Meet the Expert: Da'Vianna Nelson

What made you choose this career path?

I’ve always been fascinated with the different ways we communicate with one another. I genuinely believe that clear, effective communication is an important part of the equation in solving many of our problems today.

Can you tell us about some of the accounts you’re working on and the impact they are having?

One of the accounts I’m working on is for Johnson & Johnson and its work to find community-based solutions to improving health equity. They’re investing in grassroots organizations in historically marginalized communities bolstering healthcare resources and services in communities of color that lack accessible, quality care. In addition to this investment, it is also creating intentional programming that physically meets the community where they are and expands access to vital health information and support for patients and caregivers in communities of color.

Another account I have the privilege to work on is for Hyundai Hope on Wheels - a nonprofit offshoot of Hyundai Motor America. Their organization is committed to funding research and raising awareness for childhood cancer.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring digital account director?

The ‘account director’ role is such an interesting stage in your career because you’re taking on more of that account lead role while still being part of the core staff. The one piece of advice I would offer is to seek out every opportunity to learn — from your VPs, other account directors, and your direct reports. Never think you know everything or more than those around you. By allowing yourself to stay open, you will make a better team member and overall leader.

Can you tell us about your experiences co-leading the Black Employee Resource Group (BERG) at Fenton?

I have really enjoyed my experience co-leading BERG and trying to create a space that is just for us while also exposing other Fentonistas to our culture. As I continue to grow in this role, my goal is to ensure we (Black Fentonistas) have a support system among one another where we can foster a sense of community and learn from one another.

What’s an accomplishment – either personally or professionally – that you’re most proud of?

One of the recent professional accomplishments that I’m most proud of involves my Hyundai Hope on Wheels (HHOW) account. September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and this past September, I helped lead the planning of a week-long series of events in Washington, DC, to celebrate. This included a 300-person gala, a gallery exhibit following the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus Summit, and a Pediatric Cancer Survivorship Summit that convened the country’s leading experts in pediatric cancer survivorship to help shape HHOW’s focus and investment in supporting pediatric cancer survivors. For me, the most rewarding part was being able to talk with the families impacted by pediatric cancer and have them share with me how much this week of events meant to them.

What social issues are at the forefront of your mind right now?

I am most passionate about women’s rights and racial justice. Currently, we are in a climate that is actively attacking our reproductive rights and the progress made to improve racial equity ( this includes affirmative action, DEI programs, race-specific internships, and more). It is so important — now more than ever — to let our voices be heard.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I like to stay active and creative and I am constantly trying new things. Right now, I’m really into baking with sourdough. This past month I went on a journey of making a sourdough starter from scratch, and I was finally able to make my own bread last week. It was really exciting and rewarding. I also recently picked up tennis and have begun taking lessons. It’s a fun way to stay active and makes me feel like a kid again.

What would you recommend your clients or colleagues see or do first when visiting your home city of Charlotte, North Carolina?

Charlotte has a really great arts and food scene. I would definitely recommend visiting the Mint Museum in Uptown, which showcases varied art mediums from around the world. Following the museum, there is a really delicious restaurant in NoDa called Ever Andalo — it’s Italian! My favorite menu items are the focaccia bread with the olive oil flight, the kale crunch salad, and the Calabrian Chili Pappardelle ??????