A Cry from the Heart: The Quest for Genuine Support and Diverse Leadership

I’ll be honest. I was majorly apprehensive when considering whether or not to post the following words. On the one hand, there have certainly been positive strides made to address areas of concern regarding the lack of mentorship once at the top. However, on the other hand, I can't help but feel like it's all just a virtue-signaled facade, carefully crafted to satisfy stakeholders and appease consumer bases. Maybe it's neither, maybe it's both.

As a queer, BIPOC college senior on the cusp of graduating from the University of Minnesota, I can't help but feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation. I've spent years studying Public Relations and Advertising, fueled by the desire to amplify marginalized voices and make a difference. Yet, I can't shake the gnawing feeling that my dreams might be in vain.

I had always hoped to find solace in a diverse, inclusive work environment where I could learn from and be mentored by leaders who understand my struggles and share my background. But the stark reality of underrepresentation in PR and advertising has left me disheartened and questioning if my aspirations will ever come to fruition.

The recent Fortune article, "Working While Black in Corporate America," hit me like a ton of bricks. Reading about the isolation, microaggressions, and tokenism that Black professionals endure in the corporate world was both infuriating and demoralizing. It made me wonder:

Will my generation of emerging BIPOC talent find the support we so desperately seek, or are we doomed to face the same cold, lonely, and ultimately detrimental experiences as those who have come before us?

As I stand on the precipice of my professional journey, I can't help but feel a sense of urgency. We need change, and we need it now. We need leaders of color who can guide, mentor, and empower young professionals like me. We need more than just tokenism to fulfill diversity quotas; we need genuine support and representation across all levels of the industry.

My experiences as a BIPOC Minnesotan and a student at the University of Minnesota have only fueled my determination to fight for a better future. I know I'm not alone in this quest. Together, we can challenge the status quo, demand that our voices be heard, and push for genuine change.

It's time for the PR and advertising industry to wake up and take meaningful action. We need equal opportunities for career advancement, anti-racism training, and an inclusive and supportive work environment for all employees. Only then can we dismantle systemic barriers and create a thriving, diverse, and equitable future.

As I prepare to step into the professional world, I cling to the hope that our calls for genuine representation and support will resonate with those who have the power to make a difference.

I implore you, industry leaders, to hear our cries and take decisive action. Help us navigate the challenges we face as BIPOC professionals. Share your wisdom, your stories of triumph and resilience, and your honest accounts of struggles and setbacks.

We don't want to be left feeling discouraged and isolated on this journey. Together, we can break down barriers and create a more equitable future for all.