Diversity.

Diversity.

Diversity.

The 9 letter word that continues to circulate across the world and the advertising industry. In a study conducted by Adobe entitled:  Creativity’s Diversity Disconnect that surveyed over 750 creative professionals it was determined that many underrepresented minorities all have concerns for the lack of access, and workplace diversity.

Within the survey it was only saw found that 55% of minority respondents actually believed that the people they work with value their contributions  compared with 63% of white respondents. In addition, women also reported that they face separate barriers and a surprising 23% of women believe that their gender hampers their future success. Add those numbers to being a black woman in advertising and you get responses such as this from diversity task force chair Jacinda Walker:

“As a black woman, I am very confident that I do not have an equal opportunity to reach my goals.” 

When we personally discussed the diversity problems in advertising with several agencies across the country, everyone came to a general consensus that the problem does exist but many feel as if the problem is to broad to address but is it really?

In 2016, we sought a huge challenge we decided to address the diversity in advertising by no longer waiting for a seat at the table but instead pulling up a seat. We did this by creating BGG Enterprises, an online freelance platform that connects black women freelance creatives to companies seeking to reach the black consumer and while it hasn’t been easy, we have been able to conquer this elephant one bite at a time.

Want to learn more about BGG Enterprises?Leave your comments below. 

SA
Stephanie Alston
Founder & CEO, BGG Enterprises · Career Expert · Diversity Advocate