Black History Month: 2021 Reflections - Part 2

At the end of February 2021, my series of posts celebrating Black professionals (inspired by derek walker’s series in the US) concluded. This longer article is one of two that bring together all of these remarkable human beings and their place in our industry in a virtual “panel discussion” format. This year, I've changed 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”. Yesterday, as it was International Woman’s Day, my panel focused on the women I featured. Today, the men take their turn.

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. My thanks to Barrett and Welsh art director Akshata Kale, for suggesting Bayard and Carrie, the fonts I used in these profiles. They are the work of Black typographer Tré Seals. - Gavin Barrett

In the picture (clockwise from top left): Sam Mussa, Tyler J. Edwards, Tobi Adebowale, Idris Lawal, Jean Remy Bena, Richard Fofana, Neyna Dansoh, Miro LaFlaga, Dameon Neath, Mwangi Gatheca, Williamson Dulce, Kareem Perez.

Why are you in the advertising/marketing business?

Sam Mussa I grew up with an older sister who loved great ads. I like to call her my Ad Historian. She instilled a sense of wonder and magic around ads. She would tell me about all of the clever campaigns she saw when she came to visit. So, I started to look out for them. Before I knew it, I was pumped to hear “After these messages, we’ll be right back.” It was a wrap for me, I was all in. And now earning a spot in her all-time favourites list has been something that fuels my fire to do great work. Which is hilarious because she is also deeply disappointed that I didn’t become a lawyer, but we all know whose fault that is.

Tobi Adebowale Dave Chappelle said comedy is the only profession where you can use everything you know (or something like that) in one of his specials. I feel the same way about copywriting. I’m in love with storytelling. The process of it. Every time I write something It's a new story and I love the challenge of finding the best way to tell a story.

Tyler J. Edwards I chose to dive into the advertising industry because I truly believe it’s the best use of the many talents I’ve accumulated throughout my life. Advertising gives me the opportunity to utilize skills I’ve gained working in the music, fashion, media, production, and marketing industries in order to initiate a meaningful shift in how we perceive the brands in our communities.

Idris Lawal To me, advertising is high-quality storytelling powered by research and insights. Researching, finding patterns and telling stories are processes I fell in love with as a kid, thus discovering advertising as an adult gave me a career that allows me to combine all of those passions. Also, living across 3 different continents growing up, I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit that the advertising I saw watching TV as a kid (and music) influenced how I viewed and settled in my new home and thus helped shape the man I am today. I am aware of the power advertising has. As much as it is influenced by the audience, it also influences the audience. Thus, I also see my being in the advertising business as a way of helping to shape the next generation.

Jean-Remy Bena In the beginning, I was destined to be a professional athlete, but design and graphic design crossed my path, which changed my life. I was the kind of student who spent his time drawing rather than listening to the class. The only class at school where I felt free and comfortable was the art course. I was passionate about this discipline which was completely new to me. I had a lot of admiration for my teacher, who made me want to learn more... I really like this industry because it gives us the opportunity to positively influence the perception and choices of others.

Neyna Dansoh I enjoy the strategic aspect of the business. Being able to work with clients and partners from different verticals, to understand their objectives and to propose a media plan that aims to solve their business challenges through a mix of integrated channels is a rewarding feeling. I also love the collaborative aspect of working with different teams on projects which allows for a flow of constant fresh new ideas and perspectives.

Richard Fofana I’ve always been fascinated by the impact of the word. I like headlines, billboards and t-shirt slogans. And the pointy ideas behind them. I’m also hugely interested in the physics of communications, the mechanics of how things – ideas, channels, conversations – connect and amplify and have the power to move people. Falling in love with strategy was easy. Uncovering insights to fuel teams’ thinking? Helping clients grow their brands? Who wouldn’t want to do that?! I’m lucky to be working with smart people to harness content, data and media to set off chain reactions. Fun. It’s a constant quest to engage the right audience, with the right idea, in the right context. Getting it wrong is like slipping a wet fish into someone’s coat pocket on the subway. ‘You’re welcome.’ Every day, I’m amazed by the invention and ingenuity, the precision and science, and the cultural impact and drama of advertising. There is no other industry so bursting with energy, ideas and momentum, but whose success is equally driven by discipline and data rigour.

Miro LaFlaga I wanted to craft visual stories and be part of creating an experience for others. I also felt it was an industry underrepresented by black people. I want to be part of the people who help tell our narrative and our stories. Plus by my being in the industry, will encourage more of us to enter and be in charge of telling our stories.

Dameon Neath It’s powerful. It’s like a social currency that I get to spend in creative ways to shift perspectives.

Mwangi Gatheca I studied architecture but realized halfway that being an architect wasn't what I wanted. I got into advertising because it meshes two of my primary interests, business and creativity. I like that solutions are never black and white, and out-of-the-box thinking is celebrated. Also, never having to wear formal wear is a bonus. I enjoy making things that are purpose-driven, artwork that communicates and changing people's perspectives even if it's as simple as what milk I should buy.

Williamson Dulce I'm an illustrator at heart. I've always been captivated by art in all its different facets, forms and expressions. For me, it's like an expression of self. Being constantly exposed to advertising daily, my appreciation for thoughtful ads started growing. My work in advertising is the result of my journey as an artist and a way to utilize my talent to make a living for myself.

Kareem Perez I got involved in the marketing and advertising business as a way to help businesses reach their audience and scale their operations. Ultimately to help businesses translate their message to their audience.

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

Idris Lawal Yes. I would say I have many role models that I look up to in the industry - people like yourself as you lead your own agency and continue to highlight professionals like me. Julian Franklin whom I worked in the same building with during my time at Ogilvy. Julian was the Managing Director at Geometry and although we didn’t directly work together, it was inspiring to see a fellow POC in a leadership position. We now work together on the University of Ottawa Toronto Alumni Council which he leads. Julian is now the founder and president of Franklin Management Group. I was also fortunate to have worked with Zemina Moosa, currently Head of Account Services at Sid Lee (formerly at Ogilvy) and Nardia Ali, Director of Talent Acquisition & Engagement at Ogilvy. Both were very instrumental in helping to form and launch Ogilvy Roots.

Miro LaFlaga No mentors at all. Everything I did, I learnt on my own through trial and error. 

Dameon Neath Dr. Elizabeth (Dori) Tunstall. I love her notion of respectful design and how she’s using that ethos to reframe our eurocentric biases.

Mwangi Gatheca No, but I would love one! When I was checking out different agencies to work for, I noticed that there weren't many black faces in the creative department. I'd love to connect with art directors and creative directors of colour for further mentorship.

Tyler J. Edwards At this moment, I don’t. But through Miami Ad School, I had the privilege of being around BIPOC peers that provided me with the same inspiration and guidance that you’d usually find in a mentor. Strong role models such as Mirabelle Eze, Shirley Xu Wang, and Tara Magloire were some of the first to show me what it meant to be a strong BIPOC creative in an industry where few of us exist.

Jean-Remy Bena However, I never had the chance to have a mentor or a role model. I have often admired various artists as I was making progress, I have been significantly influenced by many of them because some of them produce works that make an impression on me and revolutionize the way I see the world around me. 

Williamson Dulce Throughout this journey, I've met great people who just inspired me. Ingrid Enriquez-Donissaint was a North Star in my journey in advertising. I owe her a great debt because she planted the seed in my mind to make my own way in the industry. 

Kareem Perez Not until recently, for the majority of my career, I've been the only black or person of colour in leadership/management

Neyna Dansoh Unfortunately, I currently do not have a BIPOC mentor in the advertising industry. It’s challenging because there aren’t a lot in the industry at the senior and executive levels. I did however have the pleasure to engage in coaching sessions with Donna Forde, who has been instrumental in my leadership and career development. Her teachings were instrumental in increasing my self-awareness and professional growth. I hope to one day have the opportunity to have the same impact on another young BIPOC professional in the field.

Richard Fofana Two people were important role models for me early in my career. Winston Klass was a wicked smart research innovator and thought leader that my boss had enormous respect for. There were very few people of colour in the industry at the time and working with someone held in such high regard had a personal impact. Another amazing model was Lock Sing Leung – a brilliant thinker and entrepreneur who, despite being an outsider, won people over with his smarts, wisdom and charm. Fortunately, today there are a lot more BIPOC role models leading the way.

Sam Mussa: I didn’t have many BIPOC mentors, but I consider Freddie Nduna my brother and I feel like I have been chasing after him, to be honest. I am glad I met him early in my career. He helped me see there was a place for me down the road.

Tobi Adebowale I have many but one of the first was Kehinde Bademosi. He was the first person who really opened my eyes to the power of storytelling and it really blew my mind.

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

Kareem Perez One of my clients grew from a start-up fresh out of graduation to getting a deal on Dragon’s Den.

Richard Fofana My very first ‘ad gig’, I wrote a grant proposal at my first job at Skills For Change — a non-profit that helps newcomers to Canada. I sweated the details, trying to tell our story. I remember the exhilaration I felt when we won the grant. It wasn’t a huge sum of money, but I felt like I had just won the lottery. I had just stepped across a threshold: my first taste of the ‘art’ of persuasion. It’s still a huge personal driver: that thrill you feel when you create something that suddenly becomes a catalyst for change. More recently, having our UM team recognized as the most awarded media agency at the recent CMAs and Media Innovation Awards was also pretty sweet!

Sam Mussa: Man, this one is hard. I feel like this job has never given me the same day twice and has blessed me with a lot of amazing opportunities. I just really love that feeling when you crack a brief in a damn good way. That excitement when you land on a great idea and the possibilities feel endless. I wish I could bottle that.

Tobi Adebowale Getting a full-time job at an agency I wanted to work at.

Neyna Dansoh Being given the opportunity to not only enter this field but shine in it. There is very little BIPOC representation in advertising so it can often feel like a tough industry to break into. I am just as capable if not more than the next person and yet it took time to land where I am today. I’ve been very fortunate that the managers I’ve had were open-minded and didn’t just talk about being inclusive but showed it through their encouragement and endless support of my career goals and pursuits.

Tyler J. Edwards The most amazing thing happens to me every day… it’s the opportunity to tell the stories of myself and my community through my creativity. I see this as a huge responsibility and I’m honoured to have it.

Idris Lawal Most recently, I was honoured to host and moderate a panel on unconscious bias in the advertising, media and music industries which featured my favourite thought-leaders across all 3 industries and touched on issues as well as what each industry can learn from each other. A truly rewarding professional and personal experience. The first amazing thing that happened to me in advertising was my cousin seeing an ad I had worked on and calling me in excitement. My work helped me reconnect with a cousin I hadn’t spoken to in a while and ultimately became the catalyst for him to get into advertising as well.

Jean-Remy Bena To have the opportunity to meet in the context of my work with some celebrities, and the chance to work on award-winning projects.

Miro LaFlaga I cannot singlehandedly pick out a specific event. One thing I can say about my journey is that I get fulfillment when young kids tell me that I inspire them to start their own agency.

Dameon Neath The transition of being invisible to visible in a space that’s very homogeneous.

Mwangi Gatheca Since I'm still pretty new to the industry, amazing things are on their way… I'd say the best thing so far is just being hired. Graduating at the beginning of the pandemic was scary as summer job prospects started to evaporate. But I was lucky to get the opportunity at NFA and gain a lot of fantastic experience and excellent guidance. Furthermore, getting hired at Rethink at the end of my internship was something I didn't imagine happening. It's truly a blessing to get an opportunity to work at such notable agencies. 

Williamson Dulce That I never broke through into the industry is the most amazing but brutal thing to me. I exist within an ecosystem of people who acknowledge me and my work. But in the mainstream, there was a constant rejection of who I was. That obstacle, the hardship of not being able to break into an industry where I thought I belonged, through my own effort, brought a lot of second-guessing and made me doubt my ability to create great work or be recognized. Eventually, I realized my worth would not be found in a 9-6 job at a top agency. I found the fulfillment of my purpose and journey in creating my own path in the industry.

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

Sam Mussa: I pause. Take a deep breath before I do anything. Then I determine who and what was said and depending on the impact I decide if I should respond now or come back later and discuss what was said privately. I try to disarm the situation and identify the root of what was said with probing questions. To get to a more inclusive environment we need to deal with the root of the issue and speak up. My path may not be for everyone, but it is what I lean into so I don’t come across as the aggressor.

Tobi Adebowale I don’t tolerate it.

Tyler J. Edwards I deal with bias, micro-aggressions, and racism the best way I know how: with maturity and hard work. The sad reality is that these are things that I have faced my whole life and I know I will continue to face them. Adapting and allowing my work to speak for itself has always been my most efficient coping method, although I understand that may not be ideal for others.

Idris Lawal I speak up. Those who know me know that I am quick to speak up when I spot it. Respectfully and privately if needed but I speak up.

Jean-Remy Bena Unfortunately, I realized very quickly I was in an under-represented environment in terms of minorities. It was sometimes very difficult to live with, because in some agencies I, unfortunately, experienced racism. It hurts morally to feel alone in a creative studio because of remarks or racist jokes daily. I found the best way to protect myself mentally from this is to lock myself in my bubble and concentrate exclusively on my work. This can help, but it also has harmful effects because you completely cut off all social ties in your workplace. Which doesn’t work as very often, the success of a project depends on good communication and cohesion within a group. 

Neyna Dansoh If there’s anything I’ve learned over the years whether in my personal or professional life, it’s that if you want something, you need to speak up. As a young Black male in an industry where I see very few to no others who look like me, I need to ensure that my voice is heard. I’m not a mind reader and therefore do not expect others to be either. If I see, hear or notice something that doesn’t sit right with me, I will take it in, digest it, and try to have a conversation with the parties of issue.

Miro LaFlaga Sadly, I am getting real jaded by it. I look at it as “it comes with the territory”. To be honest, I am not sure if that’s a healthy outlook but it makes me push harder.

Dameon Neath I use instances of bias, microaggression, racism and anything in between as an opportunity to educate. Sometimes that falls on deaf ears—but it’s been far more effective for me than meeting fire with fire. To quote Audre Lorde: “For the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house. They may allow us temporarily to beat him at his own game, but they will never enable us to bring about genuine change.” 

Williamson Dulce Every day I learn a little bit more about racism. It allows me to understand the magnitude of the issue; it helps me understand relationships, business relationships, ultimately what I allow and what I won't allow to affect me. I created a space where I feel safe to create and share my experience. Some want to be included; some don't want to be included. I want to be respected and meet great brands that can sit at a round table to come independently as a unit and bring value.

Kareem Perez I don't think I've dealt with it head-on. In reflection, when these things would occur, I would seek internal allies who helped to provide perspective and advocated on my behalf in a professional context.

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

Sam Mussa I would like to see the barriers to entry reduced and opportunities given to talented creatives from non-traditional paths. We need to invest in people, which can be a scary undertaking, but being able to tap into young diverse creatives coming from different paths gives us a chance to bring in that inclusion. Make no mistake, this is no knock against schooling and development of the craft, but what I am saying is we need to be open and willing to take a chance.

Tobi Adebowale This is a big question. I think the best answer would be it should be reflective of the reality we live in. If I’m out and about in downtown Toronto and I run into a lot of black and brown people then it should be the same when I walk into an agency.

Tyler J. Edwards Starting at ground zero is the only way this industry can truly become more inclusive. I was shocked to learn that an industry that rewards creativity like this even exists and I have hundreds of peers who would be just as surprised. By crumbling the walls of nepotism and showing children the opportunities in the ad industry from a young age, we can open the doors to diverse minds and ideas that can positively affect the industry.

Idris Lawal I’d like to see more inclusivity in leadership positions that are not diversity lead roles. I would also like to see more BIPOC-owned agencies. Inclusivity and representation at leadership positions will naturally have a top-down effect within agencies and the industry. More Gavins, Julians, Zeminas, Nardias and Bozomas. 

Jean-Remy Bena I would like to see in the near future a much more colourful expansion of agencies in terms of minorities. Very often the only minorities observable in this field are independent artists or freelancers. Having more diversity is crucial because it brings cultural richness and can give rise to much richer work.

Neyna Dansoh Many things need to happen at the industry and organization level. The first thing that comes to mind is to hire a spectrum of visible minorities. I don’t mean just at entry-level or mid-management roles either. There is so much talent out… there is no reason that 8 in 10 senior-level decision-makers at any organization in 2021 should be white men. I’ve noticed a lot more women getting opportunities to be in executive leadership roles which is an amazing step in the right direction, but the reality is that most of these women are white. For the industry to be inclusive, we need a fair representation of BIPOC talent that goes beyond an HR checklist. Mentorship programs within the company and outreach programs aimed at BIPOC youths as early as in high school are a great start to drive the change for diversity and inclusivity within the industry. 

Richard Fofana I went to a high school with kids whose families came from all over the planet: Korea, Jamaica, Tanzania, Greece, Poland, Pakistan, Russia, The Philippines. One year, we represented seventy-seven different countries. We were lucky. Diversity was the norm. And we flourished. Diverse perspectives lead to brilliant ideas and opportunities. Creating a culture of inclusion allows for greater integration of diverse experiences which, ultimately, leads to better solutions and better work to grow our clients’ brands. To give voice to diversity, industry leaders need to clear a path to allow for the free flow and sharing of ideas and talent. We need to identify points of friction – many unintended – that stifle voices and actively resource efforts to make people feel like they are welcome to fully participate and lead. The first step is institutional: kudos to the companies who have called out the need for greater inclusion, who have created solid policies and who are taking action. The second step is personal: we, I, each of us need to mobilize. For most of us, it simply means choosing to shift into a slightly higher gear. Be conscious. Err on the side of inclusion. Look to see who is in the room and who isn’t. Offer partnership. Offer mentorship. I think these incremental shifts are important. This will be the traction that sustains change. Good for us all as individuals and good for the industry.

Williamson Dulce There are so many inclusion levels, I believe we are still scratching the surface; equality and opportunities are key. I think money will always be an obstacle to these aspects if decision-makers, clients, creators, publishers, and media don't assess their own bias and go beyond the status quo and build a more humanized way of conducting business. Will the system that we live in allow those kinds of changes – this is yet to be proven to me.

Kareem Perez Diversification not only in terms of culture and race but also in terms of thought process and communication. Allowing a variety of ideas to reach the decision table will allow for innovation and adaptation that is hindered when the ideology and people at the decision-making table all look and think the same.

Miro LaFlaga I want the industry to be more self-aware and actually commit to actual change, not just saying it. I'm tired of seeing other agencies talk about inclusion when their team does not reflect that. By bringing different heads of different backgrounds into the executive meetings, we are encouraging innovation. Diversity and inclusion, should not stop at race either. People who are disabled aren’t part of the conversation. How can we make sure that we can create experiences that cater to them too? That can only happen if they are part of the conversation.

Dameon Neath While we're slowly attempting to break the glass ceiling by including more and more BIPOC at all levels, we also need to address the glass cliff we’re leaving them on. We need more programs (internal and external), more sponsorship and more resources so that when we (BIPOC) enter spaces, we can actually thrive in them. Square pegs can't fit in an environment full of round holes, right?

Mwangi Gatheca I think that there needs to be more outreach to BIPOC communities about advertising as a career option. When I was deciding my career path in my senior year of high school, I didn't even know there was such a thing as an art director. Seeing more BIPOC people in the creative department is something that I would like, and I think a way to do that would be letting people know these roles exist. Many talented creative people give up on their dreams in favour of a "serious" or "practical" job, but this is an industry that has good jobs, and you can still live out your creative aspirations (client approval pending). Even outside of the creative department, the different roles available in the industry should be discussed more because no matter where your interests lie, there is something for you to do in advertising.

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

Tobi Adebowale Right now I'm focused on existing and just occupying space in the “tobiest” way possible. I think the best thing I can do is show the value of hiring from diverse backgrounds.

Miro LaFlaga I feel me being out here, being loud and showcasing that a Black couple can run an agency is already a big step. Beyond that, we do provide workshops to young creatives. These workshops help give them the tools needed to transition to a professional environment. Another way is by collaborating with other Black-owned agencies and finding them, especially the new ones. Trying my best to exchange resources and referring work to each other.

Dameon Neath I’m having uncomfortable conversations and attempting to speak up more in the public realm.

Mwangi Gatheca My goal with advertising is to create more infotainment. I think that people don't hate ads; they hate bad ads. The ads that are overly invasive, distracting or irrelevant are what really both people. Advertising isn't going anywhere anytime soon, but we can make the experience enjoyable for people. Maybe one day, people will look forward to the commercials on days other than the Superbowl (probably never).

Williamson Dulce 0rijin Village is my way to understand the black experience better because my journey is found in all industries. Knowing more about how others live gives me a broader understanding of how I can help make small changes consistently. My journey is a wealth of information for some that I'm willingly sharing with Black talent and Black entrepreneurs so they can find their own path by learning from some of my mistakes. Currently, I've developed an app to connect Black-owned businesses, conducted several focus groups on the Black entrepreneurship experience so my organization can assess their need and find a way to support. My experience as a Black creative in advertising has awakened my desire to build, create and I found that fulfilled through entrepreneurship.

Tyler J. Edwards I’ve begun working with organizations that share this goal while also taking it upon myself to personally mentor any BIPOC creatives who have approached me. Just showing someone what they’re capable of is the most important first step. This is something I also intend to do on a larger scale as my seniority in the industry begins to grow.

Sam Mussa I have taken a more active role in mentoring and being available to youth starting out in the industry and those currently in school. My hope is they understand their value in this industry and offer a sense of belonging. Internally at Ogilvy Canada, I have also taken on the lead of our DE&I group, Roots. Our local chapter was started by my good friend Idris Lawal and has now become my mission to hold ourselves accountable, as well as our agency, continuing to be an active participant in promoting change in the industry. 

Idris Lawal First and foremost, I plan to continue to speak up and use the platforms I’m provided to advocate for more diversity, inclusivity and ultimately a better advertising industry. I most recently joined the University of Ottawa Toronto Alumni Council and through this, I’m hoping to continue to motivate BIPOC students interested in or unsure about the advertising industry to find where they fit in it and can be their best selves. While I am no longer at Ogilvy, I plan to take the same passion for D&I that led to the formation of Ogilvy Roots with me throughout my career.

Kareem Perez My organization, The Tech Effect is a digital literacy platform that provides education and programming in marketing and advertisings. A big part of our mission is to provide opportunities for professionals from racialized communities, those that identify as BIPOC, new Canadians, and Young professionals seeking career advice.

Jean-Remy Bena I'm constantly trying to improve myself and constantly trying to push the limits, break the codes, and undo the rules. Doing all of this is part of the deconstruction of stereotypes. Unfortunately, too many people are still surprised by my work in relation to my skin colour. Creativity has no colour or origin.

Neyna Dansoh For my part, I take every opportunity to learn and stay up to date on marketing and advertising trends and best practices and in turn educate both internal stakeholders and clients alike when the opportunity arises. When it comes to hiring team members, I like to work with HR to ensure that there’s a good mix of qualified BIPOC talent in the candidate mix. Lastly, as the only Black male on a team or sometimes across the entire organization, I make sure to show up and give my 110% in hopes that on some level, it can help to reduce any prejudice people may have.

______

Participants, in the order they appeared during Black History Month

Sam Mussa is an art director at Ogilvy.

Tyler J. Edwards is a copywriter at FCB Canada.

Tobi Adebowale is a copywriter at FCB/SIX Canada.

Idris Lawal is an account executive at Cossette.

Jean-Remy Bena is Senior Designer at Mosaic.

Neyna Dansoh is Client Solutions Partner at Spotify Advertising.

Richard Fofana is VP, Strategy, UM.

Miro LaFlaga is co-founder of Montreal boutique agency Six Cinquième.

Dameon Neath is a designer at Juliet.

Mwangi Gatheca is an art director at Rethink.

Williamson Dulce is Director Of Technology at 0rijin Village.

Kareem Perez is Managing Director, The Tech Effect.

This virtual panel discussion has been compiled by from individual answers to a common set of questions given to all participants. Gavin Barrett is co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Barrett and Welsh, a minority-led, inclusion-focused, creativity-powered Toronto branding and advertising 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.