I started this role in 2022 and quickly began peeling back the layers of a dynamic company. I was working with a strong foundation led by my predecessor of almost two decades. IPG had all the “best practice” DE&I standards in place, with surveys, employee resource groups and commitments to diversity from the very top. As I began to peel back the layers and identify our strengths and opportunities to evolve and transform our culture, I noticed I was being asked the same question over and over: “Are you going to bring back the Inclusion Awards?”
I can take a hint, so my team and I jumped at the opportunity to recreate a space that honored the dedication, creativity and commitment that our colleagues and clients across IPG have shown in advancing equity especially in a time where many are stepping back from their DE&I commitments.
In response to stepping back, we must step up. Now more than ever is the time to quiet the few but very loud anti-DE&I voices — voices that are not representative of our goals or our truth. We must acknowledge the inequities, both micro and macro, that exist in our workplaces, in our business and our communities. An awards celebration is an opportunity to remind ourselves and others of our responsibility in the advertising and marketing industry to create authentic and responsible work and campaigns that directly impact consumer behaviors and culture. We can’t take our foot off the gas, and we need to bring the same strategic acumen and vigorous competitive approach we exhibit every day on behalf of our clients to building equitable structures and creating inclusive spaces.
And were we right to bring back the IPG Inclusion Awards, which started in 2009. We received over 170 applications, which is a testament to the passion and dedication of people across the IPG network to advancing diversity and inclusion. With more than 150 judges meticulously reviewing these applications, we saw firsthand the collective effort and collaboration happening across our networks and agencies.
The Inclusion Awards is about honoring the best work from IPG that has made a difference over the past year in changing culture to make it more inclusive and supporting our communities around the globe. We could not have done this without incredible partners.
LinkedIn, a co-sponsor of the event, hosted us at their NY headquarters in the iconic Empire State Building. And every aspect of the event was curated with purpose to amplify diverse voices and support economic empowerment of diverse-owned businesses. From the swag provided by Black-owned and woman-owned vendors to the fragrances by Brown Girl Jane, every detail was intentional and purposeful. We also contracted Dirty Sugar Photography, an LGBTQ+- and Black-owned photography company, to document the evening’s festivities. The presence of a DJ who identifies as LGBTQ+, alongside an LGBTQ+-owned production team, further underscored our commitment to amplifying diverse voices and perspectives.
The IPG Inclusion Awards serve as a powerful reminder that when we come together as a community, we are stronger and there are no limits to what we can achieve. Our work is not just about moving the needle forward; it’s about sparking meaningful change in the areas that matter most to us all. In a world where boundaries exist, IPG remains relentlessly committed to continuing our journey forward. Where others see boundaries, we see opportunity — the opportunity to rise up and stand strong together.
The theme for this year's event was “Boundless: Powered by Our People,” encapsulating the essence of our collective mission. The event started with blue carpet interviews by the talented Tai Beauchamp of Tai Life Media, and at the awards ceremony, we embarked on a journey of mindfulness, setting the tone for an evening filled with reflection and celebration of the work by our 2024 honorees:
- Community Impact: R/GA for We Are Warriors’ Blak Powerhouse
- Outstanding Business Results through Inclusion: McCann XBC and Mastercard for Drive Impact by Inclusion
- Most Effective Targeted Campaign: McCann New York for Microsoft’s ADLaM
- Inclusive Talent Life Cycle Initiatives: IPG Mediabrands for the Career Advancement Program
- BELONG Survey Results Award (highest score): Jack Morton
- Inclusion Campaign of the Year (APAC): FCB Group India for Untangling the Politics of Hair
- Inclusion Campaign of the Year (EMEA): FCB London for Dyslexic Thinking
- Inclusion Campaign of the Year (LATAM): Weber Shandwick WW for UNESCO’s The Last Survivors
- Inclusion Campaign of the Year (NORTHAM): FCB Toronto for Runner 321
- Business/Employee Resource Group Excellence Award: Women LEAD BRG of Acxiom
- Agency Inclusion Vanguard Award (team): DE&I Team of FCB Chicago
- Agency Inclusion Vanguard Award (individual): Sampson Yimer, SVP, sponsorship and director of diversity at Momentum Worldwide
Throughout the evening, we had the privilege of hearing from visionary leaders who are driving equity and accessibility in advertising and beyond. Storm Smith, a trailblazer in the DE&I space, served as our master of ceremonies for the evening. Her powerful campaigns, including It’s Time to Redefine, have not only garnered global recognition but have also served as catalysts for meaningful change.
In a fireside chat, Bayyina Black, global director of sustainability and impact at R/GA, and I unveiled RISE, IPG’s new strategic framework for our DE&I and social impact efforts. The pillars of RISE include: Remove barriers limiting equity and inclusion, Invest in the potential of our global talent, Spark industry innovation and growth and Empower and elevate local and global communities for social impact. Created by the talented team at R/GA, the RISE branding and framework reflects our collective commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive culture for all.
The impact of our work is BOUNDLESS. It not only moves our business forward, but it also serves as a catalyst for social change in the areas that are most important to us all. As we reflect on the success of this year's event, let us carry forward the spirit of inclusivity and continue to champion diversity in every aspect of our lives.
Together, we rise. Boundless and unstoppable.
Channing Martin is IPG’s global chief diversity and social impact officer, leading the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. With a focus on diversifying senior leadership and talent pipelines, she collaborates with agency brands and oversees social impact strategies. Previously, Martin held similar roles at CSG, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and the U.S. Department of State, where she developed measurable diversity initiatives and built diverse talent pipelines. She holds a B.A. in economics from the University of Pittsburgh and an M.S. in public policy and management from Carnegie-Mellon University’s Heinz College.
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