God-is Rivera has been promoted to director of inclusion and cultural resonance at VML, a newly created position within the agency.
In 2016, Rivera joined VML’s social media practice, and has since pushed for a wide range of perspectives both within the work and across the agency.
“There is nothing more important to us as a VML family than ensuring all VMLers have the opportunity to thrive in a diverse and inclusive workplace. And that our client partners can experience the level of perspective in our work that results from that type of agency,” said Jon Cook, global CEO. “God-is has been making this type of impact in her work across VML since the day she started. But it became clear that we needed to formalize and expand this as a new, official role to truly continue the momentum and needed progress we want as an agency in this critical aspect of our culture and capability. I could not be more excited about the role and about God-is being the one who embodies it.”
Rivera will focus on enriching an atmosphere of inclusion at VML, from internal communication and education efforts to building partnerships in the communities that VML offices serve. She will also continue to stay connected to client work.
As a member of the HR team, Rivera will:
- Focus on expanding the foundation and spirit of inclusivity in VML’s internal culture and offices so employees feel safe, comfortable and open to learning about, considering and supporting diverse perspectives.
- Examine and expand hiring practices–from researching diverse talent pools and sources to developing programs aimed at increasing diverse candidates.
- Create and shape practices and methodologies that ensure inclusion within agency work and outputs.
Rivera recently led “Woke, Lit & Ready,” a presentation that explores the immense influence Black Twitter has had on American culture, for several audiences including the Social Media and Diversity Steering committees of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s). She is spearheading a panel on the topic at Advertising Week NY on Sept. 26.
Rivera is also one of three finalists for this year’s AdColor Change Agent award and was featured by the 4A’s in “Beyond the Brief.”
Rivera will report to Ronnie Felder, VML’s managing director of human resources.
Oscar and Emmy-Winning Composer Kris Bowers Joins Barking Owl For Advertising, Branded Content
Music, audio post and sonic branding house Barking Owl has taken on exclusive representation of Oscar and Emmy-winning composer Kris Bowers for advertising and branded content.
Bowers’ recent film scores include The Wild Robot and Bob Marley: One Love, alongside acclaimed past works such as The Color Purple (2023), King Richard and Green Book. His contributions to television are equally impressive, with scores for hit series like Bridgerton, When They See Us, Dear White People, and his Daytime Emmy Award-winning score for The Snowy Day.
In addition to his work as a composer, Bowers is a visionary director. He recently took home the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject for his directorial work on The Last Repair Shop. The emotionally touching short film spotlights four of the people responsible for repairing the musical instruments used by students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The Last Repair Shop reflects the positive influence that musical instruments have on the youngsters who play them, and the adults in the LAUSD free repair service who keep them working and in tune.
Barking Owl CEO Kirkland Alexander Lynch said of Bowers, “His artistry, diversity of style and depth of storytelling bring an unparalleled edge to the work we create for global brands. His presence on our roster reflects our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound and music in advertising.”
Johanna Cranitch, creative director, Barking Owl, added, “Kris first caught my attention when he released his record ‘Heroes + Misfits’ where he fused together his jazz sensibility with a deeply ingrained aptitude for melody, so beautifully.... Read More