Diversity Summit 2024

On Nov. 14, 2024, the LA advertising community came together at Spark Foundry for ThinkLA’s 3rd Annual Diversity Summit, a powerful day grounded in advocacy, authenticity, and most importantly, action. With more than 100 professionals in attendance, the Summit opened with a moving welcome from Andrea Green, ThinkLA’s Director of Operations, who reminded attendees of the organization’s ongoing commitment to diversity through its DIG Committee and IDEA Council. The reading of ThinkLA’s open letter, “Building a Longer Table,” served as a powerful recommitment to inclusivity, equity, and shared responsibility. From mentorship to leadership representation, this pledge isn’t just aspirational — it’s a blueprint for real industry change.

The event’s keynote speaker, Dr. Akua Boateng, Co-Founder and CEO of Boateng Consulting, opened with a heartfelt and commanding address on the importance of rooting action in authenticity. Dr. Boateng spoke candidly about the emotional labor of DEI work, the nuances of showing up fully in professional spaces, and how organizations must move from performative statements to sustained, strategic change. Her words resonated deeply with attendees, setting the tone for a day full of learning, vulnerability, and empowerment.

The panelists highlighted the importance of equipping the next generation with more than just cultural awareness they need actionable frameworks, mentorship, and room to question and lead. From inclusive curricula and ERGs, to digital storytelling and data-driven representation, each speaker offered concrete ways that organizations and institutions can turn education into advocacy. Anthony Brooks from Vizio introduced the session by reflecting on the journey of the brand’s founder, William Wang, and the company’s commitment to lifting underrepresented voices through technology and culture.

By focusing on education as both a starting point and a long-term strategy, this session offered a roadmap for those eager to transform intent into impact. The message was clear: if we want equity in leadership tomorrow, we must educate with empathy and purpose today.

Summit co-chairs Luis Camano (IMPER/ACTIVE) and Matt Weisbecker (My Code Media) emphasized that the real impact of DEI work lies in its execution, not its intention. With support from sponsors like My Code, Vizio, Sabio, and Canela Media, this year’s summit not only sparked important dialogue but created an inclusive space where everyone — regardless of role or identity — could envision their part in shaping a more equitable industry.

Photo Album

Speakers

• Gordon Bach, SVP, Culturally Inclusive Media Lead, Starcom

• Dr. Jake Beniflah, Founding Executive Director, Center for Multicultural Science, CSU Fullerton

• Dr. Akua Boateng, Co-Founder and CEO, Boateng Consulting

• Dr. Cecil Chik, Assistant VP, DEI and Chief Diversity Officer, Cal State Fullerton

• Dr. Emelyn Dela Pena, VP, DEI, Loyola Marymount University

• Chelsea Jenkins, Senior Director, Cultural & Inclusive Marketing, Kellanova

• Jeff Marshall, TBD, TBD

• Doug Neil, Chief Digital Officer, Freedom Forum

• R. Kurt Osenlund, VP, Client Relations, Mark Allen & CO

• Damian Pelliccione, Co-Founder and CEO, Revry

• Jennifer Payne, DEIA Lead, TBWA\CHIAT\Day LA

 

Thank you to our Sponsors and Partners
 

Presenting Sponsor

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Diversity Partner

Keynote Sponsor

 

Panel Sponsor

Breakfast Sponsor

Lunch Sponsor

Creative Partner

Video Partner

Mural Partner

Underwriter

Underwriter

Meet our Committee Members