“This is the first year Mediabrands has been involved. Shelley Smit, CEO of UM and Mediabrands’ DEI Community lead, says Mediabrands contacted IMDOINGIT after the 2020 event to discuss getting involved and expanding the media industry content. The program is part of the agency’s multi-year DEI strategy intended to drive meaningful, sustainable equity within its network and a more inclusive industry community overall.
Smit says events like these are vital in growing awareness of the media industry.”
Shelley Smit
CEO, UM Canada
Article: Mediabrands joins event to attract Black talent to advertising
Source: Media in Canada
#THEVERDICT2023
“The Verdict was one of the most challenging and fun competitions I've ever done. It challenged my sisters and I to think outside the box, and work together to find a strategy that we all could agree on.” said Taiya King, one of the members of the grand prize-winning team, ELIT3. “Having an idea that we ourselves strongly believed in, was the key to us bringing this together. We poured a lot of our time and energy into our strategy, and we're incredibly grateful that the judges and everyone were able to see that. “
"The Verdict was an exceptional experience that allowed me to gain invaluable insights into my expertise in marketing,” said Uche Ezeh who won the Singles competition. “Through this event, I was able to identify my strengths and interests and learn how to apply them to real-life issues. Participating in The Verdict also provided me with a fantastic opportunity to grow my network, meet like-minded individuals, and build valuable connections within my industry.”
The Verdict was sponsored by Mediabrands, The&Partnership, and FCB Canada ”
Article: IMDOINGIT Supports the BIPOC Community with The Verdict Competition
Source: LLB Online
we're doing it!
we're doing it!
“We’ve broadened our search to not only include people with transferable skills from outside our industry, but also actively source talent from underrepresented communities through long-term partnerships with organizations like POCAM and IMDOINGIT to bridge and expand our talent market.”
Nancy Crimi-Lamanna
Chief Creative Officer, FCB Canada
Article: 2023 Creative Report Card: Creativity as an economic multiplier
Source: Strategy
It was only when the idea “blew up,” with 35 mentees signing up to participate, that she realized her side-hustle would benefit from a more structured approach. She connected with Dami Eluyera, a brand strategist at A Brand New Thing, founder of the IMDOINGIT business mentorship for Black youth launched in 2020 and someone Adeniyi also considers a mentor. Now, All Things Ad sits under the broader IMDOINGIT umbrella.
Tosin Adeniyi
Creator, All Things Ad
Article: Shift Disturbers: Tosin Adeniyi helps Black youth find their place in ad land
Source: Strategy
