Our people
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.
“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
“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
“I am Black and proof of my ancestors’ wildest dreams.”
Jabari Kamau Hearn, Managing Partner, Los Angeles
“It’s inspiring to be amongst countless melanated people harnessing their energy and passion, deciding what they want to give to society versus what they will get from it—finding success through entrepreneurial and philanthropic ventures while inspiring generations old and young that no person or group can make you feel inferior without your permission. Realise there are no barriers to what you can achieve collectively.”
Shawn Mullings, Group Technical Director, New York
“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
“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
“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
“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
“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
“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
“I’m inspired by the community’s ability to persevere and evolve. Throughout my life, I’ve been surrounded by people in all types of situations, and no matter how hard things got, they were always able to make things work. Nowadays, everyone has a side business or is getting one together, striving to create multiple revenue streams. We continue to evolve, building upon previous generations to create healthier and more support systems for the community moving forward. A big piece of this is the move towards being more open to mental health services and utilising them as a resource to heal generational trauma.”
London Deveron Doby, Jr., Human Resources Coordinator, San Francisco
“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
“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
“I am Black, and a project in unlearning. As a first-born child in an immigrant household, I had to navigate the complexities of simultaneously learning Zimbabwean and American culture and how to reflect the elements of both best. While this taught me grit, sharpness, and perfection at a young age, now I’m learning to find joy in myself beyond work/school.”
Henrietta Maindidze, Associate Strategy Director, Washington DC
“I am Black and extremely confident in who I am. The confidence I feel as a Black man will never wane despite the hurdles I can face daily. Black History Month means celebration to me. Gratitude. Extra appreciation is given to my ancestors and Black people that paved the way for me to be a Black man in America. Seeing Black people excel is my daily inspiration to go after whatever I want. It makes me believe that I will excel in my career and other endeavours.”
Victor Covington, Project Manager, Portland
