For over two decades, Andréa Richardson has provided strategic counsel to top global corporations, nonprofits and public entities on diversity, inclusion and equity strategies, multicultural marketing, crisis management, reputation management, branding, customer engagement and corporate social responsibility.
Richardson’s work in the area of multicultural and diversity initiatives has been recognized by her peers. Richardson spearheaded marketing and communication campaigns including the “Hilton Black Family Reunions” campaign with Tom Joyner, ABFF Honors and OUT Magazine, the “Vamos Contigos”/We Go Together- ESPN Deportes Digital/Radio Partnership and award-winning Pride activations at NYC Pride and Capital Pride in Washington, D.C.
Richardson is truly a sister with superpowers.
What is your profession, what are your responsibilities and why did you select your career?
I’m the executive vice president andglobal head of diversity, equity & inclusion at Zeno Group. I lead and oversees all strategic development of DE&I initiatives for Zeno as well as DEI programs for a range of clients. Prior to joining Zeno Group, I lead multicultural and diversity engagement at Hilton Inc.
As a Black woman, what do you consider your superpowers to be?
My superpowers [are] resilience and tenacity.
What key skills or qualities make you unique as a female leader?
My love for people, despite this country’s history of not loving Black folks and my desire to understand lived experiences of people from various backgrounds makes me a unique female leader.
Why is it important for women of color to work in leadership roles and decision-making capacities?
It is important for younger women of color and even young men to see women of color who have been successful at growing their careers, representation matters. Diversity of thought is also extremely important when it comes to making key business decisions. Especially at a time when our world is growing more and more diverse.
If you could thank any Black woman for her contributions to history and society, who would it be and why?
That person would be Tiffany R. Warren, founder of AdColor, former head of [diversity, equity and inclusion] at Omnicom and current EVP and chief diversity officer at Sony Music Group. The work she has done in the advertising agency industry will have impact for decades to come. She is truly inspiring.
Share three career highlights.
Being named one of Black Enterprise’s Top Women in Advertising & Marketing in 2015.
Being named one of 2018 Global Top 100 Most Influential Persons of African Descent in Business and Entrepreneurship as proclaimed by United Nations’ General Assembly.
The work I got to do on a global scale on behalf of LGBTQ people around the world in partnership with the U.S. Department of State and the Global Equality Fund during the six years I spent with Hilton.
Social media: IG: @Ladydre3000
