ADCOLOR Reimagines Talent Development with New Standalone Incubators

LOS ANGELES, CA – September 10, 2026 – ADCOLOR, the influential organization dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusion in the creative industries, today announced a significant strategic pivot in its talent development model. Coinciding with the reveal of its 15th ADCOLOR FUTURES class and 5th ADCOLOR LEADERS class, the organization is unbundling these signature programs from its annual conference to create distinct, immersive experiences.

This move represents more than a logistical shift; it signals a deliberate and substantial investment in a more focused, high-touch model of mentorship and professional growth. From September 29 to October 2, the 60 selected professionals will convene in Los Angeles for a dedicated week of intensive programming. By decoupling these incubators from the broader conference, ADCOLOR is betting that concentrated, tailored support is the most effective catalyst for cultivating the next generation of diverse industry leaders. The decision comes as the organization builds momentum toward its 20th anniversary in 2027, framing this evolution as a cornerstone of its future strategy.

A Strategic Pivot to Deepen Impact

For years, the FUTURES and LEADERS programs have been celebrated components of the annual ADCOLOR conference. The shift to a standalone format is a direct response to the increasing complexity of the creative landscape and the need for more profound, individualized development opportunities. In a market where talent retention is a top corporate priority and authentic leadership is paramount, generic training is no longer sufficient.

The new format is designed to deliver precisely that depth. Participants will engage in intensive masterclasses, receive executive coaching, and participate in collaborative challenge sessions hosted at the offices of premier global creative agencies and technology hubs, including 72andSunny, Anomaly, Deutsch, and Publicis. This structure provides direct exposure to the environments where industry-defining work is created.

"As ADCOLOR approaches its 20th anniversary, we are inspired by the caliber of our 2026 FUTURES and LEADERS classes," said Tiffany R. Warren, Founder of ADCOLOR. "They are living proof of what two decades of rising up and reaching back can create. By devoting a standalone week entirely to their growth and development, we are creating even more space to foster the next generation of talent through the community, connections, and innovative tools that make ADCOLOR unique."

This evolution reflects a keen understanding of market dynamics. As corporations grapple with fulfilling their DEI commitments amid economic pressures, programs that can demonstrate a clear return on investment—in the form of highly skilled, motivated, and connected leaders—become invaluable. ADCOLOR is positioning its initiatives not as a supplemental benefit, but as an essential component of the industry's talent infrastructure.

Cultivating the Next Generation of "FUTURES"

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the ADCOLOR FUTURES program has a long track record of identifying and elevating early-career talent. The 2026 class comprises 30 professionals with one to three years of experience who have already demonstrated exceptional initiative and impact. The cohort is a dynamic mix of agency strategists, filmmakers, product marketing managers, and social impact specialists from companies like Google, Ogilvy, Wieden + Kennedy, and Pfizer.

These are not professionals waiting for their turn; they are actively shaping their environments. The class includes individuals like Brandon Silva, a Product Marketing Manager at Google Labs, and Aaron Parrish-Dean, an independent Director & Filmmaker, who represent a new archetype of creative talent that is multi-hyphenate, entrepreneurial, and culturally fluent.

"Marking 15 years of FUTURES, this class proves leadership isn't defined by tenure; it's defined by vision and action," stated Candace D. Queen, Strategic Growth Advisor at ADCOLOR and a FUTURES alum herself. "From launching non-profits to building tech accessibility frameworks, these 30 individuals are stewards of change, creating meaningful impact on their industries and communities."

Queen's perspective is informed by her own journey through the ecosystem of industry diversity programs, underscoring the power of sustained institutional support. The FUTURES program aims to equip these emerging leaders with the strategic tools and network necessary to accelerate their careers and, in turn, redefine the future of their respective fields.

Forging Purpose-Driven "LEADERS"

Now in its fifth year, the ADCOLOR LEADERS program addresses a critical gap in the talent pipeline: supporting established, senior-level professionals as they navigate pivotal career inflection points. The 30 executives selected for the 2026 class are not just managers; they are architects of business and culture. The roster includes C-suite executives, agency founders, and senior directors from organizations like Microsoft, Netflix, NBCUniversal, and Moët Hennessy USA.

This cohort is at the forefront of tackling the industry's most pressing challenges. Raymond Sims, Director of Responsible AI & Portfolio Management at Microsoft, is shaping ethical technology frameworks. Kimberly King, VP of Inclusion Advertising & Partnerships at NBCUniversal, is driving change in media representation. Others, like Justin Adu, Global Head of Social Media at Replit, and Jasmine Clennon, Global Marketing Lead at Pinterest, are steering brand narratives on a global scale.

"The fifth class of ADCOLOR LEADERS represents a remarkable group of executives whose journeys have shaped how they lead with purpose and substance," said Criseli Saenz-Roddy, Director of Programs at ADCOLOR. "These 30 executives are not simply navigating the future of business, they are actively redesigning it by championing accountability, creating space for others and using their influence to leave a lasting legacy for the next generation."

Under the guidance of Saenz-Roddy, who brings nearly 15 years of experience in inclusive culture transformation and holds certifications from Harvard Business School in Disruptive Strategy and AI, the LEADERS program is designed to provide these executives with a renewed sense of purpose and an invigorated approach to their work.

Two Decades of Rising Up and Reaching Back

This strategic evolution is deeply rooted in ADCOLOR's founding mission to "Rise Up, Reach Back." By creating more intensive, resource-rich programs, the organization is amplifying its ability to elevate diverse talent while reinforcing the ethos of mentorship that is central to its identity. The announcement of the 2026 cohorts, selected from hundreds of competitive applicants, serves as a powerful testament to the prestige and impact the organization has cultivated over nearly two decades.

The success of this expanded vision is made possible by a robust ecosystem of corporate partners who provide financial support and host program sessions. These partnerships are more than sponsorships; they represent a shared commitment to building a more equitable and innovative creative industry. As ADCOLOR moves toward its 20th anniversary, this strategic pivot demonstrates a forward-looking approach, ensuring its programs remain not just relevant, but essential for the next 20 years of industry change.