Meet Our New Board Member: Sonja Stanley
We’re so excited to introduce you to Sonja Stanley, Atlanta Ad Club’s DE&I Chair for 2021-2022! Learn a bit more about her below:
What was your first Atlanta Ad Club event?
What are your personal goals within the Ad Club?
I have a goal to give back to an industry that has given me so much, both in a rewarding and successful career, and in the lasting and deep friendships I’ve developed along the way. Those relationships/friendships have been foundational in my trajectory being a Black woman in an industry where few of us are afforded the development into leadership roles. It is my desire to cultivate the concept of developing people of color in the advertising industry via the right experiences and programming.
Black Girl Rainbow GIF by Saumya Gupta
In your opinion, how can we best support people starting out in the industry?
While difficult at the moment, creating opportunities to come together and network/make introductions is key to folks just starting out. Also, developing content that provides additional learning and development opportunities, like mentorships, is key. Atlanta is a small world when it comes to the advertising/agency space so I don’t think it should be incredibly difficult to create moments like this.
I have a goal to give back to an industry that has given me so much, both in a rewarding and successful career, and in the lasting and deep friendships I’ve developed along the way.
– Sonja stanley
If you were a brand… what would your tagline be?
Feel the fear, and do it anyway!
Who is the advertising or business leader that you look up to most — and why?
Bozoma Saint-John, Chief Marketing Officer at Netflix.
She is absolutely fearless in her approach to LIFE, her professional life and her personal life. While to the outside world, her moves might seem unscripted, I suspect that she has a plan and she’s consistently working that plan. I love everything about it.
Visit Bozoma Saint-John on Instagram
What’s your dream title in advertising?
Chief of Wholeness & Well-Being.
