Butler, Shine, Stern and Partners (BSSP) has hired Crystal Perez, as its talent acquisition manager. In this role, Perez will implement several new diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives while sourcing talent and managing culture programs. Based out of Los Angeles, Perez will report to BSSP’s director of talent and experience, Amy Clawson.
“Crystal Perez’s vast experience and history of championing diversity in the creative industry will be a wonderful addition to our team as we continue to solidify our DE&I initiatives and new practices this year. Her knowledge and drive to bring diversity to the work she produces is a step in the right direction for both our company culture and business overall,” said Clawson
With over 10 years’ experience in the entertainment industry, Perez joins BSSP from Endemol Shine North America, where she supported the VP of enterprise inclusion & social responsibility as a sr. coordinator. Prior to that, she worked with the VP of creative programming at Sony Pictures Entertainment to develop the Diverse Directors Program and Diverse Writers Program. Perez has also advocated to advance efforts for diversity and inclusion outside of work. In 2020, she founded e-commerce clothing brand Vybes, which primarily focuses on partnering and collaborating with minority-owned businesses. Perez also participated in the L.A. Times Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Forum as a keynote speaker last fall.
“The work that BSSP produces is impactful. I want to be a part of a narrative that is speaking to the masses and telling important stories through creativity and art,” said Perez. “I’m looking forward to incorporating my passion for diverse ways of thinking into the BSSP team and culture, making my contribution to this forward-thinking company with incredibly talented folks.”
Perez’s hire is the latest move highlighting BSSP’s commitment to enriching their DE&I initiatives. Over the last year, BSSP has introduced new recruiting practices and employee development initiatives, and has started working with more diverse suppliers. The agency has also made strides to be a part of larger industry changes, participating in mentorship and sponsorship programs such as the ONE School and the 4A’s MAIP program. Agency leaders also joined the 4A’s Diversity Congress last year and are continuing to work with this group on ongoing initiatives.
Changes Afoot For Cannes Lions 2025, Including Increasing Festival Access For Underserved Communities
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is putting plans in motion for its 72nd edition, set to take place from June 16-20, 2025 in Cannes, France. The Festival has announced that it will double funding to provide €2m (some $2,150,000) worth of complimentary passes to underrepresented talent and underserved communities through its Equity, Representation and Accessibility (ERA) Pass, returning for a second year.
Frank Starling, chief DEI officer, Lions, said the increased investment was “crucial to continue to drive progress for both Cannes Lions and the industry.” Starling added, “The ERA pass plays an important role in fostering a global representation of talent within the creative communications industry at Cannes Lions, and to date our funded opportunities have reached creatives in 46 countries globally. With the Festival being the destination for everyone in the business of creativity, we recognize the importance of creating equitable access to it, and this is why we’re prioritizing increased representation from the Global South to support a greater range of voices and perspectives from the region at the Festival.” Applications for the ERA pass are open now and close on December 5, 2025. More details can be found here.
With submissions into the Cannes Lions Awards opening on January 16, 2025, innovations to the Awards have also been announced today. Glass: The Lion for Change celebrates 10 years since its introduction. The Glass Lion was launched to champion work that used creativity to drive a shift towards more positive, progressive and gender-aware communication, and Marian Brannelly, global... Read More