"Between the AI arms race, political and economic headwinds, the ad industry finds itself at an inflection point, reshaping how organizations invest in and talk about talent. Most notably, advertisers are grappling with the pullback from diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives - largely given President Trump's scrutiny of DEI. The 4As, hasn't been immune from that recalibration."
"Coming into the role, Banderas Coffinet is pitching diversity as a business imperative rather than a moral initiative by measuring intern hiring rates and incorporating AI into program curriculum. Banderas Coffinet came with a background in media as CEO of Latina Media Network and corporate general manager at Vox Media. She was announced as the 4As latest hire under CEO Justin Thomas-Copeland on October 21."
""At the end of the day, engagement, inclusion, learning - these are not nice to have. They are the economic levers that are going to make you successful," she said."
The advertising industry faces an inflection point driven by an AI arms race and political and economic headwinds, prompting organizations to rethink talent investment and DEI strategies. Advertisers are experiencing a pullback from diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives amid increased political scrutiny. The 4As restructured MAIP and Vanguard to broaden inclusion beyond race and ethnicity, generating concern among former MAIP fellows about mission dilution. Sylvia Banderas Coffinet joined the 4As as EVP of people, talent and upskilling to expand program reach, emphasize diversity as a business imperative, measure intern hiring outcomes, and incorporate AI into curriculum to future-proof talent pipelines.
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