As part of Seramount’s “Think Bigger” initiative, Seramount and Tiffany & Co. came together to host “Diversity Fuels Creativity” before the start of New York Fashion Week, bringing together more than 40 DEI and Talent leaders for an in-depth look at how diversity drives innovation across industries. From luxury brands to digital media, the discussions covered how we can infuse inclusivity into every part of business, not just as a moral imperative, but also as a critical strategy for success.
Setting the Stage for Innovation
The event kicked off with opening remarks from Subha Barry, President of Seramount, and Stéphanie Oueda-Cruz, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Tiffany & Co. Barry stressed the importance of data in driving DEI, sharing how companies such as Johnson & Johnson utilize Seramount’s inclusion index not only for tracking progress but as a meditative practice to ensure they’re not losing ground. She also shared how Verizon’s voice activation technology, originally created for the visually impaired and prompted by insights from their disabilities ERG, ended up benefiting a much broader audience—showing the ripple effect inclusivity can have. Stéphanie Oueda-Cruz echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of well-being, community, and trust. “People are what make the difference,” she said, highlighting Tiffany Cares as an example of the power of relationships, trust, and showing up for your community. Oueda-Cruz stressed that while the brands present in this space might be competitors on the shelf, they can lean on each other to propel DEI collectively.
Elevating New Voices in Luxury
In a fireside chat between Tiffany & Co. and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), host Stéphanie Oueda-Cruzand speakers Aldo Araujo and Ebony Wiggins dived into the CFDA Scholarship Fund: As the first program of its kind in the United States, this design fellowship for emerging artists creates opportunities for designers to make their mark in the luxury world through mentorship and resources. In an industry where luxury is often associated with established, international names, this partnership aims to showcase American talent on a global stage. The panelists shared how critical it is for luxury brands to reflect diverse artists in their stores, creating spaces where all customers can feel welcomed and see themselves represented.
The Customer of the Future: The Expanding Role of DEI
Amy Bourne, Managing Director of Marketing at Seramount, made a strong case for why DEI can’t stop at the workplace—it needs to extend into the marketplace. With evolving demographics, the intersectionality of identities is more complex than ever, and brands need to create products and experiences that resonate with more diverse consumers. Bourne shared data showing that 82% of consumers want brands to align with their values. She echoed that DEI is linked to science and art, and beyond the scorecards, percentages, and benchmarking, successful storytelling is equally imperative. She posed the question, Who is your buyer and how are they connecting with your brand? Bourne illustrated the importance of this connection through a story from the Miami Heat, which was committed to producing more inclusive merchandise for their fan base. The impact? A 50/50 split in shopper demographics between men and women, proving that inclusivity can drive real change in how people connect with a brand.
The Intersection of DEI and Luxury Consumerism
Corey Smith, Head of Diversity & Inclusion at LVMH, shared insights on how luxury conglomerates like LVMH are integrating DEI into their brand DNA. Smith explained that LVMH focuses on three key areas: people, business, and brands. From increasing women and BIPOC representation in leadership to ensuring that their supply chain includes diverse suppliers, LVMH is taking concrete steps to embed inclusivity into every aspect of its business. Smith discussed the importance of understanding changing demographics, pointing out that many luxury consumers today are “hidden luxers”—younger, unconventional buyers who are often overlooked by traditional marketing campaigns. He emphasized the importance of cultural agility and how luxury brands must evolve to better understand, resonate, and reflect the diverse customers who are walking into their stores.
Innovation Meets Inclusivity: AI and DEI
Doug Melville, CEO of Jodie AI, highlighted the transformative role of AI in advancing DEI initiatives. Despite there being over 3,500 AI companies, Melville pointed out that few, if any, are focused on inclusive AI. His company, Jodie AI, is changing that by embedding DEI directly into AI technologies, from compliance and communications to program creation and recruitment. By fine-tuning large language models with a DEI lens, Melville’s work aims to ensure that AI reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. His message was clear: AI, when guided by diverse voices, holds immense potential for creating inclusive futures.
Redefining Leadership in Media and Music
Tiffany R. Warren, Executive VP and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at Sony Music Group and founder of ADCOLOR, and Katie Oertli Mooney, Managing Director at Seramount, discussed the power of diverse leadership. Warren shared her personal journey, breaking barriers often by being “the first” in many spaces. She founded ADCOLOR to celebrate diverse leaders in media and music and to create a space where diverse professionals have a “seat at the table” where they can finally exhale, see themselves in the room, and let their masks down. Warren stressed the importance of “lifting as you climb,” creating space for others to succeed as you advance. For her, DEI is about creating a culture where people feel safe, included, and represented.
Shaping Multicultural Narratives in Digital Media
Aida Ngolo, TikTok’s Multicultural Brand Partnerships Lead, brought her expertise on how digital media platforms are influencing cultural trends and reshaping narratives. She shared how TikTok has become a platform where underrepresented voices thrive and how brands need to engage meaningfully with these communities. Ngolo highlighted how the shift in digital media is no longer about mass marketing but about tapping into niche communities, passions, and subcultures. As Aida put it, “Culture is moving,” andfor brands, it’s not just about being present or prescriptive on digital platforms but being truly intentional about how they connect with diverse audiences.
“Diversity Fuels Creativity” was a powerful reminder that diversity isn’t just the right thing to do. Across industries, whether it’s luxury, technology, music, or fashion, DEI is proving to be a driver of innovation and business success. As DEI must extend beyond the immediate workplace to shape industries, markets, and entire communities, we encourage you to “Think Bigger.” As leaders, it’s not only about responding to current challenges but proactively innovating to drive sustained progress. Through continuous dialogue, collaboration, and action, we can think bigger about DEI’s potential—transforming not just businesses, but the world around us.
Angela-Gabrielle Pajarito Lacerna is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), with a unique journey shaped by her experiences as an immigrant from the Philippines and her diverse background in music and education. As an Associate Director at Seramount, Angela cultivates impactful partnerships across industries.
Angela-Gabrielle Pajarito Lacerna is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), with a unique journey shaped by her experiences as an immigrant from the Philippines and her diverse background in music and education. As an Associate Director at Seramount, Angela cultivates impactful partnerships across industries, including Retail, Custom Software & IT Services, HR & Staffing, Management Consulting, Government, and Nonprofit sectors. Her dedication to DEI is both personal and professional, and she is committed to helping organizations foster lasting, positive change.
In addition to her role at Seramount, Angela serves on the board of the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) DC, where she leads initiatives that support the professional development of Asian Americans. She is also actively engaged in Employee Resource Group (ERG) programming, contributing to AANHPI Heritage Month and Filipino American Heritage Month (FAHM) celebrations.
Angela holds a BA from Franklin & Marshall College and an MA from Columbia University. She resides just outside Washington, D.C., where she enjoys visiting museums, taking dance classes, and cooking.
