For the sixth consecutive year, we sponsored the Hillsborough Community College (HCC) Black, Brown and College Bound (BBCB) summit in Tampa, Fla. The event is one of the preeminent national forums specifically designed to foster greater diversity in higher education. By participating in the event, we were able to share Nielsen’s diverse and inclusive culture with diverse college students and strengthen our talent pipeline.

We were the exclusive sponsor for a student education session. Don Lowery, SVP, Community Engagements, Nielsen, introduced Michael Strahan, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Emmy award-winning television personality, who offered inspiring remarks to the students and encouraged them to fearlessly battle obstacles they encounter in pursuit of their education.

In describing Nielsen’s support for the event, Lowery said, “Given our size and global scope, Nielsen needs a constant influx of diverse talent to ensure we’re providing our clients with comprehensive  insights and perspectives that will help them drive growth in a multicultural future. It’s vital that we reach out to the diverse talent who attend BBCB and establish ourselves as a company that will support their growth as professionals and empower them to bring their whole selves to work, so they see us as a potential employer of choice as they begin their professional journeys.”

Each year, the pinnacle of the summit is the Dr. Sylvia Marion Carley Signature Luncheon. This year, 1,200 HCC students, staff and faculty, corporate sponsors, community organizations, and elected officials convened to discuss key issues facing both current and prospective multicultural students. The luncheon, while for a local community college, facilitates conversations that are national in scope and attracts high-profile speakers. Strahan gave the luncheon keynote address.

At the luncheon, we also hosted a table of students who are mentored by leaders of our southeast region Sustaining Active Black Leadership and Empowerment (SABLE) employee resource group in our Oldsmar, Florida office. The students represented AMIKids Tampa, a nonprofit group that empowers children in the Tampa area to achieve their personal and professional potential.

Our continued sponsorship of the Black, Brown and College Bound Summit is particularly important because it allows us to support students in West Central Florida, where we have a significant presence with our Global Technology and Innovation Center (GTIC) in Oldsmar, Florida. With this sponsorship, we’re also able to demonstrate our commitment to supporting the communities where we live and work.

“Nielsen has a significant presence in the Tampa area, so we have a responsibility to provide significant support to the community,” said Amy Rettig, SVP, Community Engagements and Nielsen’s Florida Site Co-Leader. “By supporting the Black, Brown and College Bound Summit, we’re aiding the personal and professional development of members of our community, and we believe that produces a mutual benefit.”

Pictured in the top photo are the Nielsen attendees of the Black, Brown and College Bound luncheon.