Innovator — Bayyina Black
Innovator — Bayyina Black
Bayyina Black is an award-winning Executive Global Director of Sustainability and Impact at R/GA, dedicated to lifting up the “unders” to overcome barriers limiting their greatness. Over her 10+ year career, she has led creative and strategic purpose-driven work, championing global innovation wherever she opens her laptop.
As the self-proclaimed Queen of Pivots, Bayyina has gained experience in advertising, film, television, media venture capital, and tech industries. Within R/GA, she has worked in the Ventures Studio, Content Studio, and Creative Department as both a Producer and Art Director. Her passion for purpose-led action led to her appointment as R/GA’s first Global Director of Sustainability and Impact, where she created the flagship pro bono program, Make/Good. This initiative has supported 25+ underrepresented businesses and non-profits, helping secure $2.5M in funding and providing award-winning design services.
Bayyina has been recognized as a Humanitarian and one of the Most Influential People of African Descent under 40, an ADCOLOR Change Agent nominee, and a Rising Star of Madison Avenue by Business Insider. Her impact spans international borders and knows no bounds, as co-founder and executive sponsor of the Afro-Brazilian business resource group, GDN. In addition, Bayyina takes great pride in serving as an advisor for ESG-focused entrepreneurs and a mentor to students and professionals seeking to live more fully in their purpose.
Recent accomplishments include co-leading the creation of PAM, Founderland’s AI-powered pitch mentor supporting women of color founders in raising capital; co-creating and launching RISE, Interpublic Group’s first global inclusion framework; and partnering with Black Women for Black Lives to create an NFT for #blackinukraine, aiding over 5,000 people of African descent stranded in Ukraine.
An avid traveler and digital nomad, Bayyina calls Brooklyn, NY, and Salvador, Brazil home. When grounded, she can be found in her art studio painting, capturing breathtaking views with her drone, or blowing bubbles at live music concerts.