Crystal Foote’s great-great uncle, Sergeant Alfred B. Hilton, was an American Civil War hero who valiantly fought with the Union to keep the nation together and abolish slavery. Tragically, Sergeant Hilton was wounded during a battle near Richmond, Virginia, and died from his wounds in a segregated unit of a field hospital. Sergeant Hilton was posthumously honored by the United States War Department with the Medal of Honor for “Gallantry in action as color-bearer,” in 1865.
Foote is the CEO of Digital Culture Group, an adtech company that helps advertisers and agencies “discover, strategize, and reach audiences with authenticity to build long-lasting relationships.” She has continued her uncle’s fight for equality, using his legacy to set the tone for her career.
She recently released a new children’s book titled“The Inclusivity Superheroes: A Tale of Diversity and Unity.” Driven by the desire to create meaningful change and promote inclusivity at an early age, Foote’s passion for diversity and unity takes center stage.
Recognizing the importance of speaking to younger generations, the advertising executive strategically chose to market to children to help instill these values, using the relatable theme of superheroes.
Foote recently spoke to MBE magazine about starting her career in advertising, what she wants to accomplish with her book, and carrying on her uncle’s legacy. The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
You can also listen to Foote’s complete interview:
Crystal Foote discusses how she was inspired to pursue a career in advertising by Vivica Fox in “Two Can Play That Game.”
With Digital Culture Group, how do you target diverse audiences within the advertising and digital media industry?
Crystal discusses utilizing data-driven insights and cultural first expertise to reach diverse audiences.
Do you find more agencies are moving towards using ad tech to reach niche audiences?
Crystal discusses advertising agencies moving beyond traditional ways to target audiences.
Why she started Digital Culture Group
Crystal tells us what motivated her to start Digital Culture Group after a successful career with advertising agencies.
It’s well known that the advertising industry lags behind other industries when it comes to supply diversity, particularly awarding contracts or business to diverse-owned businesses, whether it’s woman-owned, minority-owned, LGBTQ-owned.What has been your experience when you’re bidding on a project or you’re looking for opportunities with Tier 1 companies or with major brands?
Crystal discusses her experience partnering with Tier 1 advertising agencies.
You released your first children’s book, “The Inclusivity Superheroes: A Tale of Diversity and Unity” to teach children about diversity and D&I and their influence with advertising. Where did you get the idea for the book?
Crystal recently published a children’s book titled “The Inclusivity Superheroes: A Tale of Diversity and Unity” to teach children about diversity and D&I and their influence with advertising. Here she tells us where the idea came from.
In the last few years, we’ve been experiencing a pushback on everything related to DEI inclusivity, everything. Are you concerned with how the book will be received in the larger general market?
With the recent pushback on everything related to DEI inclusivity, Crystal discusses how her book’s message can counter those attacks.
The key thing you said there is the book is about love. And I think when we get this pushback, it’s coming from people that forget that at the core or the foundation of everything related to DEI and inclusivity is love.
Crystal discusses the role empathy plays in diversity and inclusion.
So you have your business, you have your book. What is it that you’re most passionate about?
Crystal discusses her passion for her legacy.
The impact of her family legacy on her career.
Crystal’s great-great uncle, Sergeant Alfred B. Hilton, was an American Civil War hero. In this clip, she talks about how his legacy has influenced her career.
