1 March 2023

Celebrating Black Excellence

Stories of dimension.

The Celebrating Black Excellence series illuminates our Black and African diasporic employees’ multidimensional stories, reflections and achievements.

The series features Black employees from across our global studios.

A person wearing glasses and a white sweater sits at a table with a laptop, notebook, and a cup, in a bright room with sunlight streaming through a window and a city building visible outside.

“I am Black and the architect of my own narrative. With every opportunity, I step forward, mindful of the enduring legacy woven by those who precede me. Loving the evolution of what it looks like to be Black, I look forward to a time when obtaining excellence isn’t the societal standard in acknowledging the value in what it means to be Black.”

Oneal Robinson, Client Financial Analyst, New York

“I’m inspired by the ways we defy the boxes we’ve been placed in. I want every Black kid to grow up and experience the depths of the human experience. I want them to explore whatever music they like, go places in the world that intrigue them, and see themselves represented in every space. This inspires the way I approach my work and guides the way I show up in the world.”

Uzo Mgbahurike, Associate Strategist, San Francisco

A man wearing a purple and blue knit sweater stands on a sunny street with trees and a distant city skyline in the background. The scene is bright and clear, with autumn colors in some of the trees.

A woman in a denim shirt and white apron cooks in a kitchen, stirring food in a large pan on the stove. A bowl of ingredients and utensils are on the counter beside her. The background has a tiled wall and kitchen supplies.

“I am Black, multicultural, and community-driven. What inspires me most about being Black is our cultural contributions to American society and community-driven change. I am most proud of co-founding the Haitian Ladies Network®, the largest global community of multigenerational women of Haitian descent that convenes annually. As a passionate foodie, I founded Feastme, a curated directory app that makes it easy for my fellow foodie community to discover top local dining and culinary experiences.”

Fendy Mesy, Account Director, Washington DC

A man in a black suit and tie smiles warmly while standing in front of a bright orange background.

“I am Black and proof of my ancestors’ wildest dreams.”

Jabari Kamau Hearn, Managing Partner, Los Angeles

A smiling woman with curly, reddish hair wearing a yellow and white patterned dress and a necklace, standing outdoors against a light-colored wall.

“I am Black and a fierce advocate for mental health. Starting therapy seven years changed the trajectory of my life. The journey hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned what it means to really understand, like, and love myself. I’d love to live in a world where everyone in our community has the same opportunity.”

Kendall Jackson, Senior Designer, Washington DC

A young woman with long braids and soft curls by her forehead stands against a rough concrete wall, wearing a white halter top and gazing calmly at the camera.

“The most inspiring part about the Black community is seeing how much diversity exists among Black people regarding their talents, personalities, hobbies, styles, backgrounds, and more. I also feel inspired by Black people who are unapologetically themselves and live passionately. Belonging to this community means having an unspoken bond and understanding of each other based on our shared values and experiences.”

Kira Porter, Project Coordinator, Atlanta

“I am Black and Afro-Caribbean. Limitless. Proud. To me, Black History Month is a reminder of all the foundational contributions Black people have made in this country. It’s a time of self-reflection, education, and joy. As a member of the Black community, I’m constantly inspired by the similarities in our everyday essence, the deep links that exist across our cultures, and the vast diversity within the diaspora itself.”

Rae James, Senior User Experience Designer, New York

A woman with short, twisted hair wears large glasses and a green collared shirt, smiling slightly. She has dark lipstick and nails painted pink, touching her collar. The background is softly blurred.

A woman with long, brown box braids wears a white shirt and a simple gold necklace. She is looking at the camera with a neutral expression, posed against a gray background.

“I am Black and beautiful. Black History Month means knowledge, learning about all those who paved the way for me to live and work freely and the different contributions and innovations of black people. I am inspired by the RICHNESS of our culture.”

Theodora Akua Aninakwa, Benefits Coordinator, New York

“One of the many things that inspires me as a member of the Black community is our creativity and influence on art and culture throughout time in the face of societal obstacles that have actively tried to suppress honest expression.”

Ian White, Associate Designer, DC

A young man wearing a brown sweatshirt, blue pants, and a beige cap sits on a stool, smiling and holding a colorful poster with the words GET MOVIN! in bold letters. The background is textured and mottled.

A woman with long black hair, wearing a bright red dress, stands outdoors with her arms crossed, smiling confidently. Behind her are buildings, trees, and parked cars on a city street.

“I am Black and the manifestation of my ancestors. Historically, the marketing and advertising industry has struggled with diverse representation. At AKQA, I’m given the opportunity to manage and influence our nation’s largest brands and contribute a unique and diverse perspective to push creativity and innovation to the next level helping pave the way for future generations.”

Tynisha Carter, Senior Project Manager, New York

A woman with curly hair partially covering her face smiles warmly in a softly lit, black-and-white photo, wearing a satin robe and looking relaxed and happy.

“I am Black, and my experiences, perspectives, and contributions are valuable and essential to society. I am Sasheen, and I am proud of my heritage, culture, and identity. To me, Black History Month is about highlighting Black entrepreneurs and warmly welcoming others into our intimate spaces. It also showcases the work and progress our culture has accomplished from the previous year. I stopped watching re-enactments of our enslaved ancestors a long time ago. I am inspired by those who see obstacles as roadkill instead of roadblocks.”

Sasheen Turner, Account Executive, Portland

“I am Black, a wife, a mother of four beautiful humans, and a music lover. Have you ever heard a song that took you to a different place, and you could lose yourself in the beat and melody? Well, that’s how I experience music, from gospel to old-school hip-hop, neo-soul and afro-beat; I love it.”

Tia Smith, Senior People Manager, Washington DC and Atlanta

A smiling woman with long braids wearing a black top and pink flower accessory poses inside a clear hanging chair decorated with white flowers. Black and white art is visible in the background.

A young woman with long, wavy black hair styled in a high ponytail, wearing hoop earrings and a black turtleneck, looks calmly at the camera against a plain white background.

“What inspires me most is Black creativity and the celebration of Black life. Our lived experience in this world is so unique. Witnessing our ability to display our multidimensional arts and talent makes me proud to be a black creative in this industry. It's something I will continue to honour and take with me always through my career and the work I produce.”

Payton Campbell, Associate Art Director, San Francisco/Los Angeles

A woman with short dark hair, wearing glasses, a dark top, a necklace, and pearl earrings, stands smiling in front of a light wooden background.

“I am not as inspired by the heights we have risen as by the depth we have climbed. Historically, Black people have been suppressed and oppressed in nearly every form imaginable from years of slavery to the Jim Crow era. Despite all the obstacles placed in our way, we continue to excel and break barriers opening doors that were once closed and paving the way for future generations.”

LaWanda Ratcliffe, Senior Resource Manager, Atlanta

A man wearing headphones and a green Timberland t-shirt flexes his arms and makes a serious face. Behind him are two guitars mounted on the wall and a black-and-white cityscape photo.

“We aren’t just Black. We’re individuals from various cultures, backgrounds and regions. We are doctors, lawyers, accountants, HR specialists, IT analysts, pilots, police officers; the list goes on.”

Jabari Williams, Senior IT Support Analyst, Atlanta

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