DAIC Committee

Meet the Faces Behind The Brandon Agency’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee


As an agency specializing in growing brands, we believe that we should grow and improve as an agency. In June 2020, The Brandon Agency formed a Diversity & Inclusion Committee (D&IC) tasked with helping the agency move forward in its internal and external diversity and inclusion efforts.

Since then, committee members have developed agency initiatives like the Paid Family and Medical Leave Policy, the TBA Internship Program, the internal Monthly Open Discussion Forum, and company recognition of diverse and inclusive holidays and special events.

The D&IC also spearheaded the company-wide 4A’s Workplace Enlightenment Certification, a year-long training program aimed at helping agencies reach the highest standards of equity and inclusion across a range of categories. Areas covered in the program include Race/Ethnicity, Gender, LGBTQIA+, Age, Faith, and People With Disabilities.

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Behind the scenes, the D&IC members contribute to departments across the agency, from interactive to account services. Each member brings their unique connection to diversity and inclusion to the committee’s work.

We are happy to officially announce the people behind our Diversity & Inclusion Committee! Read on to learn more about why each member joined the committee and what they hope to accomplish.

Alexis Armour, Social Media Associate

1) Why did you join the D&IC?

As an African American woman, I joined the D&I Committee to collaborate with the team on the changes I wanted to see at TBA. I also thought it was a fantastic opportunity for me to get my voice heard when it might otherwise go unheard.

2) What do you hope to accomplish as a member?

I hope to increase the diversity and inclusivity here at TBA through recruitment, company culture, etc. My hope is that everyone of all races and ethnicity will get a seat at the table.

Eli Pacheco, Content Writer

1) Why did you join the D&IC?

I joined the Diversity & Inclusion Committee because I was asked to be part of the original group. At first, I was indifferent. As a minority, I’ve always wanted simply to blend in, not stand out for differences. But I accepted the challenge of adding my perspective to an issue that had just become renewed in a very stark way.

2) What do you hope to accomplish as a member?

My objective is to help The Brandon Agency become a place all people will want to work for … ALL people. The people with whom I share this platform are driven, compassionate, and impressive leaders. They’re courageous and kind. I’m glad to be in this with them — for the ultimate goal of not needing a D&IC committee someday.

Kat Bush, Senior Designer/Senior Art Director

1) Why did you join the D&IC?

To help make a difference within the company culture, make sure no one feels left out and help attract diverse talent. My previous jobs were not diverse at all, and it made me upset to see. Companies have always turned a blind eye to these issues, and it’s great to see many, including Brandon, are realizing such and doing what they can to change the course.

2) What do you hope to accomplish as a member?

To help provide a safe space to discuss issues and solutions. Bring creativity to the forefront to help get our message out to potential talent. To continue to help develop a more diverse and inclusive culture. In 5 years, I would love to see a broader mix of culture within Brandon.

Kim Leaston, Public Relations Manager

1) Why did you join the D&IC?

I joined the D&IC because for most of my career, I have been the only person at an organization or on a team who looked like me. I had accepted that feeling singled out or separated from my colleagues by that lack of diversity was just part of life. This committee allows me to help ensure that diversity is recognized and valued at TBA and that our team reflects and welcomes the amazing diversity the world has to offer.

2) What do you hope to accomplish as a member?

I hope to bring ideas and perspectives to the committee that can help TBA be a catalyst for change in the advertising industry and set a new standard for what diversity & inclusion looks like in today’s workplace culture.

Kristen Novak, Traffic Manager

1) Why did you join the D&IC?

I joined the committee because I believe in balance and that every individual should be valued.

2) What do you hope to accomplish as a member?

I want to be the support that lifts up each person’s voice individually, unconditionally.

Stephanie Warren, Project Manager

1) Why did you join the D&IC?

In my former job, I did a lot of work around accessibility. I wanted to bring that to the work we do here at Brandon to push us to think beyond our personal abilities and create as inclusive a workplace as possible.

2) What do you hope to accomplish as a member?

I hope that as a team, we can help build a workplace where everyone feels valued and seen for who they are, and we are all pushed outside of our comfort zones to learn and grow with each other.

Lindsey Waltz, Senior Project Manager

1) Why did you join the D&IC?

When the Black Lives Matter movement swept the nation in early 2020, it became very evident to me that there was a lot of work to be done in the case of social equality. As a white LGBTQIA+ advocate/woman who stands for social justice, I learned quickly that I could influence positive change. Also, living in a community that has over 77% white racial demographic and a history of racial segregation (Myrtle Beach, S.C.) I knew the time to start was now. At TBA we know it takes a diverse group of minds to cultivate true creativity and together we can push the limits of our consumers and clients toward a future more equal for all. As one of the founding members of the internal D&IC I knew we needed to be better and together we are manifesting a more diverse and inclusive culture. I am honored to have a seat at the table.

2) What do you hope to accomplish as a member?

As a D&IC team member, I hope to see a positive influence among our internal culture. One that empowers teammates to stand up for what’s right and allows all to have a voice in all realms of work. I also look forward to a more diverse team/hires in the near future to help increase our innovation and creativity here at TBA.

Nick McNeill, Interactive Director

1) Why did you join the D&IC?

As a manager, a top priority is ensuring that my teammates, at every level, are working in a fair and thriving environment, and feel that they are maximizing their potential and strengths. The D&IC allows me to be able to listen and openly discuss challenges, as well as celebrate success, related to our company culture.

2) What do you hope to accomplish as a member?

I hope to impact our approach to recruiting a talented, diverse team.

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