The Drum Awards for Marketing - Extended Deadline

-d -h -min -sec

Marketing Diversity & Inclusion People on the Move

VML names God-is Rivera as director of inclusion and cultural resonance

Author

By Kyle O'Brien, Creative Works Editor

August 17, 2017 | 3 min read

Marketing agency VML, a WPP agency, has promoted God-is Rivera to the newly created position of director of inclusion and cultural resonance.

God-is Rivera

God-is Rivera named director of inclusion and cultural resonance at VML

Rivera has been a key part of the evolution of VML’s Inclusion & Diversity committee. Being a black woman in the advertising industry has prompted Rivera to pursue her passion of highlighting the imperative need for greater diversity within the industry. In 2016, she joined VML’s social media practice and has since pushed for a wide range of perspectives both within the work and across the agency.

“There is nothing more important to us as a VML family than ensuring all VMLers have the opportunity to thrive in a diverse and inclusive workplace. And that our client partners can experience the level of perspective in our work that results from that type of agency,” said Jon Cook, global chief executive officer. “God-is has been making this type of impact in her work across VML since the day she started. But it became clear that we needed to formalize and expand this as a new, official role to truly continue the momentum and needed progress we want as an agency in this critical aspect of our culture and capability. I could not be more excited about the role and about God-is being the one who embodies it.”

Rivera will focus on enriching an atmosphere of inclusion at VML, from internal communication and education efforts to building partnerships in the communities our offices serve. She will also continue to stay connected to client work.

According to VML, as a member of the HR team, Rivera will focus on "expanding the foundation and spirit of inclusivity" in their internal culture and offices "so employees feel safe, comfortable and open to learning about, considering and supporting diverse perspectives." She will also expand hiring practices to increase diverse candidates, and shape practices to ensure inclusion.

Rivera recently led 'Woke, Lit & Ready', a presentation that explores the immense influence Black Twitter has had on American culture, for several audiences including the Social Media and Diversity Steering committees of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s).

Rivera is also one of three finalists for this year’s AdColor Change Agent award and was featured by The Drum and the 4A’s in 'Beyond the Brief.'

Rivera will report to Ronnie Felder, managing director of human resources.

Marketing Diversity & Inclusion People on the Move

More from Marketing

View all

Trending

Industry insights

View all
Add your own content +