Black History Month: 2021 Reflections - Part 1

At the end of each February in 2019 and 2020, I brought to a close my series of posts celebrating Black professionals (inspired by derek walker’s series in the US). Usually, over the week that followed, I shared a longer article bringing together all of these remarkable human beings and their place in our industry in a virtual “panel discussion” format.

This year though, I wanted to change things up a bit, because Black History Month 2021 was more than a little different and the answers I received to my questions reflected just what an extraordinary year 2020 had been.

Not everyone answered every question I asked. Not every answer I received is here.

But here is what mattered — matters— most. There was a new urgency and determination being played back, an unshakeable conviction that the time for change had come and that that time was now.

I wanted to give more space to these answers so I am doing two “virtual panels”. And, I thought it would be appropriate to deliver the first of the two panels today, International Woman’s Day, to celebrate these strong women in our midst and their clear voices and amazing work.

As I did last year, contributions have been edited in places to fit the format of a "virtual panel discussion" but I believe I have been faithful to the intent of their words and there is much to learn from them. If you take issue with anything said, please be aware that it is most likely to do with my failings as an editor. - Gavin Barrett

In the picture (clockwise from top left): Ingrid Enriquez-Donissaint, Tosin Adeniyi, Stephanie McRae, Jahnet Brown, Simone O’Mathuna, Mélanie Piard, Ishma Alexander-Huet, Ashley Belfast, Juanita Kwarteng, Tania Senior, Ashley Phillips, Sydney Gittens, Judy McLean, Moreen Valentine, Teaunna Gray, Krista McIsaac Quan-Vie.

Boys, be patient; it's your turn next.

Why are you in the advertising/marketing business?

Ingrid Enriquez-Donissaint Problem-solving, behavioural marketing and music have been a fascination of mine for as long as I can remember. However, my folks would have preferred if I had pursued a career in law or engineering. Ziglar, Trout, interviews and advisory boards were very much present when I was growing up.  

Mélanie Piard It was 1992, and I saw the movie Boomerang. Some might remember this movie for Eddie Murphy’s toe fetish or Grace Jones’s hysterical display of emotions, but I remember it because of Halle Berry’s character, Angela, the Black female Executive Creative Director …I remember being fascinated by the creative process they showed and was inspired. Goes to show that representation does matter! Later, my career choice was strongly encouraged by my applied arts teacher. Now, I can honestly say that I’m in advertising simply because I love everything about it, particularly the intersection of brand and culture. 

Ishma Alexander-Huet Having an impact on culture through our work with brands and getting to work with, learn from and coach some amazing people is what keeps me at it and enjoying what I do.

Ashley Belfast  I've always loved communicating and bringing people together… I left a junior Mar Comm job (with a pension!) to work at a small agency in downtown Toronto… I’ve never looked back.

Tania Senior I thrive working independently and collaborating with design teams, consultants, and clients to champion great design centred on clear messaging and a strong strategic foundation. 

Ashley Phillips I didn’t choose this industry, it kind of pulled me in. When I started out I was going with my own flow, doing what felt right and this felt right. Once I arrived and started taking my career seriously, my purpose was clear. Not only do I want to change the industry from the inside out, I want to help others on their own quest for innovation and evolution (whatever that looks like and means for them).

Sydney Gittens I want to be able to use my skill as a designer to make an impact… advertising allows me to design and create to solve problems and learn about other people.

Moreen Valentine I am a creative thinker with an affinity for numbers, so I thought marketing — the perfect fusion of art and commerce — would be a great way to apply the skills… during my first media planning class (at Humber College), I had that "aha moment" and realized my passion for media planning and buying. 

Do you have a BIPOC mentor or role model in the industry?

Ingrid Enriquez-Donissaint In Montreal when I first started, BIPOC were a rarity in advertising. Between then and now, I’ve instead identified a bouquet of brilliant souls, who’ve greatly contributed to the planner I am today. Their singular generosity, wit and safe-space ways have helped me channel my sky-is-the-limit. 

Stephanie McRae Not formally, but there are folks in the BIPOC community in the industry that I’m close with and value their friendship and advice.

Jahnet Brown I don't necessarily limit my role models to people within marketing/ advertising. Rather I look at people who hold similar values, work ethic and belief systems as I do. I would then try to emulate those traits in my day-to-day work and life. 

Simone O’Mathuna Dori Tunstall, Dean of the Faculty of Design at OCAD U, is someone I really admire... This fierce woman is the first Black female Dean of any design institution ANYWHERE in the world! Dori made an impact by hiring several BIPOC educators and professionals... Because of this, students now have the opportunity to see themselves in faculty members. Changes like this will serve to demystify design/advertising programs.

Mélanie Piard When you’re the only BIPOC in predominantly white spaces, the idea of a BIPOC mentor is almost utopian …left to figure things out for myself, my curiosity helped me grow as a creative… but the person who really stands out for me is Ashleigh Axios for her impressive work as Creative Director and Digital Strategist on the Obama White House brand.

Ishma Alexander-Huet As a junior I’d watch the most senior BIPOC, and specifically Black talent in the agency from afar, but would never outwardly ask for mentorship or guidance in case putting our race ‘out there’ wasn’t acceptable… though there was a challenge …I couldn’t identify one POC above the level of Director in media planning, until I had gotten there myself. 

Ashley Belfast I have a few invaluable BIPOC confidants… when I want to get a direct POV, bounce ideas with or just vent… BIPOC people tend to gravitate to one another… because (we understand) we inherently have different experiences than our non-BIPOC counterparts.  

Ashley Phillips I really look up to Chris Do. As an introvert, I relate a lot to his journey. He is proof that I too can overcome my fears and anxieties to become an authoritative figure in branding. 

Sydney Gittens I’m incredibly grateful to have Stephanie Small (the founder of the Black TAXI program) as my mentor… even beyond my time as an intern …not just to help me through my first job, but also as someone I could talk to about anything.

Judy Mclean …I never had one and this is the change that needs to happen in the industry…more Black representation, more opportunities at all levels, no company executive boards should only see 1 of anything.

Moreen Valentine When I started in the industry, I inadvertently internalized career limitations. (Then) at Dentsu, I saw Leanne Burnett-Wood promoted to Vice President of Investments and Nicole Brown to President of Amplifi. To see two black women, holding senior roles, was monumental for me… it made me realize that I can also have a seat at the leadership table.  

Teaunna Gray A distant mentor in advertising will always and forever be Tom Burrell - the first black person to work in an advertising agency. He made a lane for clients to market towards a more diverse audience which has forever impacted the industry as a whole.

Krista McIsaac Quan-Vie Kevin Johnson - CEO of Mediacom Canada has been a great role model, especially after the events of June 2020. His story about how he worked his way up the ranks from an entry-level position to CEO at Mediacom always spoke to me.

What's the most amazing thing that has happened to you in advertising?

Ingrid Enriquez-Donissaint: Allies. Having access to spaces and moments where learning, being challenged and laughing fuel the soul. Whether among colleagues and clients, school or workshops abroad, or through expert-led hubs such as the Ladies who Strategize…

Tosin Adeniyi … when someone I prepped to interview for a role that’s levels above my present role got hired. It was very validating. 

Jahnet Brown In 2015, TD partnered with CBC to sponsor the TV adaptation of the award- winning novel The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill. I had the opportunity to travel to historic Nova Scotia to lead a Black History Month event in support of the TV mini-series, …an exclusive green carpet experience, a reception as well as a discussion with the cast and crew …most definitely one of the highlights of my career.

Mélanie Piard …the bonding power of late-night brainstorm sessions while trying to come up with the most revolutionary/disruptive concept in the history of advertising… we share magical moments of hysterical laughter and celebrate our wins by throwing epic office parties. But we also support each other when we lose a pitch, when motivation is low (like after version 243 of a concept), or when we’re dealing with personal issues…

Ishma Alexander-Huet Moving from Toronto to Trinidad for a year to lead IPG/McCann’s Caribbean media practice and RBC’s 19-country Caribbean rollout. With family in Trinidad and six years on the RBC Canada account, I was a natural fit. It was the first time I felt that my diversity was an advantage instead of something I had to over-compensate for. My sons experienced school and life abroad, and it gave me a world of experiences and insights that impact my role every day, including what it’s like to be treated as a new immigrant. And I met my husband on this adventure and we now have a daughter and he has immigrated to Canada!

Ashley Phillips Having clients cry tears of joy and relief after working with me. Any time I am able to bring someone’s vision to life in a way they never thought possible, it’s an amazing thing.

Moreen Valentine I still get goosebumps finding one of my client’s advertisements in the wild (aka on TV or on the radio). It takes a lot of hard work and collaboration between many moving parts (client, media planners, media buyers, vendors, creative teams, traffic coordinators etc) to get an ad on TV or the radio. So, when it goes live, it’s great to see all that hard work come to fruition.

Teaunna Gray Getting an internship at a Toronto agency was such an accomplishment I never knew I wanted. It came with many challenges — being such a white-dominated space, however, I learned so, so much.

Krista McIsaac Quan-Vie At Mindshare, a campaign I worked on, placed first in our agency, and was globally shortlisted by our global media judges to present to the global client. This was the first time I had presented in front of the whole company, and we aced the presentation! 

Ashley Belfast Working on campaigns that made a difference… seeing a life-changing project through from brief all the way to world-wide coverage and global accolades has been amazing.  

Juanita Kwarteng Realizing that our industry has the power and ability to shape hearts and mind all over the world is incredible.

Tania Senior Co-founding a non-profit music festival and designing the brand and the end-to-end marketing initiatives for it.

How do you deal with bias, microaggressions or plain racism?

Juanita Kwarteng Asking questions and setting boundaries is a powerful way to deal with racism. Ask questions like: Could you clarify what you mean by that? Is the person’s race relevant to this story? Do you have evidence to support that belief?

Moreen Valentine Previously, I would have denied it, but (now) I code-switch. My friends often joke I'm only black on the weekends. I find myself self-regulating even in the pandemic with a "zoom wig", my "professional voice" and I blur my background in meetings. All are self-preservation techniques. All are exhausting. 

Teaunna Gray It’s been a life-long struggle and commitment gaining confidence in my Afro-Indigenous identity - and then to be a womxn on top of that… but the first step for me is setting boundaries. For years, I felt like I had to diminish myself so as not to ruffle the feathers of non-Black people… I’ve almost completely let that go. It takes work but it’s a beautiful feeling to finally step into who I am and who I’m proud to be.

Stephanie McRae It was more difficult to be outspoken about this earlier in my career, as one of the few people of colour. As I got more senior and I felt more comfortable sharing my point of view, advice and calling out incidents and working to correct them.

Jahnet Brown This is a very tough and sensitive question… I have been the victim of and witnessed racist behaviour throughout my life. I have felt an array of emotions, anger, hurt, disbelief. At times I found myself frozen and not able to speak. But I believe that speaking up is the only way to impact change. However uncomfortable this might make us feel, if we don't, our silence can be taken as compliance. 

Krista McIsaac Quan-Vie I tend to respond sarcastically to avoid being perceived as aggressive or confrontational. 

Tosin Adeniyi Over time, I’ve trained myself to understand that bias, microaggressions, and racism in general, reflect poorly on the other party, not me. This perspective has made a huge difference for me.

Ingrid Enriquez-Donissaint: I first recognize that I have biases, as a black woman. When I come across an unpleasant situation, I try to understand where the people in question are coming from, their journeys and intentions, through facts. Some battles I take on, others I skip for self-preservation. 

Simone O’Mathuna I can no longer just walk away from situations that strip me of my dignity. I like to be direct when dealing with microaggressions... I try to use it as a teachable moment. I have encountered people who have never interacted with black people while growing up... Sometimes they really don’t realize that what they have said is offensive. I once encountered a blatant act of racism while shopping at a high-end store in Toronto with my children. I made sure to follow up. They offered free products but I told them I would rather their staff be trained properly.

Mélanie Piard Because I grew up in a country where being Black is the norm, I was not equipped to be fully cognizant... I didn’t know how to begin to process the multitude of very personal emotions I found myself feeling. I decided not to allow those experiences define me. Recently, I read an article by Erika Stallings about the experience of professional Black women. It made me realize that many women, including myself, are still learning how to navigate these complex situations and dynamics. Now, with maturity, curiosity and acquired wisdom through years of meditation (Woosah), I am more vocal.

Ishma Alexander-Huet My whole career was a dance of understanding when to speak up and prove my worth and when to stay quiet so as not to make others uncomfortable… and I thought calling out others in power for their ignorance was too risky. That was before… Of course, it’s easier for me to say that now, but the only way to accelerate change is by standing up against oppressive behaviour.

Ashley Phillips I choose to work with people who share my values and/or experience so that I pretty much don’t have to. 

Sydney Gittens I usually tend to be pretty blunt... But if I’m honest, I don’t know. I’m only 21. So the best advice I have is to go to someone for advice. Seek out BIPOC people with wisdom and life experience...

Judy Mclean I’m very open and transparent so I address it head-on but it’s not easy.

How would you like to see the industry become more inclusive?

Jahnet Brown Over the years I’ve seen a positive change... however, we must continue to be intentional and purposeful in our decision-making.  

Simone O’Mathuna There’s a lack of diversity at all levels in this industry, but at the senior level, it’s blinding. I’d love to see that change.

Mélanie Piard If we’re in the business of creating connections between brands and consumers, our society’s multiculturalism must be accounted for in the way we come together to tell stories. Diversity in the way we think and the way we solve problems is essential for cultural relevance… be wary of tokenism. We must truly be given the opportunity to have our voices heard, and to be active agents in the decision-making process.

Juanita Kwarteng I’d like to see more leaders of diverse backgrounds, more diverse vendors and more inclusiveness in how we decide to reach target markets.

Tania Senior Equal opportunity for women and BIPOC

Ashley Phillips Representation matters more behind the scenes than it does in front of the camera. Because that’s where the crucial decisions are made. We need to be the ones making those decisions.

Ingrid Enriquez-Donissaint: You can’t believe what you can’t see. While I’m all for "I'd like to buy the world a Coke" vibes, I’m also big on everyday, focused baby steps with candid intentions, uncomfortable conversations, results and great lasting effects. Agencies still have work to do to naturally integrate all marginalized groups as equals on all levels, but I’m grateful for the real shifts. Warm shout out to Dominique Villeneuve and her A2C team’s serious DEI efforts.

Tosin Adeniyi Beyond more representation, I hope we really get past the cookie-cutter expectations... I hope more people feel like they can be their authentic selves in the workplace despite their cultural backgrounds.

Stephanie McRae I’d like to see the industry be more representative of our community and truly allow employees to feel fully respected and comfortable to be their authentic selves.

Ishma Alexander-Huet I’d like to see the industry reflect the population at all levels. Include visible minorities and other facets of diversity, from religious beliefs to neuro-diversity. I am eager to see inclusive behaviour in day-to-day culture and boardroom decision-making so that diverse talent can have their input weighed and considered equally.

Ashley Belfast In 2020, many companies pledged to do more and be more inclusive with hiring practices, wage parity, internships etc. 2021 and beyond will truly be the test to see if these were only a fad or if the changes are here to stay.

Sydney Gittens I’m excited for the existence of Black TAXI to light a fire under the industry’s ass. It proves that even though it’s not easy, it is simple. Hire BIPOC people. Point blank period.

Moreen Valentine 2021 can be the year of change as many finally acknowledge their privilege and the institutions that uphold it. Many are now willing to partner towards having justice in our industry and society. We still have a long way to go… but I feel we're on the precipice of a monumental shift. 

Teaunna Gray I’d love to see the rate of specifically Black and Indigenous representation increase; it’s important that the jobs are being given to BIPOC individuals are ones that aren’t disposable - we’re needed at every single level.

Krista McIsaac Quan-Vie Senior levels that reflect the current, diverse media workforce. I also hope that last year has forced HR departments to understand bias on a deeper level and better handle workforce discrimination.  

What are you doing to change the industry for the better?

Simone O’Mathuna We had our weekly all-agency Zoom call the Monday after George Floyd was murdered. I sat silently in my thoughts, the shock still very fresh from the events that had unfolded. Being 1 of 2 Black people in our office, open discussion around racial injustices was not commonplace. But on this day, though uncomfortable for most, we spoke about it. I shared what it meant to raise a Black son and the fears that black parents have every single day. The meeting went longer than scheduled but we all stayed, too wrapped up in emotion to cut the conversation off. George Floyd's death was the catalyst that sparked the need for change. We have since started a Justice, Equity Diversity and Inclusion committee and I am focusing on community and aligning our agency with programs that bridge the gap of regular engagement with Black people in all facets. We have a lot of work ahead of us but I’m hopeful.

Ingrid Enriquez-Donissaint: I try to follow John Lewis’ motto, 'making good trouble,' even when it feels uneasy. At tam tam TBWA, I'm also part of the D&I committee with the support of our global CD Officer. Outside along with Rebecca Chriqui, I co-founded micro-conference and podcast series Alcove Moments to celebrate visionaries from Montreal and beyond. With the right role models, we can learn to reprogram our minds and biases.

Tosin Adeniyi My initiative, All Things Ad is helping black youth get connected with mentors within the industry.

Stephanie McRae I’m working with Publicis Groupe Canada to make our workplaces more inclusive and diverse… we are focusing on education, talent management, outreach and giving back to achieve this.

Jahnet Brown Change occurs from within. It's important that we build an inclusive environment where Black colleagues feel valued, respected and supported… to look for or create opportunities.

Ishma Alexander-Huet I’ve been active in helping drive an inclusive culture through team, agency and network initiatives. To hold myself accountable I’ve created an action plan for myself, with a core goal of supporting Black/BIPOC Canadian talent, and contributing to a more inclusive culture in the Canadian advertising industry. The leadership I commit allows for meaningful activities, conversations, initiatives and learning that ladder up to these goals whether in Mediabrands, the Code Black Communicator Network, POCAM or the Diversity Advisory Board for Strategy/Brunico.

Ashley Belfast Informational interviews with post-secondary students, helping junior staff learn the ropes… I want to ensure that the people starting out have a fighting chance.

Juanita Kwarteng I think that being a part of diversity and inclusion allows me to work towards creating a better advertising industry that is more effectively able to represent the people it serves.

Tania Senior Leading a non-profit organization (Springtide Music Festival) and supporting like-minded organizations (POCAM). Sharing my experience and knowledge. Building brands for black start-ups (ie: Franklin Management Group, SAMA). (ed: sales of Tania's newest single, Planks and Marietta which she released for Black History Month go to BLM so do visit her Bandcamp and buy the single for $1.)

Ashley Phillips I make it my duty to create opportunities for BIPOC. We (Six Cinquième) build diverse teams for every project we produce. I also share my journey and what I know giving my community insight and business knowledge. We elevate ourselves by elevating each other.

Sydney Gittens My final capstone project at OCAD involves the effects of organizational silence in advertising on BIPOC individuals and how to implement disruptive practices and methods in the creative process, to not only ensure that young diverse talent are being hired, but are being heard. The project is called Sh*t Disturbers and it stems from my own experiences as a BIPOC creative who wants to make a significant change in the industry but didn’t know how to do it in a way that didn’t label me as ‘difficult’ or ‘oversensitive’.

Judy Mclean A part of the change for me is joining a group of passionate and bright Black and POC in https://www.weallrisetogether.us/. I belong to the Health and Wellness Pillar that focuses on Black Women by providing them with a safe space where they see themselves, hear themselves and the most rewarding feedback has been ”I feel like I’m not alone"

Moreen Valentine I recently started working with Marème Touré and my Dentsu colleagues on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives like pay equity and career advancement for BIPOC employees, removing hiring biases that often invalidate the international education/experience of new Canadians.

Teaunna Gray It’s important that we as BIPOC individuals recognize the privilege we have — an example of mine would be hearing privilege. I want to continue making space for Deaf individuals and other people with different abilities to receive the same opportunities I have. I hope that with each venture I take on, I’m able to do that.

Krista McIsaac Quan-Vie I’ve joined the culture and inclusion committees at work so that my voice and views can be reflected to ensure a more inclusive space.

Mélanie Piard I believe that I’m making a difference in the industry just by occupying spaces where it was not possible for Black women to have a voice before me, opening doors for other BIPOC by leading with kindness and empathy in the creative spaces I walk into. I recently met a young Black girl who was contemplating working in advertising. I’ll never forget the reassurance and excitement I saw in her eyes. She was surprised to learn my role because she didn’t think that was an option for her. I was to her what Angela was to me. Kamala Harris said, “Dream with ambition, lead with conviction, and see yourself in a way that others might not see you, simply because they’ve never seen it before.” 

______

Participants, in the order they appeared during Black History Month

Ingrid Enriquez-Donissaint is Head of Planning, Tam Tam TBWA, Montreal

Tosin Adeniyi is an Account Coordinator, FCB Canada

Stephanie McRae heads HR for Leo Burnett and Saatchi & Saatchi, and is Head of Diversity and Inclusion for the Publicis Groupe Canada

Simone O'Mathuna is Director, Operations, Sid Lee

Melanie Piard is Head of Creative, at Classcraft

Ishma Alexander-Huet is VP, Client Advice & Management at Initiative

Ashley Belfast is Program Director, Bensimon Byrne/Narrative PR

Juanita Kwarteng (she/her/hers) is Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager at Publicis Groupe Canada

Tania Senior is Owner/Creative Director Tania Senior Design

Ashley Phillips is co-founder of Montreal agency Six Cinquième

Sydney Gittens is a current student and Future Art Director

Judy McLean is Sr Recruiter, GroupM

Moreen Valentine is media buyer, Dentsu

Teaunna Gray is a filmmaker The Corner Store Films, a photographer & an artist

Krista McIsaac Quan-Vie is a Media Buyer at Mediacom

This virtual panel discussion has been compiled by Gavin Barrett, from individual answers to a common set of questions distributed to all participated.

Gavin Barrett is co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Barrett and Welsh, a minority-led, inclusion-focused, creativity-powered Toronto ad agency that puts ideas first to make ideas last. The agency is a certified B Corporation and a CAMSC-certified Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier. He is also a co-founder of the Multicultural Marketing Alliance of Canada and People of Colour in Advertising and Marketing.