Our mission.

We exist to bring more Black and underrepresented talent into advertising, ensuring they can fully express themselves, find community, and ultimately lead.

About BLAC.

BLAC (Building Leaders and Creators) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in 2020 by a coalition of advertising agencies committed to help usher in a new generation of industry leadership.

BLAC offers creative agencies the inspiration, guidance, and assistance they need to jump into action. We open the door to exciting new talent, providing coaching and training on how to best support and retain them. BLAC offers emerging creative thinkers access to the industry, supported by education, inspiration, experience, and community. We support long-term success with continued opportunities, connections, mentorship, and counsel.

The BLAC internship, our signature program, is a twelve-week summer program that pays, trains, and places emerging talent in leading agencies across the country. Interns participate in shared experiences with shared resources and projects, and upon completion of the program, become part of a network of peers and industry leaders who will continue to provide support throughout their careers. To date, BLAC has supported over 300 up-and-coming professionals, many of whom are currently thriving in advertising, marketing, and related creative industries.

BLAC launches careers, transforms lives, impacts agency work and culture, and affects broader change in the industry.

Meet the team.

While it takes a village who mentor, teach, guide, and otherwise contribute to nurturing the BLAC community, the core team tirelessly works with interns, agencies, and brands to develop and execute the most bespoke, rewarding program possible.

Nicolet Gatewood

Nicolet Gatewood

Executive Director

Jaydin Geer

Jaydin Geer

Program Manager + BLAC ’21 Alum

Board of Directors.

Alberto Baez

Alberto Baez

RQ Media Group

CFO

Patrick Bennett

Patrick Bennett

Independent

Chief Creative Officer

Asmirh Davis

Asmirh Davis

Majority

Founding Partner & President

Nicolet Gatewood

Nicolet Gatewood

BLAC

Executive Director

Emmy Hartley

Emmy Hartley

Cornett

Chief Operating Officer

Toni Lee

Toni Lee

TL Communications

President

Ashley Richardson-George

Ashley Richardson-George

Conscious Minds Studios

Head of Strategy

Avigail Schlosser

Avigail Schlosser

Yes& Agency

Chief Financial Officer

Gilly Segal

Gilly Segal

Chalkboard Ventures

General Counsel & Chief Administrative Officer

Chris Witherspoon

Chris Witherspoon

DNA&STONE

Founder