Welcome to the fourth installation of diversityinbusiness.com's salute to emerging talent in the marketing industry - a cross section of Rising Stars from advertising, public relations, sales promotion and media. 

Over the years, we have focused on the marketing arena because the industry helps fuel our national economy.  Marketers not only inform us of the benefits we can derive from products and services, but they also help us to see what is possible, even when it's the impossible.

For the first half of the twentieth century, advertising mirrored America's dark and racist past.  The Civil Rights Movement was key to bringing America and the industry out of the darkness and into the light that is the promise of America.  Although much progress has been made as we move towards a more inclusive and progressive society, the advertising industry still has some distance to go.  Last year, the New York City Human Rights Commission subpoenaed the city's leading advertising agencies to explain why so little progress had be made in hiring African Americans.  All too often, agency insiders complain that they simply can't find qualified candidates.  Our annual presentation of Rising Stars is intended to show the industry and the nation that there are outstanding individuals from diverse backgrounds who are making important contributions to the industry; and to inspire aspiring young people to see great possibilities for themselves.

I'd like to thank our west coast correspondence, Matthew Jones, who has focused our attention on emerging talent and critical issues shaping the industry over the past five years.  This year, he introduces us to five amazing individuals who expose us to a diversity of backgrounds, skills and perspectives.  I invite you to discover the passion and professionalism these individuals bring to the industry and our world.  It is my pleasure to salute each and everyone of them.

Please use the graphic below to meet this year's Rising Stars.