:land Group (MBE/Neighborhood Developer), Small Thyme Fund, Work Four Days Inc, advisor to U.S. Senate/Congressional candidates, YLAI Exchange Member in the Dominican Republic, and founding boardmember of Wild Accelerator.

His work is grounded in human-centered design/innovation — experienced in early-stage startups, social impact, anti-gentrification, four-day-work-week, and multicultural creative, working across startups/VCs, nonprofits/global NGOs and Fortune brands like Zoom, Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Under Armour, Nike, MicrosoftAI and more.

Recognized as a leader in the field of diversity, Tiffany is a talent strategist with 22+ years of championing diverse professionals in the advertising industry. In 2005, she founded ADCOLOR, which has launched the ADCOLOR Industry Conference, ADCOLOR Awards and ADCOLOR University. As President of ADCOLOR, she is deeply involved in the direction the industry is taking around diversity.

Tracey Powell serves as senior vice president of Consumer Insight, Measurement and Analytics for The Walt Disney Company. She leads over 300 Cast Members and provides global data-driven insights and analytics representing the voice of the consumer for Disney Experiences.

Throughout her 23-year career, Tracey has exemplified Disney’s commitment to enriching the lives of young people as executive champion for Disney Dreamers Academy, a life-changing event for high school students across the country. She also served as Board Chair for Heart of Florida United Way and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Ty is Director, The B2B Institute & LinkedIn Brand Expert, co-founding LinkedIn’s think tank focused on building famous brands in B2B. She partners with academics to prove what works in B2B marketing, then translates it into actionable strategies.

With 20+ years at Google, IBM, Nestle, and her consultancy Spectacled Marketer, Ty bridges the gap between marketing science and practice. She’s collaborated with the Ehrenberg Bass Institute, served on the Creative B2B Lions jury, and is a two-time Olympic Trials qualifier in the 800 meters.

Wendell Scott is Senior Vice President, Disney Advertising: In this role, leveraging Disney’s scale and performance across linear, addressable and social offerings, Scott oversees advertising sales for large-scale holding companies for Disney’s portfolio of brands, including ABC, ESPN, Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, Freeform, FX and National Geographic.

A 25-year veteran of Disney and ESPN, Wendell also manages Advertising Sales for ESPN’s

SEC and ACC College Sports Networks.

Whitney McGowan is a marketing executive with over a decade of experience driving growth and engagement within entertainment. Currently serving as Director of Social Media & Partnerships at Hulu, she leads innovative strategies that amplify BIPOC storytellers and has overseen campaigns generating over $54M in earned media.

Previously, Whitney held key roles at HBO Max and Netflix, where she specialized in editorial strategy, brand leadership, and global creative marketing. Her leadership has fueled growth across platforms and produced campaigns reaching hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.