The 13th annual ADCOLOR Awards took place Sunday night and many gathered at the JW Marriott in Downtown LA to celebrate and recognize individuals making a difference in the creative industries. Hosted by author Luvvie Ajayi, the ADCOLOR Awards don’t just promote any individual, but specifically professionals of color and multicultural backgrounds. Partnering with Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Omnicom Group, and several others, the organization highlighted and honored the achievements of many members belonging to African American, American Indian/Native American, Asian Pacific-American, Hispanic/Latino and LGBTQ communities.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 08: Luvvie Ajayi speaks onstage at the 13th Annual ADCOLOR Awards at JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE on September 08, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Erik Voake/Getty Images for ADCOLOR)
Many of those honored are individuals making a mark in fields such as marketing, advertising, PR, media, and entertainment such as Eva Longoria who was the Beacon Award recipient. Other than being an Actress and Producer, she is also the Director of UnbeliEVAble Entertainment and has demonstrated high achievements within those areas.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 08: Eva Longoria accepts the Beacon Award at the 13th Annual ADCOLOR Awards at JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE on September 08, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Erik Voake/Getty Images for ADCOLOR)
“I started this from a place communicating that we are all special and our achievements manner.” On the carpet we spoke to Founder and President of ADCOLOR Tiffany R. Warren and she told us a little bit about why she started it and what it means to still be here today 13 years and counting. “For me it was really to create a space where we not only recognize each other but learn from each other.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 08: (L-R) Eva Longoria and Tiffany R. Warren attend the 13th Annual ADCOLOR Awards at JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE on September 08, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images for ADCOLOR)
Warren also talked about the selection process of the award nominees/honorees and how much ADCOLOR’s motto, “Rise Up and Reach Back” plays a part as to why people are chosen. “The Rise up and Reach back for me I think was the key marker of our success because people really took it in. It’s a really a simple thing, get up in the morning and try your best during the day to reach back and help somebody else,” says Tiffany R. Warren.
Most of the incredible individuals who attend ADCOLOR happen to be people in senior level positions who are already very successful and do so much for the industry in which they are a part of. For them to do what they do and on top of that give back is merit to be recognized. Mariano Pintor from New York’s McCann Advertising agency has not had an easy year and he is being recognized with a rising star award.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 08: Mariano Pintor attends the 13th Annual ADCOLOR Awards at JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE on September 08, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images for ADCOLOR)
“To be recognized is a really big deal. I didn’t realize what came with it. I was nominated by two of my mentors. To be recognized across these talented professionals is an honor and I will use it and take it with stride,” said Pintor. On the carpet he emphasized the importance of diversity and spoke to us about how he launched a social media campaign with the hashtag #WeAreImmigrants after his brother was abducted by ICE.
He’s not the only honoree one should be impressed by. With over a dozen exemplary individuals on the roaster it’s hard not to be impressed by each and every one of them. ADCOLOR’s main goal as an organization is to bring diverse professionals together, encourage, and celebrate one another. Sunday night’s beautiful ceremony was a perfect example of how they’re accomplishing just that.