The 2024 ColorComm Circle Awards was an unforgettable evening celebrating women reshaping the communications industry. The event took place at the iconic Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles and marked the beginning of ColorComm’s 9th Annual Conference with an inspiring celebration of achievements. Hosted by the dynamic Star Jones, the ceremony powerfully showcased the incredible contributions and leadership of women of color.
Honoree Grace Bastidas, Editor-in-Chief of Parents, who is dedicated to broadening the magazine’s representation of diverse family experiences. Sylvia Bugg, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager at PBS, was recognized for her dedication to amplifying diverse cultural and educational content. These leaders, alongside their peers, embodied the conference’s theme, “Reaching for More,” encouraging attendees to pursue their professional aspirations with renewed passion.
Anu Rao, SVP of Communications, Sustainability, and Responsibility at Pernod Ricard NA, and Rajoielle “Raj” Register, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer for North America at Stellantis, were acknowledged for their innovative approaches in corporate communications and marketing. Their work underscores the importance of embracing varied perspectives in today’s global market.
EBONY’s Executive Director of Editorial J’nelle Agee, Lauren Wesley Wilson, Minda Harts and Glory Edim. Image: ColorComm.
Guests at the Sonoma Soiree. Image: ColorComm.
Talia Parkinson-Jones, Executive Producer of NBC’s TODAY with Hoda & Jenna and Juanita Slappy, Head of Multicultural Marketing at Cadillac, were also celebrated for their significant contributions to media and marketing. Their recognition highlighted the crucial role that diverse voices play in shaping media narratives and marketing strategies.
The conference attracted nearly 400 participants and offered sessions designed to inspire and educate. Workshops such as “Vibrant Voices, Mindful Choices: Holistic Wellness for Women in Communications and Business” and “Influencers in the Boardroom” provided valuable insights into navigating the communications industry. These discussions emphasized the importance of resilience and adaptability in achieving professional growth.
The event wrapped up with ColorComm’s Signature Business Luncheon, featuring remarks from CEO and Founder Lauren Wesley Wilson and keynote speaker Tonya Lewis Lee, an acclaimed filmmaker. Reflecting on the organization’s journey, Wesley Wilson remarked, “We are thrilled to welcome the ColorComm Community to Los Angeles for ColorComm’s 9th Annual Conference. Now more than ever, ColorComm’s Conference has become vital to making significant economic and community impact in our industry.”
The 2024 ColorComm Circle Awards celebrated not only individual achievements but also the collective impact of women shaping the future of communications. ColorComm supports breaking barriers and setting new standards in the industry, paving the way for a future that values diversity and innovation.
