God-is Rivera has been promoted to director of inclusion and cultural resonance, a newly created position at VML.
Rivera has been a vital part of the evolution of VML’s Inclusion & Diversity committee. Being a black woman in the advertising industry has prompted Rivera to pursue her passion of highlighting the imperative need for greater diversity within the industry. In 2016, she joined VML’s social media practice, and has since pushed for a wide range of perspectives both within the work and across the agency.
“There is nothing more important to us as a VML family than ensuring all VMLers have the opportunity to thrive in a diverse and inclusive workplace. And that our client partners can experience the level of perspective in our work that results from that type of agency,” said Jon Cook, global CEO. “God-is has been making this type of impact in her work across VML since the day she started. But it became clear that we needed to formalize and expand this as a new, official role to truly continue the momentum and needed progress we want as an agency in this critical aspect of our culture and capability. I could not be more excited about the role and about God-is being the one who embodies it.”
Rivera will focus on enriching an atmosphere of inclusion at VML, from internal communication and education efforts to building partnerships in the communities our offices serve. She will also continue to stay connected to client work.
As a member of the HR team, Rivera will:
• Focus on expanding the foundation and spirit of inclusivity in our internal culture and offices so employees feel safe, comfortable and open to learning about, considering and supporting diverse perspectives.
• Examine and expand hiring practices — from researching diverse talent pools and sources to developing programs aimed at increasing diverse candidates.
• Create and shape practices and methodologies that ensure inclusion within our work and outputs.
Rivera recently led “Woke, Lit & Ready,” a presentation that explores the immense influence Black Twitter has had on American culture, for several audiences including the Social Media and Diversity Steering committees of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s). She is spearheading a panel on the topic at Advertising Week NY on Sept. 26.
Rivera is also one of three finalists for this year’s AdColor Change Agent award and was featured by the 4A’s in “Beyond the Brief.”