Our industry needs more people who embrace and foster diversity and through sheer commitment and passion towards this area have become leading examples for our future generations. Thanks to the diversity focused initiatives of our leading industry representative organizations like AAF, 4As and the ANA, we have seen quite an improvement in the talent diversity existing within many agencies. Its not there yet, it’ll be quite some time before that happens, but things are changing and agencies are becoming more colorful than ever before.

One such initiative from AAF is the Diversity Achievement and Mosaic Awards recognizing the diversity leaders, trendsetters and role models of our industry. Thanks to our diversity vision and multicultural focus, and the support of our partners, I got selected as a 2012 diversity achievement role model. It’s an honor and I’m most sincerely thankful to AAF for this recognition. What’s even more relevant to me personally is the need to become a good example for aspiring diverse individuals within our industry.

I’ve always been a diversity proponent and grew the agency from its inception with that vision. Our team today is one of the most diverse in the industry, the cultures we represent cover the widest ethnic spectrum, the communities we serve come from all parts of the world, the multilingual campaigns we launch target the most language dependent groups, and the programs and initiatives we support touch a diverse set of audiences. Our agency thus is a good role model for the industry. The task ahead of me is to ensure that I continue to aspire the individual role models within our industry.

I think it’s beneficial for the industry to recognize and grow diversity leaders as success stories to inspire and instill passion for this initiative within the next generation. In an industry where diversity and multiculturalism is often an afterthought, it’s important for the new breed of diversity enthusiasts to know that our industry is changing and diversity is being recognized. Diversity Role Models like Tiffany Warren of the Omnicom Group are changing the face of our industry and launching strategic initiatives that will redefine the relevance of diversity and inclusion for agencies. My salute to all past, present and future diversity role models that have and will take that path. Together we can make a difference.

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