The BrandLab Celebrates 15 Years of Impact and Innovation

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. July 5, 2024—This Sunday marks a milestone anniversary for The BrandLab, which was incorporated on July 7, 2009, 15 years ago. Founded by John and Cindy Olson to address the growing diversity gap in the Minneapolis marketing and advertising workforce, The BrandLab has grown from a small initiative into a powerful force for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in multiple locations in the Midwest.

Celebrating Our Founders and Community

John and Cindy Olson's dedication and passion laid the foundation for what The BrandLab is today. Their commitment to creating pathways for young talent from underrepresented communities has transformed countless lives and reshaped the industry's landscape.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the many individuals who have contributed to our journey:

Previous and Current Team Members: Your hard work and dedication have been instrumental in our growth and success.

Board Members: Your guidance and support have steered us towards achieving our mission.

Partners: Your collaboration and resources have enabled us to expand our reach and impact.

Alumni: Your successes are our proudest achievements, showcasing the potential and excellence of diverse talent.

Volunteers and Community Members: Your time, effort, and belief in our cause have been the bedrock of our community engagement.

By the Numbers: 15 Years of Success

Building the Next Generation: Through our exposure programs, over 5,000 high school students have been introduced to careers in marketing and advertising.

Opportunities to Define Success: We have offered paid internships to more than 800 high school and college students.

Positive Relationships and Placement: We have arranged over 175 professional mentorships and hired 32 young professionals for paid fellowships.

Increasing DEI&B within the Workforce: We have facilitated nearly 300 diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging workshops in industry workplaces.

$280,000+ Awarded in Scholarships: We are giving students the resources to pursue their dreams with support every step of the way.

National Expansion: From our humble beginnings in one high school, we now have programs running in three geographic regions throughout the Midwest.

Mission-Focused Impact

“The BrandLab's mission-focused impact hits near and dear to my heart as a biracial woman,” said Kelli Williams, CEO of The BrandLab. “Specifically, as a biracial woman in marketing who's been in the industry for 20 years, I've often been the only biracial person or the only person of color in the room; the only biracial woman in leadership. And this has been a very real part of my professional career. So our mission-focused impact of changing both the face and the voice of the marketing and advertising profession is one I know personally.”

Why This Matters

The marketing and advertising industry is not nearly as diverse as the general population. While the U.S. as a whole is becoming increasingly more diverse, the industry has largely stagnated. The media all of us consume every day, from podcasts to billboards, continue to significantly under-represent people of color. Given the homogeneity of the profession that fuels our culture, what can we shift if we bring everyone into the fold? That transformation goes beyond workforce development. That transformation can shift our dominant mental models and lead our region further along a path that uplifts everyone’s well-being.

Imagine an inclusive marketing and advertising profession that fosters a landscape where diverse voices, perspectives, and narratives thrive. Companies with leadership from all genders, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, abilities, and socio-economic backgrounds actively seek diverse talent, voices, and experiences within their teams, fostering an environment where creativity flourishes from varied viewpoints. In this vibrant ecosystem, the industry sets a standard where every person feels seen, heard, and empowered through the messages they encounter. Indigenous, Black, Brown, AAPI, and Hispanic/Latinx (BIPOC) youth are drawn to the dynamic possibilities for creative expression, strategic thinking, and ongoing innovation within these career paths, with ample opportunities to kick-start their journey. This is how we equip the next generation of creative problem solvers.

The difference in lived experiences of BIPOC employees and the slow growth in diversity in the workforce weaken the industry’s ability to create work that represents the consumer population.

IGNITE Gala: Celebrating 15 Years of Changing the Face and Voice

The IGNITE Gala is The BrandLab's highly anticipated annual fundraising event, dedicated to celebrating 15 years of impactful change in the marketing and advertising industry. It serves as a platform to unite the vibrant Midwest marketing and advertising community in a shared mission to transform the profession.

Event Theme:?

IGNITE Gala: Celebrating 15 Years of Changing the Face and Voice

Theme Overview:

It’s more than just an event—it's a testament to the transformative power of the marketing and advertising profession. The IGNITE Gala encapsulates the spirit of transformation, celebrating 15 years of impactful change within the marketing and advertising profession. It emphasizes the evolution of the profession itself and the diverse voices beginning to be represented within it. By celebrating the achievements of The BrandLab and its mission to change the face and voice of the profession, the gala aims to reignite passion and commitment among attendees to keep doing this transformative work together.

Event Summary:

This year's gala promises to be a memorable occasion as attendees come together to honor the youth served across the Midwest and raise vital funds to support The BrandLab's programming. With a focus on celebrating past successes and looking toward future opportunities, IGNITE invites participants to reflect on the journey of transformation and renewal while reaffirming their commitment to driving positive change within the industry.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, September 26, 2024

Time: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Location: Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota

The IGNITE Gala aims to surpass $200,000 in donations in a single evening, making it a powerful gathering of industry leaders, professionals, and supporters committed to meaningful change in the profession.

Don’t miss this chance to IGNITE change, celebrate 15 years of progress, and contribute to a brighter future for the marketing and advertising industry at the IGNITE Gala. Mark your calendars—it's an event you won't want to miss!

Looking Forward: Join Us for the Next 15 Years

As we reflect on our past achievements, we are filled with excitement for the future. Our mission remains as vital as ever: to change the face and voice of the marketing and advertising profession by empowering a new generation of diverse leaders. To achieve this, we invite you to join us in our efforts through your time, talent, and treasures.

Volunteer: Share your expertise and mentor the next generation of marketing and advertising professionals.

Partner: Collaborate with us to create more opportunities and expand our impact.

Donate: Your financial support will enable us to continue providing scholarships and high-quality programming.

Join us as we celebrate our past and build a brighter, more inclusive future. Together, we can make the next 15 years even more impactful.

About The BrandLab

The BrandLab (TBL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in Minneapolis, MN, and has a growing presence in the Midwest. The mission of The BrandLab is to change the face and voice of the marketing and advertising profession. For more information, visit thebrandlab.org.