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. 

Learn More About Our Commitment To Change

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

“The events that played out this year – from George Floyd to Breonna Taylor to Ahmuad Arbery, to the systemic nature of our society that disproportionately challenges the black and brown experience rather than uplift, the global pandemic, the presidential election – did nothing short of shake us all to our core. Rather than let these events bring us down, I’ve seen individuals support one another, our teams find sustainable solutions to support our communities, and hearts and minds open up to new ways to support, elevate and celebrate one. I’m so grateful to be a part of an organization where I get to bring our team closer together. We are better together.”

Ingrid Sabah​, Senior Analyst

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

“As a woman in the male dominated field of technology, I was discouraged by a lack of strong female leaders. While finding ways to grow female representation in tech jobs, I became passionate about diversity in the workforce. In 2017, I partnered with the BrandLab to create Ovative Group’s annual, $10,000 scholarship awarded each year to a student of color pursuing a career in marketing.”

Kati Stewart​

Senior Manager

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“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

Analyst, Media​

Insights about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Insights, analyses, and perspectives for marketing and measurement leaders.

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