Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

As Agencies Grapple With DEI, Some Lean Into Learning and Mentoring Initiatives

They're coming up with ways to share skills and advice with underrepresented talent

Logos of different DEI initiatives — Agencies such as Droga5, BBDO New York and Elephant have created programs that offer learning opportunities and mentorship.Droga5, BBDO New York, Elephant

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Agencies have made countless pledges this year to make the advertising industry, which has long been overwhelmingly white, more diverse.

Following the May 25 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, holding companies including Publicis and Omnicom shared plans for combating systemic racism in the industry, while dozens of agencies shared their workforce diversity data as part of #CommitToChange, an initiative started by advocacy group 600 & Rising.

Since then, one way agencies have been trying to bring more Black and underrepresented talent into the fold is via learning and mentorship programs.