From its origin in Galveston, Texas in 1865, Juneteenth commemorates African American emancipation in the US. Why do you think it has taken so long for this day to become a holiday?
Juneteenth, like other now-federal holidays, is the result of historical processes that took time to develop into what they are today–and are continuing to evolve in the ways we honor them. In the case of Juneteenth and the commemoration of emancipation, although it has taken a long time to get to where we are now, recognizes the triumph of equality over so many dark episodes in the history of our country since 1865. The triumph over segregation, Jim Crow laws and all those opposed to civil rights. All of this is cause for celebration, although we must not forget that the fight for more diversity, equity and inclusion continues.
Will you be giving space to people who wish to celebrate? How does observing this day create more awareness?
Absolutely. As an African-American woman and HR professional, I not only want to give space and place to those who want to celebrate this day to do so, but I also want to welcome everyone to join us in using this day to educate ourselves about its significance and the implications of today. At Iris, we believe that awareness and active participation go hand-in-hand, which is why we invite everyone to attend Juneteenth celebrations, workshops and cultural events, like the ones we will host in our offices. It's also crucial to remember that the genuine meaning of Juneteenth should not be limited to a single day on the calendar but should be practiced and commemorated all year long.
Equal opportunity starts at the grassroots level and the structure of the advertising industry makes it extremely challenging for BIPOC to enter, without the right network. Do you have any programs in place to make it possible for underserved communities to access the industry?
One of my priorities as head of human resources at a global agency is to encourage everyone to bring their true selves to Iris whenever they walk through our doors, whether for a job interview or as part of their daily routine. Diversity is something to be championed and advocated for, and that’s why we’re proactively endeavouring to reflect that diversity. Every person who works at Iris is encouraged to use their voice and express their whole selves and encouraged to listen to each other’s perspectives and needs.
Do you think our industry is progressing well enough towards greater diversity at the executive level?
We can't deny that we've come a long way in recent years, but cliché as it may sound, there's still more work to be done. We can't limit ourselves as an industry to changing logos on social media or taking the stage at different events to talk about principles that aren't being implemented in the industry as a whole. It’s essential to avoid becoming comfortable about diversity concerns, particularly at the executive level as this is a subject that should make us uncomfortable—because that’s the way we challenge our assumptions and proactively seek to achieve tangible progress.
