DE&I Forum

I. The Power of Supplier Diversity
Supplier diversity is part of the “trifecta,” alongside diversity and inclusion and multicultural marketing. According to a recent ANA report, 75 percent of members have a supplier diversity strategy for the organization overall; 40 percent have a supplier diversity strategy specifically for marketing/advertising. This report is unique given its perspective on marketing, which may be the last uncharted territory for supplier diversity professionals. It provides an understanding of the benefits, challenges, spend, goals, and measurement of supplier diversity.

Speaker: Simona Rabsatt Butler, Senior Director - Global Sourcing, Marketing, Visa, Inc.

II. Diverse Suppliers for Marketing and Advertising
Finding diverse suppliers for marketing and advertising services is a challenge. When ANA issued its report in May, we committed to a deeper dive into supplier diversity, and specifically promised to curate a list of diverse suppliers that work in our industry. In June, our initial list of certified diverse suppliers was released. Also in June, ANA/AIMM, published an open letter titled, “ANA/AIMM Commitment to Equality, Inclusion, and Systemic Change.” The letter called for the development of an equitable creative supply chain through strategic investments in agencies, broadcasters, suppliers, and producers owned or run by Black, Hispanic, Asian, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities. In December, the most recent list of Certified Diverse Suppliers for Marketing and Advertising was issued, totaling 186 companies. This session will provide an update on our initiative to identify diverse suppliers for marketing and advertising.

Speaker: Bill Duggan, Group EVP, ANA

III. Open Discussion
We’d like to hear from you. How are group members doing in identifying and working with diverse suppliers for marketing and advertising?