Fresco Marketing, Kansas City's leading full-service multicultural marketing agency, is thrilled to have partnered with the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce to create audiovisual content for the annual Power of Diversity Breakfast. This partnership highlights Fresco Marketing’s dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and our community, reinforcing our commitment to fostering environments where everyone can thrive.
Power of Diversity Breakfast - DE&I
The Power of Diversity Breakfast is an annual event hosted by the KC Chamber to celebrate and emphasize the importance of DEI. It brings together business leaders, community advocates, and DEI champions to honor those who have made significant contributions to advancing DEI initiatives. The event's highlights include the presentation of the Ace Award, the Champion of Diversity Award, and a “Where Are They Now?” panel discussion.
"Where Are They Now?" a DE&I Panel
This year's breakfast featured an engaging "Where Are They Now?" panel, spotlighting past Ace Award honorees who have continued to excel in DEI leadership roles. Lisa Ginter, CEO of CommunityAmerica Credit Union and Chair of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, moderated the discussion, drawing out insights and updates from these DEI leaders.
The event included a special video segment created by Fresco Marketing, showcasing four past Ace Award recipients who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in advocating for DEI within their organizations. The video highlighted their work, experiences, and ongoing commitment to creating inclusive environments.
Dr. Andrea Hendricks
Dr. Andrea Hendricks, Chief DE&I Officer of Authentico and Walz Tetrick Advertising, was an Ace Award recipient in 2020. Throughout her career, Dr. Hendricks has been a driving force for positive change, creating programs that align DE&I strategies with an organization’s overall goals and bringing everyone together with a shared vision.
As the Chief DE&I Officer, Dr. Hendricks is responsible for leading the company's diversity and inclusion efforts. She implements policies and initiatives that promote a diverse and inclusive workplace, working closely with various departments to integrate these practices into the company's operations and culture.
Her role ensures that Authentico and Waltz Advertising remains committed to fostering an environment where all employees feel valued and included. As a highly respected leader known for her transformative impact in both business and community spheres, she has built a distinguished career characterized by a deep commitment to innovation, excellence, and social responsibility.
Andrew Eanes
Andrew Eanes, Senior Client Solutions Manager at JE Dunn Construction, received the Ace Award in 2022. Andrew has been instrumental in leading client solutions with a strong focus on integrating DEI principles into project management and client engagement. His efforts have not only improved business outcomes but also fostered a more inclusive work environment at JE Dunn Construction.
As Chair of the Board for the Kansas City Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Andrew plays a key role in guiding the strategic direction for the Chamber. His responsibilities also include advocating for local businesses and fostering economic development within the community.
Eanes' experience as a Senior Client Solutions Manager at JE Dunn Construction informs his approach to leadership, focusing on effective communication, strategic planning, and driving positive change for the Kansas City, Kansas area.
Edgar Palacios
Edgar Palacios, Ace Award winner of 2014, is the Founder of both the Latinx Education Collaborative and Revolucíon Educativa, organizations dedicated to advancing educational opportunities for Latinx communities.
The Latinx Education Collaborative focuses on improving educational outcomes for Latinx students by providing resources, support, and advocacy. The organization aims to bridge gaps in educational access and success, working with schools, families, and community leaders to promote equity and excellence in education.
Revolucion Educativa is dedicated to transforming educational systems and practices to better serve Latinx students and communities. It emphasizes innovative approaches and systemic change to address disparities and enhance educational experiences and outcomes. Palacios' work is driven by a deep commitment to equity and education. His efforts through these organizations reflect a vision of creating inclusive and effective educational environments that support the success of Latinx students.
Michael Gonzales
Michael Gonzales is the Principal and Owner of NE&E Consulting, a firm that specializes in providing strategic consulting services. NE&E Consulting is known for its focus on delivering tailored solutions to help organizations navigate complex challenges and achieve their goals. Michael Gonzales was recognized with the Ace Award in 2017.
As Principal and Owner, Gonzales oversees the firm's operations and client engagements, leveraging his expertise to offer strategic guidance in areas such as business development, organizational effectiveness, and operational efficiency. His role involves working closely with clients to understand their unique needs and develop customized strategies that drive success and growth.
Michaels background and experience include a strong foundation in D&I working with companies like Hallmark, with skills in problem-solving, strategic planning, and client relationship management. His leadership at NE&E Consulting reflects a commitment to delivering high-quality consulting services and fostering positive outcomes for the firm's clients.
Our Partnership Celebrating DE&I at the KC Chamber's Power of Diversity Breakfast
At Fresco, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental values that drive innovation, foster creativity, and strengthen communities. Our partnership with the KC Chamber to promote and advance DEI initiatives demonstrates our commitment to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.
The Power of Diversity breakfast is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of progress and a call to action. It reminds us that while significant strides have been made, there’s still much work to be done. At Fresco Marketing, we’re committed to being part of that journey, working alongside the KC Chamber and other partners to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
About Fresco
Fresco is a minority-owned multicultural marketing agency refreshing the way companies see, understand, and communicate with their consumers in an environment of constant change. Our mission is to create connections, eliminate barriers, and act as a bridge between various communities and different audiences. We help brands connect culturally, emotionally, and authentically with their communities and consumers, cultivating a stronger presence that allows them to reach the next level. Through our work, we aim to build a more inclusive and interconnected world where diversity is celebrated and everyone’s voice is heard.
At Fresco, we go beyond marketing—we take pride in making meaningful connections and creating a positive impact. Our work with the KC Chamber on the Power of Diversity Breakfast is just one example of how we strive to make a difference. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and finding new ways to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in Kansas City and beyond.
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