Beyond Representation: The Crucial Role of DEI in Transforming the Advertising Industry

With my chosen topic, I want to explore the meaning of diversity, equity, & inclusion (DEI) in the workplace but primarily the role it plays in the advertising industry. With my experience as a first-generation Latina Gen-Z college student, I have faced many barriers due to certain demographics that I identify with. When I first started university as a Public Relations major, I found myself extremely fascinated with the PR field however, I began to notice a lack of representation for people like myself. I understood how crucial PR was to any organization and how certain organizations prioritized their PR efforts over others but I couldn’t help but to think about the market of people like me, Gen-Z, Hispanic/Latina, working class upbringing, etc. I know that with Gen-Z we really prioritize accurate representation, so I couldn’t help but to question, if there isn’t anyone with a similar background to me, how can I expect them to cater a message or product or campaign towards me? I questioned, who were the people at these agencies making these decisions? What did they look like and are they aware of diverse human experiences? Once I switched my major to Integrative Studies and started taking courses in Sociology, it gave me a better understanding of the institutional factors that has lead to certain barriers being placed on underrepresented groups. I want my paper to highlight the sociological and institutional factors that make initiatives like DEI effective in bridging these gaps. I also want to focus on DEI in the field of advertising where this industry is the most vital when it comes to accurate representation that shouldn’t pander but cater to underrepresented groups.

I also work as a DEI intern at an advertising agency, and have decided that DEI is what I would like to pursue a career in.