Advertising, DEIB, and HBCUs: An Interview with Vita Harris

Abstract

This article captures a conversation with Vita Harris, the Global Chief Strategy Officer of Foote, Cone & Belding, and Yvette Lynne Bonaparte, a marketing faculty member at an HBCU. The conversation reveals not only trends in multicultural marketing, or diverse mass marketing as it is referred to at FCB, it highlights the framework used in this global advertising agency to address diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, workforce, and their work. Highlights of Harris' journey to the C-suite of one of the world's largest global advertising agencies are reviewed. The role of advertising in society as a means of advancing culture, removing stereotypes of underrepresented populations, and increasing cultural competence is discussed.