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← Back to IdeasHonoring Unsung Legends: A Tribute to Giants
In an industry often dominated by campaigns and high-profile personalities, there exists a quiet, yet powerful legacy—one built by individuals whose contributions may not always make headlines but whose impact has been both profound and lasting. As someone who has spent over a decade navigating the complexities of marketing, leadership, and change management, I've come to understand that it's not always the most visible who shape the future, but often those working behind the scenes, paving the way for others.
It was important for us to celebrate our giants—those whose work and leadership have shifted paradigms, broken records, and set new standards. Yet, just as important are the unsung heroes of our industry—particularly those from underrepresented communities—whose resilience, creativity, and tenacity have shaped the industry as we know it today.
By honoring these living legends, we aim to:
- Acknowledge their contributions: Their work, often done behind the scenes, has had a profound impact on the industry.
- Inspire future generations: Their stories can serve as a source of inspiration for young professionals.
- Foster a culture of recognition: We want to create a culture where everyone’s contributions are valued and celebrated.
Our guests included CEOs, CMOs, CDOs, and other top industry executives from leading brands like Sephora and Shipt. Key attendees included Alia Kemet, George-Axelle Broussillon Matschinga, Monique Nelson, Kirk McDonald, Doug Melville, Porter Braswell, Katherine Megan Segarra, Azurée S. Montoute-Lewis Ezinne Okoro, Ron Lewis, Jeff Marshall, Maya Valerio, Omar Gates, Adrianne C. Smith, Chantel Riley.
We honored leaders who have made a significant impact in their fields and on the world, as well as those who are coming behind them.
The Living Legends dinner is a celebration of these individuals. It’s a night to thank them, recognize their achievements, and inspire others to follow in their footsteps. We hope that this event will catalyze change, fostering a more inclusive and equitable industry. We hope that as we anchor this during Black Week (which was intentional), we can take it to different parts of the world to honor other unsung heroes while building the next generation of trailblazers.