Tiffany Warren, senior VP and chief diversity officer at advertising mega-company Omnicom, founded ADCOLOR in 2005 to support and create diverse members of the marketing and advertising industry. Although she tells BlackEnterprise.com that the diversity situation has improved, there’s still work to do on that front.

“There’s an ecosystem that diversity and inclusion affects—what network shows get approved, what commercial gets made, what content is available—it’s all connected. Honoring people of color who are behind the scenes helps companies,” she says.

In addition to a discussion about multiculturalism in advertising, Warren also offers advice to black women hoping to build a career in this industry.

“I am a woman sitting in a very high level in a holding company rocking a natural [hairstyle].  I think when you are deluged with a lot of images, you get mired down and pay too much attention to that instead of spending your time developing yourself. I spent time developing Tiffany,” Warren adds.

To read more about ADCOLOR, advertising and multiculturalism in marketing, visit BlackEnterprise.com.

Image: Karen Backett, via BlackEnterprise.com

All eyes are on London for the Summer Olympics, so it’s a great time to take a look at the powerful black women who are making waves across the pond.

BlackEnterprise.com has compiled just such a list that includes jewellers Natasha Faith and Semhal Zemikae, founders of La Diosa (who have outfitted First Lady Michelle Obama, among others); Sonia Meggie, founder of Inspirational YOU, an organization that empowers students and entrepreneurs; and actress Naomie Harris who you’ve already seen in the movies 28 Days Later and Pirates of the Caribbean and will be starring in the latest James Bond flick Skyfall.

The most prominent businesswoman on the list is Karen Blackett, CEO of MediaCom UK, the biggest media buying company in the U.K. Her clients have included Tag Heuer watches and Wrigley’s.

To see the list of all the ladies and their affiliations, go to BlackEnterprise.com.

Photo: Creatas

Just because you get a college degree, it doesn’t necessarily mean a job will be waiting for you after graduation. The job market is a tough one right now and there are some areas of study that simply aren’t paying off.

BlackEnterprise.com has compiled a list of seven college degrees that have high unemployment rates, based on a recent report from the Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce. Recreation is number five on the list with an 8.3 percent unemployment rate.

“The job involves creating programs for individuals and communities, as well as managing programs within the leisure services industry. Graduates often work at hotels and resorts, parks, and camps,” the article says. However, these jobs are mostly available to those who already have experience. The lesson here: Only choose to major in recreation if you want a lot of time for recreational activity.

Another degree on the list, somewhat surprisingly, is architecture. Those looking for a career in this area have been impacted by economic difficulties in the construction and building businesses.

To learn about the rest of the college degrees on the list, click through to BlackEnterprise.com.

From BlackEnterprise.com

I was the mother of two… well, for a about a week.

I devoted seven days to two of my nieces who are in the Big Apple for the summer. Spending “auntie and us” time was great, mostly because I was able to connect with the girls in a way I couldn’t during weekend jaunts to their hometown. But my 168 hours with the little ladies left me feeling more than exhausted; I was physically and emotionally depleted. Sound dramatic? Well, it is. As a single, single woman— no hubby or pets— I’m very used to just getting up and going.

For the first time I was able to experience what many of my clients grapple with firsthand: having limited resources. Many of us think of resources as simply financial, but they come in many forms, including time. Many of us will experience the tugging weight of “what ifs” purely because we don’t have enough time to achieve the things we want to enhance our lives. Still there is hope. Bartering is a no-brainer to me. My kids-in-tow weekend consisted of fair swaps, such as: “I’ll take your son with my crew to the park if you make the cupcakes we promised the kids.” I love running around with kids and my gal pal loves baking; a coup for us both.

I know, I know, initially it sounds rather antiquated, or complicated; but it’s a great way to use what you have to get more of what you want. So, exactly how can bartering—exchanging goods or services of relatively equal value—help improve your life? It allows you to maximize your to-do list, while minimizing the utilization of extra, or absent, resources. For example, can you afford to paint your house and take the vacation you want? Maybe not, but a few friends may be willing to help out with a paint party if you commit to helping with their landscaping, etc… The goal is to think win/win.

Check out three things you can try bartering this week on BlackEnterprise.com.

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From BlackEnterprise.com

Getting to know someone new can be daunting, especially when you don’t know the other person’s intentions. It takes time to peel back the many layers that may reveal a sweet heart or rotten core, alike. Many of us have learned — the hard way — to keep our guard up and set realistic expectations for a first date. And when it comes to business, being ready for a first date  is equally important as it is in a romantic setting.

It takes four adoptable roles to be a good business date:

1. Prepared investigator. Don’t treat your business relationships like blind dates. Your instincts can guide your final judgment, but you still have to do your homework. Go trigger-happy on Google; check your social networks for common contacts and ask for honest insights. Take the time to research the history and expertise of the person and their company. Being prepared doesn’t just give you the upper hand — it also allows you to pre-qualify your date and know enough background to break the ice for a more engaging conversation.

Check out the other three roles on BlackEnterprise.com.

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• Single Black Male: Is It Okay To Judge Someone By Her Exes?
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• Bet You Didn’t Know: Secrets Behind the Making of “Set It Off”

Source: hiphopweekly.com

From Black Enterprise

Audiences tuned in religiously to watch the ladies of VH1′s Love & Hip Hop go through their personal and professional triumphs and trials. In Season 2 of the popular series was breakout star, Yandy Smith, entertainment manager to platinum-selling hip-hop artist Jim Jones, among others. Viewers watched as she made major moves for her client and ended up severing ties with him in an unfortunate personal battle with his beau, castmate Chrissy Lampkin.

It’s no doubt that the show widened the scope of exposure for all cast members to millions of new consumers. Smith continues her work as a manager to stars including Missy Elliot and has expanded her brand to the film, accessories and publishing industries.

As the show returns for a third season, taking its cameras to spotlight the who’s who of talent on Atlanta’s popular music scene June 18, we caught up with Smith to talk how Love & Hip Hop changed her life and what her next boss move will be.

To see what Yandy has in store, head over to BlackEnterprise.com.

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• Bet You Didn’t Know: Secrets Behind the Making of Coming to America
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Source: Blackenterprise.com

From BlackEnterprise.com

Traumatic events have a way of showing us who we really are. Many allow it to defeat them and others use it as motivation to live a more meaningful life. Having survived the World Trade Center attacks and the death of her beloved husband, Charlice Noble-Jones is one who has found her true calling through tragedy:  helping others transform their lives as the owner of Snap Fitness.

After entering a contest for a chance to own the gym franchise, Noble-Jones felt a growing desire that signaled more than a career change. It was a chance to be a part of something bigger than her and positively impact the world.

With the gym being a huge success less than a year of opening, there are plans to expand and to continue finding healthy ways to reach her community.

Read more about out how Charlice is building a successful business that started with 300 memberships in 20 days and helping her community take control of its health on BlackEnterprise.com.

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BlackEnterprise.com made a list of 20 writers/editors to follow on Twitter and Madame Noire’s own Senior Editor Demetria Irwin landed on the list. She is deeply humbled and honored by the mention, especially considering the industry powerhouses like dream hampton, Michaela Angela Davis and Aliya S. King who are also featured. Our Demetria is in good company. Congrats!

Head over to BlackEnterprise.com to check out the whole list!

(Note: Slide 15 is our favorite!)