There is still time to register for “Shifting Diversity in Adland,” set for Wednesday, April 21, from 1-2 pm.

Join the 4A’s Agency Comms committee’s Rahel Rasu, Chief Communications Officer, Mediabrands, who will moderate a conversation with Shannon Miller, Senior Editor of Creativity & Representation, ADWEEK; Pamala Buzick, COO/Director of Partnerships at FREE THE WORK; and, Reonna Johnson, Co-Founder of the “In For 13” pledge and VP, Director of Strategic Growth and Business Development, Deutsch LA,  about innovative ways to find and inspire diverse, underrepresented talent and build a culture around inclusivity.

Cary Hatch, CEO of D.C.-based MDB Communications, tells Capitol Communicator that last Fall, the 4As reported on the state of the industry as part of their renewed D&I initiative. According to the 4As, the data — collected  from 165 agencies representing more than 40,000 employees — found that Black and African American employees make up just 5.8% of the industry, while 8.68% identify as Hispanic or Latinx, 10.7% as Asian/Asian American, 4.23% as “other” and 70.51% as white or caucasian. Of the less than 6% who are Black or African American, 68% are admin or entry-level, 43.5% are non-management professionals, 27.6% are managers or directors and just 4% are vice presidents or higher, excluding C-suite roles. Diversity across regions also varies slightly. For example, Black or African American employees in the Western U.S. represent just 3.3%, but 9.4% in the Southeast.

According to Hatch, the April 21 event “is your opportunity to #CommitToChange and put a finer point on your process, plans and goals. Please join me for this FREE 4As webinar where industry leaders will reveal innovative ways to attract, find and inspire diverse, underrepresented talent.”

More here.