Diversity & Inclusion
Ovative Names Executive Sponsors for Internal Diversity Resource Groups
Through Ovative’s Champions of Change program, we seek to build an equitable and inclusive culture where all team members can maximize their potential. Ovative’s Diversity Resource Groups (DRGs) – BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and Women – exist to create a space of community and belonging for employees who share a common identity. Through these spaces, team members are provided with organizational support and access to decision-making spaces to help drive sustainable change within and beyond Ovative’s walls.
Ovative recently announced Executive Sponsors for each DRG: Jas Stevens (BIPOC), Beth McKigney (LGBTQIA+), and Annie Zipfel (Women). These sponsors are responsible for providing support and guidance for their respective DRG members, representing DRG interest in executive leadership discussions and holding Ovative accountable to advancing DRG goals.
Jas Stevens – BIPOC
Jas is the VP of Ovative Marketing, with more than 20 years of experience in the Marketing field. For her, there is nothing more rewarding in life than helping others. When asked about her role as a DRG Executive Sponsor, she said, “As a Woman of Color having navigated my own challenges throughout my career, I was never offered this outlet. The importance of seeing yourself represented and having the space within your organization to foster inclusivity is incredibly valuable.” She hopes the DRG acts as a low-pressure space for team members to discuss anything, exchange advice, build connections, and enjoy each other’s company.
Beth McKigney – LGBTQIA+
Beth is the SVP of Measurement at Ovative, responsible for building Ovative’s unified marketing measurement tool, MAP. She is excited to be an ally and a voice for this DRG at the executive level and to advocate for inclusive policies, support company-wide education, and foster an inclusive community at Ovative. Beth told us that she is “passionate about elevating inclusivity for members of our Ovative LGBTQIA+ community so that they can bring their full self to work.”
Annie Zipfel – Women
Annie is the EVP of Media at Ovative, with more than 30 years of experience in media, marketing, and more. She is passionate about DEI and deeply values the opportunity to engage, inspire, and retain female leaders at every level at Ovative. When asked about her role, she remarked that “this is a labor of love for me and a true honor to serve as the Executive Sponsor for the Women’s DRG.” Being fortunate enough to have had many female mentors, she hopes to pay it forward to Ovative women through this Executive Sponsorship.
About Champions of Change
Ovative’s Champions of Change program seeks to foster a culture inclusive of all dimensions of difference, within and beyond our walls. We enable our team members to engage in driving social impact through four pillars: Cultural Agility Education, Equitable Operating Practices, Charitable Giving, and Skills-Based Partnerships. These pillars provide personal and relational learning opportunities, assess and increase equity of our internal operations, foster employee time and financial commitments, and provide pro-bono marketing services to community organizations.
About Ovative Group
Ovative Group is an independent media and measurement firm that helps clients drive and deliver measurable marketing performance. Founded in 2009 by Dale Nitschke, Ovative brings media, measurement, and consulting together under one roof to measure the holistic impact of marketing on clients’ total business using its proprietary metric, Enterprise Marketing Return (EMR). Ovative’s team of marketing experts serves as a trusted partner for its national world-class client base of marketing leaders across many industries. Ovative is recognized as an industry leader and has received awards including Star Tribune’s Top Workplaces, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Fast 50, and Inc. 5000. For more information about Ovative, visit ovative.com or follow Ovative on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.