As a person of color, sometimes I wonder whether or not I’m being chosen for a scholarship or a position based on my merits or based on the fact that I check off the diversity box. In one of the visits we went on, there was a question specifically asked to the panel that related to what that agency was doing internally (and externally, in terms of the work they do for clients) to highlight diversity and sustain a healthy and robust culture within the company. The response? The most roundabout, cookie-cutter statement I have ever heard. I could see the hope dim in peoples’ eyes around the room. Don’t get me wrong, the final campaign is important — that’s why we do what we do. But if the culture of an agency is supposedly built around promoting this diverse and inclusive space, yet they’re not actually getting to know the people they’re hiring and the perspective they bring, then why the hell would anyone want to work there? As someone who refuses to work in a place that doesn’t value diversity as much as I do, this trip opened my eyes to the agencies that think throwing people of color on their payroll, without actually learning about or utilizing their perspective, counts as being inclusive. And I’m not about that.

Maile Sur | 5.15.19