The American Film Institute (AFI) has appointed Syreeta N. Greene, Ed.D. as its new director of diversity, equity & inclusion. Greene holds a Doctor of Education with an emphasis in education psychology and Master of Social Work with an emphasis in community organizing, planning and administration, both from the University of Southern California. Her previous roles include director of the MOSAIC Cross Cultural Center at Midwestern State University and assistant director at USC’s Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs. Greene will oversee diversity and inclusion for all of AFI’s programs.
“AFI’s community grows with the stellar addition of Syreeta Greene,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “As a person and as a professional, she embodies the culture we have been working toward and will catalyze change for an even stronger AFI.”
“I am excited for this unique opportunity and look forward to collaborating with the entire AFI community to develop a place and space for all who belong to the AFI family,” said Greene.
Greene is a higher education professional with 20 years of experience. She is committed to removing barriers to educational and career opportunities, as well as improving the overall engagement, success and experiences of under-represented and historically marginalized student populations. As a diversity, equity and inclusion educator, she has designed research-based curriculums on a range of diversity, equity and inclusion topics; produced guides, accompanying audio visual aids, and participant materials; and developed organization-wide assessment tools to engage stakeholders concerning organizational climate, experience and observations. Most recently, Greene was Dean, Division of Student Affairs at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU). Founded in 1966, CDU is a minority-serving institution and a Historically Black Graduate Institute located in South Los Angeles with a student population of 900. Prior to CDU, Greene served as the director of MOSAIC Cross Cultural Center (formerly Office of Equity, Inclusion & Multicultural Affairs) at Midwestern State University, assistant director for the Transfer and Veteran Student Program at University of Southern California (USC) and assistant director at USC’s Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs. Greene has been a member of National Association of Diversity Officers of Higher Education (NADOHE) since 2016.
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More