Campaign published performative
PR from the IPG Global Chief Diversity and Social Impact Officer, spotlighting
how the White holding company resurrected/resuscitated its internal “Inclusion
Awards” program.
It all begs the question
why IPG—generator of gobbledygook that boasts being recognized for leadership in diversity and
inclusion—would have put the heat
shield on ice in the first place. Did the White
holding company’s vaunted dedication to DEIBA+ diminish? Perhaps the corporation
that recently boosted its CEO’s annual salary to over
$14 million instituted diversity
budget cuts. Maybe the global outhouse just got tired
of saluting resident minorities after delegating
diversity to them.
More likely, IPG is simply a systemically racist pile of bullshit.
Why we need to celebrate diversity now more than ever
By Channing Martin, global chief diversity and social impact officer, IPG
I
started this role in 2022 and quickly began peeling back the layers of a
dynamic company. I was working with a strong foundation led by my predecessor
of almost two decades. IPG had all the “best practice” DE&I standards in
place, with surveys, employee resource groups and commitments to diversity from
the very top. As I began to peel back the layers and identify our strengths and
opportunities to evolve and transform our culture, I noticed I was being asked
the same question over and over: “Are you going to bring back the Inclusion
Awards?”
I
can take a hint, so my team and I jumped at the opportunity to recreate a space
that honored the dedication, creativity and commitment that our colleagues and
clients across IPG have shown in advancing equity especially in a time where
many are stepping back from their DE&I commitments.
In
response to stepping back, we must step up. Now more than ever is the time to
quiet the few but very loud anti-DE&I voices — voices that are not
representative of our goals or our truth. We must acknowledge the inequities,
both micro and macro, that exist in our workplaces, in our business and our
communities. An awards celebration is an opportunity to remind ourselves and
others of our responsibility in the advertising and marketing industry to
create authentic and responsible work and campaigns that directly impact
consumer behaviors and culture. We can’t take our foot off the gas, and we need
to bring the same strategic acumen and vigorous competitive approach we exhibit
every day on behalf of our clients to building equitable structures and
creating inclusive spaces.
And
were we right to bring back the IPG Inclusion Awards, which started in 2009. We
received over 170 applications, which is a testament to the passion and
dedication of people across the IPG network to advancing diversity and
inclusion. With more than 150 judges meticulously reviewing these applications,
we saw firsthand the collective effort and collaboration happening across our
networks and agencies.
The Inclusion Awards is about honoring the best work from IPG that has
made a difference over the past year in changing culture to make it more
inclusive and supporting our communities around the globe. We could not have
done this without incredible partners.
LinkedIn, a co-sponsor of the event, hosted us at their NY headquarters
in the iconic Empire State Building. And every aspect of the event was curated
with purpose to amplify diverse voices and support economic empowerment of
diverse-owned businesses. From the swag provided by Black-owned and woman-owned
vendors to the fragrances by Brown Girl Jane, every detail was intentional and
purposeful. We also contracted Dirty Sugar Photography, an LGBTQ+- and
Black-owned photography company, to document the evening’s festivities. The
presence of a DJ who identifies as LGBTQ+, alongside an LGBTQ+-owned production
team, further underscored our commitment to amplifying diverse voices and
perspectives.
The IPG Inclusion Awards serve as a powerful reminder that when we come
together as a community, we are stronger and there are no limits to what we can
achieve. Our work is not just about moving the needle forward; it’s about
sparking meaningful change in the areas that matter most to us all. In a world
where boundaries exist, IPG remains relentlessly committed to continuing our
journey forward. Where others see boundaries, we see opportunity — the
opportunity to rise up and stand strong together.
The theme for this year's event was “Boundless: Powered by Our People,”
encapsulating the essence of our collective mission. The event started with
blue carpet interviews by the talented Tai Beauchamp of Tai Life Media, and at
the awards ceremony, we embarked on a journey of mindfulness, setting the tone
for an evening filled with reflection and celebration of the work by our 2024
honorees:
• Community Impact: R/GA for We Are Warriors’ Blak Powerhouse
• Outstanding Business Results through Inclusion: McCann XBC and
Mastercard for Drive Impact by Inclusion
• Most Effective Targeted Campaign: McCann New York for Microsoft’s ADLaM
• Inclusive Talent Life Cycle Initiatives: IPG Mediabrands for the Career
Advancement Program
• BELONG Survey Results Award (highest score): Jack Morton
• Inclusion Campaign of the Year (APAC): FCB Group India for Untangling
the Politics of Hair
• Inclusion Campaign of the Year (EMEA): FCB London for Dyslexic Thinking
• Inclusion Campaign of the Year (LATAM): Weber Shandwick WW for UNESCO’s
The Last Survivors
• Inclusion Campaign of the Year (NORTHAM): FCB Toronto for Runner 321
• Business/Employee Resource Group Excellence Award: Women LEAD BRG of
Acxiom
• Agency Inclusion Vanguard Award (team): DE&I Team of FCB Chicago
• Agency Inclusion Vanguard Award (individual): Sampson Yimmer, SVP,
sponsorship consulting and director of diversity at Momentum Worldwide
Throughout the evening, we had the privilege of hearing from visionary
leaders who are driving equity and accessibility in advertising and beyond.
Storm Smith, a trailblazer in the DE&I space, served as our master of
ceremonies for the evening. Her powerful campaigns, including It’s Time to
Redefine, have not only garnered global recognition but have also served as
catalysts for meaningful change.
In a fireside chat, Bayyina Black, global director of sustainability and
impact at R/GA, and I unveiled RISE, IPG’s new strategic framework for our
DE&I and social impact efforts. The pillars of RISE include: Remove
barriers limiting equity and inclusion, Invest in the potential of our global
talent, Spark industry innovation and growth and Empower and elevate local and
global communities for social impact. Created by the talented team at R/GA, the
RISE branding and framework reflects our collective commitment to building a
more equitable and inclusive culture for all.
The impact of our work is BOUNDLESS. It not only moves our business
forward, but it also serves as a catalyst for social change in the areas that
are most important to us all. As we reflect on the success of this year's
event, let us carry forward the spirit of inclusivity and continue to champion
diversity in every aspect of our lives.
Together, we rise. Boundless and unstoppable.
Channing Martin is IPG’s global chief diversity and social impact
officer, leading the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. With a
focus on diversifying senior leadership and talent pipelines, she collaborates
with agency brands and oversees social impact strategies. Previously, Martin
held similar roles at CSG, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and the U.S.
Department of State, where she developed measurable diversity initiatives and
built diverse talent pipelines. She holds a B.A. in economics from the
University of Pittsburgh and an M.S. in public policy and management from
Carnegie-Mellon University’s Heinz College.
