The American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Mosaic Center for Multiculturalism hosted its Mosaic Awards on September 26th at Guastavino’s in New York City. As a division of AAF—the “Unifying Voice for Advertising.” The Mosaic Center is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the advertising industry. 

More than 300 guests attended the distinguished annual affair that honors companies, agencies, and individuals who exemplify excellence in multicultural marketing and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Crissle West, acclaimed host of the critically acclaimed podcast “The Read” and cultural commentator, served as the event’s host–adding her buoyant voice and perspective throughout the stellar evening. The Mosaic Awards sponsors were: SiriusXM (Presenting), The Trade Desk, Clear Channel, dentsu, Google, IPG, Omnicom Group, and Meta.

This year’s Mosaic Awards introduced two new categories, further expanding the recognition of efforts to advance diversity and inclusion in the advertising industry:

• Walton Isaacson received the inaugural Agency of the Yearaward, honoring a majority minority-owned agency that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to fostering an inclusive creative and workplace environment.
• Jeff Marshall, Principal of Marshall Media, received The Mosaic Center Guardian Award, which is presented to a dynamic industry leader who has shown exceptional dedication to the AAF’s Mosaic Center’s work, and directly advocates and elevates the Mosaic Center’s programs.

In addition, for the first time, a jury president was introduced to the judging process, with Kai Weidie, SVP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, dentsu, serving in this inaugural role. The addition of a jury president brought a new level of leadership and expertise to the judging panel, which comprised top talent from key agencies and brands, including Meta, FCB, BBDO, Wieden+Kennedy, Elite Media, Walton Isaacson, AKQA, Off the Cuff, Translation and Omnicom Media Group. For a full list of honorees, click here.

The Mosaic Center offers a variety of programs, initiatives, and resources designed to educate and empower professionals, foster inclusive work environments, and encourage authentic, multicultural representation in advertising and media. Through its efforts under the guidance of the Mosaic Council and Mosaic NextGen Leadership Council, the Mosaic Center aims to drive meaningful change and build a more inclusive and equitable industry for all.