By Ann Cooper
Photos: Ann Cooper
The American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Mosaic Center for Multiculturalism hosted its prestigious Mosaic Awards on September 26th at Guastavino’s in New York City.
The event was a showcase in superlatives. The autumn weather was perfect. The venue was Guastavino’s – uptown New York’s event-space that is an architectural masterpiece renowned for an ambience of elegance while serving up a masterclass in fine dining. This was the setting for the 300 plus guests who gathered to celebrate excellence within the Advertising industry.
This was no ordinary Award ceremony. It is a timely event, with an “inclusivity” theme that challenges the advertising industry’s status quo. Its success will usher in a significant socio-political and cultural shift. As a division of AAF-the “Unifying Voice for Advertising”—The Mosaic Center is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the advertising industry.
The Mosaic Awards is an annual affair that honors companies, agencies, and individuals who exemplify excellence in multicultural marketing and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). It offers a variety of programs, initiatives, and resources designed to educate and empower professionals, foster inclusive work environments, and encourage authentic, multicultural representation in advertising and media. Through its efforts under the guidance of the Mosaic Council and Mosaic NextGen Leadership Council, the Mosaic Center aims to drive meaningful change and build a more inclusive and equitable industry for all.
This year’s Mosaic Awards introduced two new categories, further expanding the recognition of efforts to advance diversity and inclusion in the advertising industry:
- Walton Isaacson received the inaugural Agency of the Year award, honoring a majority minority owned agency that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to fostering an inclusive creative and workplace environment.
- Jeff Marshall, Principal of Marshall Media, received The Mosaic Center Guardian Award, which is presented to a dynamic industry leader who has shown exceptional dedication to the AAF’s Mosaic Center’s work, and directly advocates and elevates the Mosaic Center’s programs.
In addition, for the first time, a jury president was introduced to the judging process, with Kai Weidie, SVP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, dentsu, serving in this inaugural role. The addition of a jury president brought a new level of leadership and expertise to the judging panel, which comprised top talent from key agencies and brands, including Meta, FCB, BBDO, Wieden+Kennedy, Elite Media, Walton Isaacson, AKQA, Off the Cuff, Translation and Omnicom Media Group. For a full list of honorees, click here.
Crissle West, cultural commentator and acclaimed host of the critically acclaimed podcast “The Read” served as the event’s host–adding her buoyant voice and perspective throughout the stellar evening.
Captions:
- Candace D. Queen, EVP of The Mosaic Center, and Crissle West, Podcast Host of The Read and Host of the 2024 Mosaic Awards
- Crissle West hosting from the stage during the 2024 Mosaic Awards
- Crissle West Enjoying the 2024 Mosaic Awards
- Steve Pacheco, President/CEO of the American Advertising Federation; Crissle West, Podcast Host of The Read and Host of the 2024 Mosaic Awards; and Candace D. Queen, EVP of the Mosaic Center
- Headshot of Candace D. Queen, EVP of the Mosaic Center
