As the founder of Addwomxn, I embarked on a journey to create more than just a creative agency—I envisioned a community where all women could come together and see the humanity in each other, where diversity isn’t just celebrated, but woven into the fabric of our shared reality. Since the inception of Addwomxn, one of our foundational values has been to cultivate a culture of inclusivity—one that embraces true diversity, fosters a trusting environment, and upholds individual accountability.
Understanding the Need:
In the ever-changing and fast-paced world of design—where creativity thrives—the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) cannot be overstated. Throughout my career, I’ve encountered firsthand the barriers that many creatives face: gender discrimination, biased cultures, and toxic environments. During my first week stepping into the role of an internal creative director at a privately-held company, I was fueled by hope and determination to challenge these norms. However, I soon faced the harsh reality of dismissiveness and underestimation. I vividly recall a moment when I asked my boss to go over the marketing budget, only to be met with the response, “You don’t need to know the numbers; you just need to make things look pretty.” It was a moment of profound invalidation, reminding me of the uphill battle ahead.
Creating an Inclusive Environment:
At Addwomxn, we recognize that true inclusion goes beyond mere diversity—it requires fostering psychological safety, creating an environment where team members can authentically express themselves and excel without fear of harm. In previous roles, many of our collaborators have shared experiences of feeling isolated and tokenized due to their race, gender, or background. For instance, one collaborator, while previously at a large agency, found herself as the sole Black individual in her role. She was frequently burdened with the expectation to represent the entire spectrum of people of color—an unfair pressure that weighed heavily on her, particularly as a newcomer to the advertising industry.
Building Trust and Empowering Voices:
But at Addwomxn, things are different. Here, DEI isn’t just a checkbox; it’s woven into the fabric of our agency. We celebrate differences, address biases, and provide opportunities for growth and development. One of the unique aspects of Addwomxn is our dedicated DEI coaches who work with each team member on a 1:1 basis to foster personal and professional growth. Additionally, we hold regular community meetings where we encourage open communication, collaboration, and idea sharing among team members. We understand that diversity fuels innovation and creativity, and we’re committed to creating a culture where every voice is heard and valued. By empowering our team members to bring their whole selves to work, we’re fostering an environment where creativity flourishes, collaboration thrives, and success knows no bounds.
Practical Tips and Insights for Cultivating Psychological Safety:
In addition to the 1:1 coaching, we have small-group sessions (Black-only, Asian-American only, white-only) so that we can really dive into our biases, perceptions, and get to true inclusion. These sessions provide a safe space for team members to engage in open and honest discussions, fostering deeper understanding and empathy. Furthermore, we encourage regular feedback and check-ins, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported in their contributions. By actively addressing biases and promoting open dialogue, organizations can cultivate a culture of psychological safety where every individual can thrive.
Addwomxn: More Than a Creative Agency
At Addwomxn, we’re not just creating campaigns; we’re creating change. Our vision extends beyond the confines of a traditional agency—we’re building a community where every voice matters, every perspective is valued, and every individual has the power to make a difference.
