BHM 2026

By members | February 13, 2026

Snow may have paused us but it certainly didn’t stop the celebration!

Join us on March 25th as we mark 100 years of Black History Month and recognize this year’s Icons, Rockstars, and Innovators — trailblazers whose creativity and influence continue to shape culture and the future of our industry.

Because honoring Black excellence should never be confined to just one month.

Wednesday, March 25th

5:30 - 7:30pm

@ Omnicom

622 3rd Avenue, 26th floor

Black History Month | Icons, Rockstars & Innovators

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MEET THE HONOREES

Black History Month | Innovator: Jason Dailey

As a Director, Head of Agency at Meta, Jason partners with agencies to help them navigate the changing digital landscape, drive growth, and deliver meaningful business outcomes for their clients. Prior to joining Meta, he was the SVP of Performance Marketing at Mediavest, where he led the practice and delivery of performance marketing solutions for…
Black History Month | Icon: Fern E. Gillespie

Fern Gillespie’s career spans advertising, public relations, radio and journalism. For 18 years, at UniWorld Group, she specialized in leading, developing and executing diversity/CSR public relations campaigns for Kraft Foods, Home Depot, Ford Motor Company, UNCF, Con Edison and others. She has served as PR Director for the Studio Museum in Harlem and Assistant…
Black History Month | Innovator: Carole Diarra

Carole Diarra is a strategic global executive leading brand, marketing and business transformation with over 20 years of experience in Fortune 500 companies and private businesses. She is currently the Vice President of Global Marketing for the UGG brand, where she leads the brand communications, collaborations, social/PR, marketing, and creative departments. Carole previously served…
Black History Month | Rockstar: Kevin Jordan-Deen

Kevin Jordan-Deen is Senior Vice President and General Manager, leading our Oral Care Categories in North America at Colgate-Palmolive. Kevin provides leadership for all aspects of the business to drive profitable growth including strategic direction, innovation definition and commercial implementation. Kevin joined Colgate-Palmolive in 2004 and progressed through various roles in Marketing and Sales across…
Black History Month | Innovator: Krysle Walter

Krystle Watler is the Head of Integrated Marketing Communications, North America, for TikTok for Business, where she leads external marketing across all channels. She translates business objectives into compelling go-to-market strategies, develops content that connects and drives action, and oversees a digital tech stack that enables smarter measurement, learning, and optimization. Previously, Krystle served…
Black History Month | Rockstar: Ashley Simms

Ashley Simms | Communications Manager, Google Ashley Simms is an award-winning communications leader with more than 13 years of experience at the intersection of technology, policy, and the public sector. Currently leading PR and executive communications for Google Public Sector’s education, state, and local government business, Ashley specializes in the art of storytelling-converting complex, high-tech…
Black History Month | Icon: Chris Foster

Chris Foster is the CEO of Omnicom Public Relations, overseeing 20+ years in communications, consulting, and public affairs firms within Omnicom. In this role, he is focused on talent, innovation, and cross-agency collaboration to drive growth. Foster previously was the president of North America at BCW Group, responsible for managing growth, talent, and client relationships…
Black History Month | Rockstar: Andrew Soar

Andrew is an earned-first creative, strategist and cultural storyteller focused on helping brands earn their place in culture. Born and raised in the UK, he built his career leading award-winning work across PR and social, earning hundreds of nominations and wins for global brands. Since moving to New York from Ogilvy’s UK office,…
Black History Month | Innovator: Courtney Brown Warren

Courtney Brown Warren is the Chief Marketing Officer at Kickstarter, where she leads brand, growth and product marketing, communications, content, partnerships, and the company’s sales and community outreach strategy. Her work centers on strengthening Kickstarter’s creator ecosystem and expanding access to creative opportunity. Before joining Kickstarter, Courtney served as Twitter’s Global Head of Brand and…
Black History Month | Rockstar: Alicia Harris

Alicia is a Group Strategy Director at Translation and UnitedMasters, shaping work that sits at the intersection of brand, culture, and community. She led the strategic vision that made Translation one of McDonald’s agencies of record, setting the foundation for work including the nationwide return of the Snack Wrap. Across AT&T, Ally, and Cadillac Formula…

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