Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We are Champions of Change. Fostering a culture inclusive of all dimensions of difference, within and beyond our walls, to attract, inspire and retain a diverse workforce.
Our Near-Term Focus: Inclusivity
We are devoted to establishing foundational diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to drive sustained change.
To accomplish this, we are focused on the following areas:
- Conversations: Prioritize building a common language through education and elevated forums for discussion
- Partnerships: Create and build upon partnerships in the industry to bring in and offer out thought leadership
- Metrics & Benchmarks: Be intentional about our metrics and measure progress to inform prioritization of efforts
We aspire to achieve:
- More Trust that perspectives are welcomed, valued, and celebrated
- More Awareness of diverse backgrounds in the workplace as well as ways to practice intentional inclusion
- More Impact on our team, clients, partners, and greater community
Diversity Metrics
Transparency, action, and data are part of our DNA, which is why we openly share our demographic data, challenging ourselves to raise the bar.
January 2022
Our Commitment To Change
We believe that fostering a diverse and inclusive culture is not a one-time commitment. It is a commitment Ovative, and all of our team members, make each day to take action.
We are committed to elevating perspectives and experiences, from all dimensions of difference, to drive momentum in our journey toward inclusivity. Watch the full video below on our commitments to change brought to you by members of Ovative’s DEIB committee.
Education
Ovative’s development program, ELEVATE, has developed educational curriculum focused on gender and race. This curriculum includes tools to increase self-awareness and spark conversations to broaden our perspectives, including the following:
Education
An online communication channel for individuals to share books, videos, articles, and ideas to drive change regarding race and gender in workplace and in the world.
Perspectives
An ongoing speaker series of diverse business leaders joining the Ovative team for intimate chats that reveal their experiences throughout their careers to broaden our team’s perspectives.
Experiential Forums
Intentional opportunities to gather together and share life experiences, digest intent versus impact, and reflect on how individual behaviors can change to be more inclusive within, and beyond our walls.
Using these tools, we aim to develop a team of educated, impactful individuals who are actively challenging their biases both in their work at Ovative and in their lives.
Partnerships
Ovative has a strategic partnership with the BrandLab, a Minneapolis based non-profit that places high school and college students of color in internships and jobs within the marketing industry.
Ovative and the BrandLab created an annual scholarship fund for a student studying marketing and working with the BrandLab.
“Ovative is a trusted partner who is not just talking but doing the hard work of examining their own biases in their hiring and onboarding to make sure POC are not just hired, but supported to thrive. I am proud to work with them, learn from them, and watch as they deliver against The BrandLab’s vision.”
-Ellen Walthour, CEO at The BrandLab
Employee Testimonials and Experiences
“There is an opportunity for significant and sustained change and Ovative is committed to making progress each day. We have, and will continue to create opportunities for our team members to learn more about themselves, others, and the systemic challenges that must be addressed, so they can make informed decisions and behavior changes that will collectively drive impact. Together, we are better. Together, we will deliver change.”
Dale Nitschke
CEO & Founder
“Over the years, Ovative has taken steps to make real changes in and outside of our office, from bias training to discussions about the “uncomfortable” issues and partnering with TBL to bring workshops and different voices to our workplace. Today, one thing that is top of mind for me is seeing BIPOC in the leadership roles. As with everything, there’s more work to be done, and I believe Ovative is doing the work.”
Duresa Worika
Sr. Analyst, Media
Insights about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Insights, analyses, and perspectives for marketing and measurement leaders.
Ovative Women in Leadership
#WomenRaisingTheBar: An Interview with Ovative’s 8 Female Vice Presidents
At Ovative Group, we tackle the complex marketing and strategy problems that truly transform busines. Read More »
Ovative
Insights Team
Commitment To Change
Commit To Change – An Ovative Update
Over the past five years, with an even greater focus in the past 20 months, Ovative has focused on c. Read More »
Erin Aberg
Vice President, Talent Services
Social Impact Marketing
Is Digital Media Right For You? A Guide For Social Benefit Organizations
“What does my organization need to do to get started with digital media in order to drive results?. Read More »
Molly Reeves
Intern, Display and Paid Social
