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ADCOLOR Announces 2024 Class of FUTURES and LEADERS

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Presented by Disney, Google | YouTube and Pinterest

NEW YORK, Aug. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ADCOLOR, the premier organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting diversity in the creative industries, today announced its 2024 class of ADCOLOR FUTURES and ADCOLOR LEADERS. The two programs build upon ADCOLOR’s “Rise Up, Reach Back” motto, encompassing both well-established professionals and those just beginning in their career.

The 2024 class of ADCOLOR FUTURES and ADCOLOR LEADERS can be found below.

Launched in 2012, the ADCOLOR FUTURES program identifies and nurtures the next generation of leaders who have one to three years of experience in their industry. Now in its 13th year, the program provides training, mentorship and empowerment to selected young professionals with the goal of supporting the talent of tomorrow, today.

After an extensive application and interview process, 30 young professionals were chosen as the 2024 class of ADCOLOR FUTURES. These individuals showcase strong leadership potential, sustained involvement in reaching back, interest in partnering with leadership to drive change through DEI initiatives, and innovative thinking to solve today’s problems. As part of the program, the FUTURES will be immersed in a welcome reception hosted at Deutsch LA and a full day of programming hosted at Apple Music. This programming includes ADCOLOR University, an intensive training facilitated by top-ranked leadership and talent consulting firms. It also includes the annual FUTURES Hackathon, hosted at Spotify.

“In a time when we’re being told DEI is dead, we have a group of extremely passionate and determined FUTURES who are ready to prove that narrative wrong,” said Candace Queen, FUTURES Brand Manager at ADCOLOR. “These rising stars are already creating change and innovating the systems in place, and we are honored to provide a gateway to continued success in their careers.”

ADCOLOR is also proud to announce its third annual class of ADCOLOR LEADERS. Since 2022, the LEADERS program has supported historically excluded professionals with 15+ years of experience in creative industries as they rise to executive roles. This year’s program will feature cutting-edge workshops, discussions with thought leaders, and curated exercises encouraging self-exploration.

From the many applications received, only 30 professionals were chosen to be a part of this year’s class of LEADERS. Those selected are in a position to institute change in their field, believe in the power of diversity, and display a passion to champion DEI for the long term. The aim is for participants to walk away from the program with a renewed sense of purpose, a reinvigorated approach to their work, and meaningful relationships to propel them to the next level.

“It’s extremely motivating to see the number of LEADERS applications rising each year,” said Criseli Roddy, Director of Programs at ADCOLOR. “Now in its third year and with notable alumni who have been through the experience, ADCOLOR LEADERS is an esteemed program that seasoned professionals want to be a part of as they uphold DEI as a top priority in their leadership positions. This year’s class of LEADERS are true changemakers, and we’re excited to witness the impact they’ll make when we place their 30 brilliant minds in one room together.”

Both programs offer attendance to ADCOLOR 2024, which encompasses both programs as well as the 18th Annual ADCOLOR Awards and the ADCOLOR Conference. Taking place November 14-16 at the JW Marriott LA Live in Los Angeles, CA, the event will celebrate its “Off Mute” theme, which urges companies and professionals to counter the noise of its loudest opponents and to take action in the fight to protect DEI.

To learn more about the FUTURES and LEADERS programs, please visit https://adcolor.org/futures and https://adcolor.org/leaders. For additional updates and information on ADCOLOR 2024, please follow ADCOLOR on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

ABOUT ADCOLOR
ADCOLOR® is a not-for-profit 501(c) (6) organization whose mission is to celebrate and champion diversity in the creative industries. Our process is twofold. First, we help individuals and organizations RISE UP, letting their accomplishments and ideas shine. Then we teach these new leaders and would-be-mentors how to REACH BACK and find others who deserve to be noticed and promoted. Our goal is to create a community of diverse professionals who are here to support and uplift one another. Learn more by visiting www.adcolor.org.

ADCOLOR 2024 Partners 
ADWEEK, American Express, Apple, Basis Technologies, Disney, Dentsu, Deutsch LA, Droga5, Google | YouTube, Havas, JPMorgan Chase, MediaHub Worldwide, MSL, Nextdoor, Omnicom, Pinterest, SiriusXM Media, Sony Music Group, Tripadvisor, Walmart Connect, Wieden+Kennedy

ADCOLOR Corporate Members
Cardinal Change Consulting, Deutsch LA , Google, JKR, McCann Worldgroup, Meta, Microsoft, MSL, Publicis Groupe, Sony Music Group, The Advertising Club of NY

ADCOLOR Vendor Partners 
5WPR, Adewole Photography, Adrianne Lipscomb Graphic Design, Akande Music, Bravely, Debut Capital, dirty sugar, EGM Security Management, Isa Beltre-Plush Merchandising Consultants, Squeaky.com, STAMP Event Co., Studio Mark Clennon, the STUDIO NYC, Tabernacle, Wendy Shanker

2024 ADCOLOR FUTURES

Adama Kamara: Senior Creative Strategist, Creative Theory AgencyAlexander Ortiz : Assistant Director of Communications & Marketing, NYC Health + Hospitals / Office of Diversity, Equity & InclusionAlise Crittendon: Copywriter, Experiences, EdelmanBrionne Burns: Account Executive, Wieden+KennedyCarlena Neely: Product Marketing Manager, MicrosoftChristopher Clements: Customer & Marketing Analyst, Deloitte ConsultingClarke Williams: Assistant Campaign Manager, The Ad CouncilDasia Jones: Senior Social Analyst, BursonDeandra Simon: Engineering Program Manager, AppleDebby Erazo: Product Marketing Manager, GoogleDiontay Santiago: Brand Strategist, OgilvyEdgar Castaneda: Senior Planner, Strategy, Zenith MediaEmily Mogami: Brand Strategist & 2024 MAIP Fellow of the YearEwurakua Dawson-Amoah: Commercial Director, Sibling RivalryGia Cummings: Account Manager & Inclusive Sales Specialist, GoogleIsabel Alvarez: Junior Art Director, RAPP | 2024 MAIP Creative Fellow of the YearKimberly Chungong: Copywriter, BarkleyOKRPLauren Myers: Coordinator, Sponsorship & Marketing, NICE CROWDLayla Jawad: Associate Product Marketing Manager, GoogleMary Grace Wright: Visual Studios Coordinator, AppleMaryam Ikuforiji: Associate Product Marketing Manager, GoogleMorgan Batts: Brand Executive, Wieden+KennedyNaomi Lilly: Director of Marketing and Storytelling, Girls for Gender EquityNiharika Verma: Senior Strategist, VMLRamon Luis Fille: Marketing Program Manager, MicrosoftRandy Paul: Content Studio Manager, ZIYNXRaven Sulaimon: Associate Manager, Strategy & Insights, WassermanSina Luna Kammerer: Account Executive, Wieden+KennedySrirashmi Gudur: Business Planner for Emerging Markets, MicrosoftTyler Jenkins: Communications Planner, Saatchi & Saatchi

2024 ADCOLOR LEADERS

Ashley Sherman: General Manager, Loyalty Partnership Marketing, Delta Air LinesCarole Smith: Director of Marketing / Co-founder DEI Council, AquentCatherine Navarro-Harkin: SVP, Strategy Director, Leo BurnettChloë Davies: Founder & CEO, It Takes A Village Collective (ITAV)Claritza Jimenez: Director, Marketing Strategy, CBS News/ParamountCyp Stephenson: Vice President, Associate Creative Director, RXMOSAICDee Turman: Director, Inclusive Programming, AudibleHanifa Haris: Creative Director, Head of Photography, VerizonHenry Ong: Director of Brand Marketing and Global Franchise Management, Universal PicturesHollie Alexander: Managing Director, Lucky Generals NYJabari Hearn: Managing Partner, AKQA Los AngelesJad-Évangelo Nasser: Global Inclusion & Cross-Cultural Strategist, J-É Cultural Consulting | DEI Educator, Center for Civil & Human RightsJasmine Gurley: Senior Director of Brand Marketing & Communications and Press Secretary, Morehouse CollegeJay Kantar: Executive Director of Talent Development & Inclusion, TBWAMedia Arts LabJulia Estacolchic: Sr. Director, Brand Marketing- Head of Brand, Match GroupLaChanel Hemphill: Vice President, Engagement Strategy, Digitas HealthMikaela Liboro: EVP, Head of Communications, McCann New YorkMike Taylor: Vice President, Team Marketing & Business Operations, NBAMike Williams: Executive Creative DirectorNana Bediako: Creative Director, Entertainment, Sports & Music, Meta Inc.Nidhi Patel: Head of Data Strategy and MarTech, EssenceMediacomPia Padukone: VP, Creative Director, Saatchi & Saatchi WellnessRandi White: Senior Vice President, Day One AgencyRanjani Gopalarathinam: Independent Brand Builder & Creative DirectorSean Singletary: President, Managing Partner, The Travori AgencyStephanie Jones: Group Business Head, AnomalyTadji Akhavan Smith: Director, Client Partnerships, Left Field LabsTiffany Kerr: Global Creative Strategy Lead, Creative Shop, MetaTracy Keller: Director, Sales, DisneyWillow Hill: Chief Creative Officer, Co-Founder, Scout Lab

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SoftwareOne named a Leader in the 2026 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for SAM Managed Services

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Empowering clients with proven SAM excellence

MILWAUKEE, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SoftwareOne (SIX: SWON), a leading global software and cloud solutions provider, today announced that it has been named a Leader in the 2026 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for SAM Managed Services for the seventh consecutive year.

SoftwareOne believes this recognition reflects its commitment to helping clients achieve measurable value from their cloud, software and AI investments as licensing models continue to shift.

Software asset management (SAM) gives organizations visibility and control over their on-premises IT, cloud and SaaS estates. SoftwareOne helps customers simplify these portfolios, improving financial control and managing licensing and audit risks, so they can direct resources towards business priorities and innovation.

“Seven consecutive years as a Leader matters to us because we believe that consistency is what our customers actually buy. The technology landscape continues to grow more complex as organizations navigate an ever-expanding mix of software licensing, cloud consumption, and AI-driven business models,” says Raphael Erb, CEO, SoftwareOne. “Our customers need a partner whose judgement holds up through all of it. We see this recognition as validation of the expertise, commitment, and customer focus that our teams bring to every engagement, every day.”

Gartner delivers actionable, objective insight to executives and their teams. Its expert guidance and tools enable faster, smarter decisions and stronger performance on an organization’s mission-critical priorities.

The Gartner Magic Quadrant evaluates vendors based on their Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision. We are honored to be included among the recognized vendors in this important report. Learn more about the Magic Quadrant.

Helping clients unlock value from IT portfolios

SoftwareOne’s ITAM and FinOps portfolio brings together software asset management, FinOps and AI optimization, SaaS management, IT sustainability advisory and vendor management. These services help clients cut waste, manage audit risks and go into publisher negotiations, with a clear picture of what technology they use and what it all costs.

With global delivery at scale, SoftwareOne helps organizations optimize and simplify AI cloud and software investments across hybrid environments. AI-enabled automation powers licensing intelligence, compliance and cost control, so clients can reduce spend and make confident decisions about where to reinvest.

Positioned alongside SoftwareOne in the Magic Quadrantii as A Leader is Anglepoint, an independent company that is majority-owned by SoftwareOne. 

About the Gartner Magic Quadrant

The Gartner Magic Quadrant evaluates providers on Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute. Leaders execute well against their current vision and are well positioned for tomorrow. SoftwareOne views its recognition as a reflection of the consistency of its SAM managed services and the work of its delivery teams.

Source

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Software Asset Management Managed Services, By Yolanda Harris, Jaswant Kalay, and Rob Schafer. October 2026

Gartner disclaimers and trademarks

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, and Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

About SoftwareOne

SoftwareOne is a global software and cloud solutions provider and distributor. With a presence in over 70 countries and a team of about 12,000 professionals, we combine global scale and local expertise to help partners and customers optimize costs, source, and procure, accelerate growth, and navigate complex IT environments with confidence. Leveraging deep capabilities in cloud, software, and data and AI, the company empowers organizations to modernize, innovate, and unlock the full value of their technology investments. Headquartered in Switzerland, SoftwareOne is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and Euronext Oslo Børs under the ticker symbol SWON. Visit us at www.softwareone.com

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TrueLoyal® Appoints Erica Thompson as Head of Loyalty

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Longtime retail and loyalty expert will lead loyalty strategy and program services for TrueLoyal’s brand partners

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TrueLoyal®, the loyalty and advocacy platform for consumer brands, today announced the appointment of Erica Thompson as Head of Loyalty. Thompson will lead TrueLoyal’s loyalty strategy, customer retention architecture, and lifecycle engagement work as the company continues to help brands turn consumer loyalty into a dynamic growth engine.

TrueLoyal® names longtime retail and loyalty expert Erica Thompson as Head of Loyalty.

Thompson brings more than 20 years of leadership in customer relationship management (CRM), brand loyalty, and digital marketing strategy. Throughout her career, she has led data-driven loyalty programs and omnichannel customer experiences for leading consumer brands, including serving as a retail Chief Marketing Officer and as Senior Vice President at Stride Rite. She also advised retail clients as a consultant with loyalty agency Kobie Marketing, has advised brands through her firm, ACIRE Consulting Group, and held senior marketing roles at PetSmart, New York & Company, and HSN. Her background in behavioral analytics, tiered reward structures, and customer lifecycle engagement strengthens TrueLoyal’s ability to help brands design and run programs that perform.

“Brands have to earn loyalty through compelling, continuous experiences, and points and discounts alone won’t get them there,” said Jacek Materna, CEO of TrueLoyal. “Erica’s proven ability to build scalable loyalty engines and translate customer insights into genuine brand devotion makes her the perfect leader for our next chapter.”

“I’ve spent my career on the brand side of loyalty, and the programs I’m proudest of were the ones built around what customers actually cared about,” said Thompson. “That’s the work I want to keep doing. I’m here to roll up my sleeves with our brands, understand what their customers need, and help them build loyalty that’s worth something to both sides.”

At TrueLoyal, Thompson will lead the company’s enterprise loyalty frameworks, its Program Strategy and managed loyalty services, and cross-functional alignment across product and client strategy. Her appointment reflects TrueLoyal’s continued investment in loyalty expertise as the company grows with CPG and D2C hybrid brands.

About TrueLoyal

TrueLoyal® is a loyalty and advocacy platform that helps brands turn the customer experience into repeat purchases and long-term growth. Brands use Rewards to run their loyalty program and Fan Club™ to bring community and user-generated content together, all connected to the commerce systems they already use. TrueLoyal also offers services that range from Program Strategy to fully managed loyalty operations. Learn more at trueloyal.com.

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THE POWER HOUR™ LAUNCHED FROM TIKTOK HEADQUARTERS IN NEW YORK CITY WITH A BOLD MISSION: MOVE THE WORLD FOR ONE HOUR

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The Power Play Impact Fund and The Power Hour™ Began a 365-Day Global Countdown to an October 2027 Guinness World Records Attempt Turning Movement Into Impact for the Next Generation

NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What could happen if, for one hour, the world moved together?

Recently in New York City, The Power Hour™ and Power Play Impact Fund officially launched an ambitious global movement built around a remarkably simple idea: invite people everywhere to dedicate one hour to physical movement and turn that collective action into meaningful impact for youth and communities.

The announcement was made during an exclusive gathering hosted at TikTok Headquarters in New York City on the opening day of Advertising Week New York, bringing together professional athletes, business leaders, Family Offices, health and wellness leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

October 5 was day one of a 365-day global countdown. In October 2027, The Power Hour™ will bring people across countries, communities, companies, and cultures together for 60 synchronized minutes of physical movement as part of an ambitious Guinness World Records attempt. Think walk, run, dance, yoga: move the way you want. It is being built as an inclusive global movement rather than a traditional fitness event. Participation in the global movement is FREE, removing one of the barriers to joining.

The Founder and Visionary behind The Power Hour™and Power Play Impact Fund is Angella Goran. A former professional cyclist and world-class multi-sport athlete, she has built a career spanning entrepreneurship, technology, financial innovation, sport, and social impact. Her experience as an athlete and her belief in the lifelong opportunities created through sport, wellness, and community became the foundation for The Power Hour™.

“I’ve always believed that one hour of collective action can become the starting point for something that lasts far longer,” said Goran. “When millions of people around the world move together for 60 minutes, we create more than a record. We create lasting impact for youth and communities across physical, mental, nutritional and financial wellness.”

The Power Hour™is excited to partner alongside some incredible athletes such as:

Jerome Williams, former NBA Player, founder of Shooting for PeaceAngela Ruggiero, 4x Olympic Medalist, Founder of Sports Innovation Lab & Women’s Sports Club (acquired by GENIUS in 2026)The Gasol Foundation, Founded by Pau Gasol (6x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA Championship Winner, 3x OLY and Chair of IOC Athletes’ Commission)Dr. Jen Welter (1st NFL Female Coach/Player, 2x Gold Medalist Team USA, Founder of Grrridiron Girls Foundation & “The Day in the Life Of” event series)

The vision is to harness technology, social platforms, connected fitness, and community activations to transform millions of individual actions into one extraordinary collective moment. But breaking a record isn’t the ultimate goal. Creating impact is.

At the heart of The Power Hour™ is the Power Play Impact Fund, created to help raise awareness and funding for youth and community initiatives across four interconnected areas of wellness: physical, mental, nutritional, and financial. The Power Hour™ believes that movement belongs to everyone. There is no qualifying time. No required sport. No expectation of athletic ability.

The Uptown Agency in Dallas has partnered with The Power Hour™ to provide support on communications and other projects.

Just move.
ONE WORLD. ONE HOUR. ONE MOVEMENT.
The countdown starts now.

ABOUT THE POWER HOUR™

The Power Hour™ is a global movement and social-impact initiative created to unite people through 60 minutes of physical movement. Through sport, technology, community and collective action, The Power Hour™ aims to connect individuals, athletes, businesses and communities around the world while creating meaningful impact for the next generation. The inaugural global event is planned for October 2027 and will pursue a Guinness World Records attempt through synchronized participation around the world. To learn more, please visit https://www.powerhour.world/.

ABOUT POWER PLAY IMPACT FUND

The Power Play Impact Fund is the impact engine behind The Power Hour™, supporting a mission focused on investing in and donating to youth and community initiatives for physical, mental, nutritional, and financial wellness. Through partnerships, charitable giving, fundraising, and The Power Hour™ global movement, the initiative seeks to direct attention and resources toward programs that create greater opportunity, well-being, and accessibility for youth and communities. The Power Play Impact Fund operates with LOHAS as its fiscal sponsor administrator.

ABOUT THE UPTOWN AGENCY

The Uptown Agency is an award-winning, full-service marketing and branding partner dedicated to engineering differentiation through creative excellence and data-driven strategy. Recognized as a leader in brand growth, the agency combines industry-leading expertise in brand strategy, creative development, digital marketing, web development, and PR to deliver bespoke solutions that activate audiences and drive measurable results. The Uptown Agency is a true extension of client teams, prioritizing deep business understanding over templated approaches. Their work spans strategic brand overhauls, custom-coded web experiences, and high-impact campaigns that blend cultural relevance with technical precision. Explore their work at www.theuptownagency.com.

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