The Desire Company Announces Panelists for "Diversity in Influencer Marketing: Unleashing the Power of Representation" Event

(Chicago, April 12, 2023) -  The Desire Company today unveiled the esteemed panelists who will be participating in the upcoming event, Diversity in Influencer Marketing: Unleashing the Power of Representation. The panel, which will be moderated by Eric Sheinkop, Co-Founder, CEO of The Desire Company, features industry experts who bring a wealth of experience and insights to the discussion on tackling the lack of diversity in influencer marketing.

"We believe that diversity and representation are not only ethical imperatives but also essential for the business growth and success," said Eric Sheinkop, Co-Founder, CEO at The Desire Company. " Our panel event brings together thought leaders who will engage in an open and candid dialogue, exploring ways to break down barriers and create a more inclusive ecosystem that celebrates diversity in all its forms."

The panelists for the event are:

Renee Reid - Senior Brand Manager, Diversity Equity & Inclusion, Ulta Beauty: Renee Reid leads diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across Ulta’s merchandising business — including supporting the 15% pledge, developing an accelerator to prepare BIPOC brands for retail expansion. She will provide valuable insights on the role and impact of diversity on the beauty industry. 

Nneka C Ude - VP, Strategy Arc Worldwide: Nneka C Ude is a seasoned marketing professional with extensive experience in strategy, brand management, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. She brings a unique perspective to the panel, having worked on global campaigns and strategies for leading brands.

Bonnie Smith, SVP, Group Account Director & Head of Vivi, Jack Morton Worldwide: Bonnie Smith is a highly respected marketing leader who specializes in connecting Fortune 50 brands with the world’s most power consumer—women, particularly women of color. Leading with a brand experience lens, she has a deep understanding of the media, talent and influencer landscape, and will provide valuable insights on driving diversity in marketing. 

Jason Mercer - Principal, Cleveland Ave: Jason Mercer specializes in financial diligence for investment opportunities in particular for Black, Latinx, and women entrepreneurs.  He has a keen understanding of the challenges and will bring valuable perspective on the inequity of opportunity for BIPOC entrepreneurs. 

Gideon Akande - TDC Expert & CEO, Get Fit with Giddy: Two-time Chicago Golden Gloves champion and national winner of the Mens Health Next Top Trainer competition, Gideon Akande is a renowned fitness expert. He will share his insights on the importance of diversity in influencer marketing and the personal experiences that have shaped his opinions. 

The panelists will discuss various topics, including but not limited to:

• The current state of diversity in influencer marketing: challenges and opportunities
• The impact of diversity in marketing campaigns: why representation matters
• Strategies for fostering inclusivity in marketing: best practices and lessons learned
• Amplifying underrepresented voices: supporting diversity in talent and campaigns
• Building a more inclusive influencer marketing industry: actionable steps for change

The panel event promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking discussion, with panelists sharing their perspectives, experiences, and best practices on promoting diversity in marketing. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights, learn from industry leaders, and contribute to the conversation on driving positive change in the industry.

To register for the event or learn more about The Desire Company's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, please visit . https://bit.ly/eveningofconnection

For media inquiries or further information, please contact: judith@thedesirecompany.com

About The Desire Company:

The Desire Company matches brands with industry experts to create conversion-driving product education content. Our mission is to empower shoppers to make more educated, confident purchase decisions by providing reliable, expert-driven product recommendations, how-tos, and classes.