Diversity & Inclusion Council

For us, it’s a no-brainer. Seeing things as our increasingly diverse consumer base sees them can only bolster our effectiveness as marketing professionals. So we’ve worked hard to welcome more non-traditional professionals into the ranks of Erwin-Penland.

The truth, as anyone who’s worked in marketing longer than a commercial break understands, is that the world is not exclusively populated by suburban types, aged 18-35. As that great philosopher Gary Coleman once put it: “It takes different strokes to move the world.” Or the needle.

So when we talk about putting depth on our bench, we’re talking about more than great graphic design or spreadsheet prowess. Although, that’s important; indeed, it’s essential. But we also think it’s important for the agency to be able to mix up our teams in ways that add a perspective that may be missing otherwise.

Would we really want to have all guys deciding what color phones to feature in a Verizon ad? Or just twentysomethings selling retirement products for Wachovia? And a working mother may have something to add about how Firehouse Subs markets its kids meals.

That’s what our Diversity & Inclusion Council is for: to help us make better connections with our consumers and with each other in a way that benefits our clients. We’re not trying to change the world. We’re just making sure we reflect it.