Setting Diverse Seats at the Havas Media Table

As a woman of color in the media industry I believe itamp8217s important to connect with diverse individuals and give them the opportunity to see similar faces in the spaces that they want to be in amp160Representation is empowering and makes all the difference amp160When a young professional can see someone like themselves where they want to be itamp8217s reaffirming amp160Thatamp8217s why it was great to learn about a tasteful recruitment initiative by Havas Media North America for the agency as well as the industry at large amp160Like many other companies Havas believes in community and celebrating unity in diversity so their solution was to join Harlem EatUp and digest the lack of diversity in the advertising and media industryA colorful and delicious festival of food music art and culture Harlem EatUp took place on May 18th in one of New Yorkamp8217s most historic and iconic neighborhoods amp8211 Harlem amp160Why partner with a food and wine festival amp160Because culinary tradition is one of the important and unifying expressions of oneamp8217s culture and it is easily shared and appreciated amp160Families strangers and communities can all make meaningful connections at the tableThe idea was for Havas Media to build on their inclusion initiatives and continue the celebration of diversity beyond Black History Month amp160They wanted to help those entering the marketplace to visualize themselves in the advertising industry so they will feel more comfortable in applying themselves and joining the workforce amp160So Havas Media invited participants into their headquarters to an event titled Havas Seat at the Table amp160To my peers and me this was a cool way to reach a dynamic community and spark a meaningful conversation surrounding diversity issues in the workplace todayamp8220I live in Harlem have been to the Harlem EatUp festival the last two years and I was delighted Havas committed to participating this yearamp8221 said Lucien Etori Strategy Director for Havas New York amp160amp8220It was a nobrainer for me to get involved in this projectamp160 I mean what a perfect opportunity to demonstrate that we donamp8217t just talk about making brands meaningful we go out in the world and we show how we do itamp8221Etori added that Havas is often called upon to translate culture for their clientsamp160 amp8220It made total synergistic sense for us to be here right in the middle of culture in a place where we can truly engage with the local community build connections ignite dynamic spontaneous conversations and open our doors to an exciting new set of opportunities to get inspiredamp8221 he saidIt seemed like a natural fit for Havas to have a presence at Harlem EatUp because the concept of community speaks to their amp8220Villageamp8221 model amp8211 to bring employees of all backgrounds under one roof as a family to create meaningful work amp160They refer to their offices as amp8220villagesamp8221amp160 Havas Media took part in the event with a booth full of swag giveaways and complimentary Spots NYC cupcakes amp160But thatamp8217s not all amp160The cupcakes contained QR codes which led to HavasEatUpcom amp160The website featured information on diversity in the advertising and media industry as well as a signup sheet through which participants were encouraged to join workshops at Havasamp8217 New York headquartersamp160 Scheduled to be held in early fall the workshops will include a tour of the building a meeting with industry professionals presentations from the staff and the opportunity to learn about leadership amp160In addition Havas has chosen one lucky business owner to receive a onehour pro bono strategy session with their awardwinning team of advertising and marketing professionalsamp8220I chose to work with Harlem EatUp because I believe in Havas Media39s mission of making meaningful brandsamp8221 said Ashley Boone Talent Management Associate at Havas Media New Yorkamp160 amp8220We have to practice what we preach and put a true purpose behind what we do amp160I knew it would be a completely different arena and allow us to genuinely connect with members of the communityamp8221Havas received tremendous feedback on their participation at the festival amp160They connected with students as young as 11 years old recent college graduates educators and Millennials looking for a career change amp160Over 100 interested people signed up to take part in the workshop and Havas Media is excited to invite the members of the Harlem community to amp8220Havas Seat at the Tableamp8221Click the social buttons above or below to share this content with your friends and colleaguesThe opinions and points of view expressed in this content are exclusively the views of the author andor subjects and do not necessarily represent the views of MediaVillagecomMyersBizNet Inc management or associated writersamp160

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Setting Diverse Seats at the Havas Media Table

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Amanda Alex Keaton

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Setting Diverse Seats at the Havas Media Table

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