# 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.

## 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, Executive Director
- Jaydin Geer, Program Manager + BLAC ’21 Alum

## Board of Directors

- Alberto Baez, RQ Media Group, CFO
- Patrick Bennett, Independent, Chief Creative Officer
- Asmirh Davis, Majority, Founding Partner & President
- Nicolet Gatewood, BLAC, Executive Director
- Emmy Hartley, Cornett, Chief Operating Officer
- Toni Lee, TL Communications, President
- Ashley Richardson-George, Conscious Minds Studios, Head of Strategy
- Avigail Schlosser, Yes& Agency, Chief Financial Officer
- Gilly Segal, Chalkboard Ventures, General Counsel & Chief Administrative Officer
- Chris Witherspoon, DNA&STONE, Founder