DEI Task Force

In 2020, a small group of motivated volunteer chapter leaders realized the need for a guiding framework to align all 70 Professional Chapters within the AMA network on their commitment to creating a better community for volunteers and members. As a result, this grassroots volunteer group took immediate action to amplify Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) voices – thus creating AMA’s first-ever

DEI Pledge for Chapters.

Authors of the initial DEI Pledge intentionally chose to focus on race, understanding the impact of focusing first on where the greatest disparities are recognized. Upon its launch in late 2020, the Pledge was embraced, signed, and activated by 66% of Professional Chapters across North America.

Since then, awareness of the pledge has continued to grow, as has participation in the pledge’s commitments. In the 2021-22 Chapter Year, the pledge was integrated into the annual Chapter Excellence Awards, and with this momentum came the discussion about where to go next.

After open forums, discussion, and collaboration in 2022-2023 chapter leaders revised the pledge to include a new, more specific title, AMA DEI Pledge to Advance Social Justice, Racial Equity, and Anti-Racism, as well as a sixth commitment recognizing the importance of measuring and communicating progress along our DEI journey. In addition, the Pledge preamble has been updated to recognize racial inequity as a foundational focal point and further emphasizes the role that marketers play in shaping narratives.As the nation continues to grapple with painful reminders of multi-generational injustice and inequity, we are also seeing people, companies, social groups, and organizations protesting, having civil discourse, and taking a stand for justice. As leaders in our communities, it is incumbent upon us to do our part too. Together, we will unite as one AMA to create a more equitable and inclusive environment for all.

We also want to acknowledge the chapters that have already signed the DEI Pledge, a commitment in six key areas to center and amplify the voices of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community.

Here is a list of all the chapters that have signed the pledge in 2024-2025:

Austin

Baltimore

Birmingham

Boston

Chicago

Cincinnati

Colorado

Houston

Indy

Iowa

Kansas City

Lincoln

Madison

Minnesota

New Jersey

New Orleans

New York Capital Region

Oklahoma City (OKC)

PDX

Phoenix

Pittsburgh

Puget Sound

Richmond

Rochester

Sacramento Valley

San Francisco

San Antonio

Southwest Michigan

Tampa Bay

Toronto

Triangle

Tulsa

Washington, D.C.

Wichita

Very rarely are their spaces for the voices of the multi-racial community. I joined the task force to help bring to life the acknowledgement and learnings that come from living in that space. I could not have asked to be a part of a more amazing group of people who have helped me mentally overcome the stress and hurt that has come with the summer of 2020. The DEI taskforce has been so instrumental for change within AMA. Majority of my contributions to this work have been creative and event planning. I could not be more proud to go on this journey with a team of incredible and inspiring individuals.

Réland Logan

VP of Programming, AMA PDX

As a leader, I have a responsibility to my team and my community to implement positive change within our organization. Working towards creating a more inclusive environment will have a ripple effect that enhances the success of marketers in New Jersey and across the globe. I want to be a part of that change and working with the amazing volunteers on the Professional Chapters Council DEI committee and the DEI Taskforce allows me that opportunity.

Kendra Clarke

President, AMA New Jersey

Younger people are often told that they are the leaders of tomorrow. I say, why not become the leaders today? If I can use my voice and activism around diversity, equity and inclusion to disrupt, lead transformative changes and make AMA PDX, the AMA organization and our industry better, then it’s my privilege to use it.

Christian Aniciete

VP of DEI, AMA PDX

We have a responsibility as marketing leaders to practice and teach our community that true inclusion is not an afterthought or checkbox. I choose to participate for my cohorts, as well as for students and emerging marketers.

There is a lot of work to be done and we’re just getting started!

Casey Mohan

President, AMA Sacramento Valley