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Ayanna Anderson

Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging combines three areas of my professional expertise: public relations, community engagement and ethnic studies.

8 things we always wanted to ask Ayanna

Dip into DIBs with our very own head of diversity, inclusion and belonging, Ayanna. And dance like it's 1999!

Tell us about yourself.

I come to this work having had the lived experience of spending a significant part of my career in the tech/healthcare PR agency sector before making the tough decision to leave it behind as an act of self-preservation; I didn’t feel that I had the requisite support system to truly thrive. As such, I feel uniquely qualified to support our diverse staff while also fortifying our talent pipeline and industry partnerships.

What are your focus areas?

I am focusing on recruitment with an emphasis on Black and LatinX hires; strong retention and career advancement opportunities for diverse staff; and evangelizing our DIBs journey—both internally and externally.

What’s your notable work experience prior to coming to Highwire?

Prior to joining Highwire, I spent a decade in the field of donation and transplantation. I led strategic initiatives to drive awareness and promote advocacy for increasing the number of organ and tissue donors throughout the Bay Area. It was, by far, one of the most transformative professional experiences that I ever had. I never tired of the mission.

What got you into this business in the first place?

My love of storytelling, writing and creative ideation.

What was your finest moment, the thing you’re most proud of?

Launching the first national industry-led conversation about strategies for engaging African Americans about the need for more organ and tissue donors in the BLM era.

What was your most embarrassing moment in this business?

During my first month as a newly-minted AE, I mispronounced Reuters as Route-ers, and my peer trainer gave me SUPER side eye before correcting me. Lesson learned! Thankfully, I went on to secure some pretty sweet Reuters media coverage years later.


 

What was growing up like for you?

I grew up in the most idyllic neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. Our family has been there for more than three generations, and I loved everything about it: the architecture, the warm/friendly Midwest vibes, the eclectic shops and of course, the food! Good times.

What do you do for a good time when you’re not working?

I’m a reformed party animal, however these days it involves lots of Bay Area adventures with my hubby/two sons as well as girlfriends. Though we have been slowed down a bit by COVID, we have managed to enjoy: lots of hikes, road trips, backyard bbqs, garden/landscaping projects, impromptu 90’s dance parties, baking and lots of Zooms and video calls with our extended family members. In 2021, I added crocheting into the mix, and this year, 2024, I’ve taken up pickleball lessons. Excited to see what next year might bring! 


 

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150+ thinkers and doers

Highwire’s team of skilled strategists excel at translating complex narratives into compelling stories. With hubs in San Francisco, New York, Boston and Chicago, our integrated PR, marketing and creative design teams provide global coverage and work with a worldwide network of trusted collaborators. When you partner with Highwire we make a commitment to your success,
creating enduring business value.

Agency Leadership

Emily Call Borders

Principal

Carol Carrubba

Principal

Kathleen Gratehouse

Principal

Chuck Hemann

Chief Integration Officer

Kim Paone

General Manager, New York

Michael Byrnes

Managing Director, Health

Christine Elswick

EVP, Security

Mike Steavenson

EVP, Enterprise

Kate Adorno

EVP

Carolina Binstadt

EVP

Joe Ferrary

SVP, Enterprise

James Holland

EVP, Digital

Danny Maiello

EVP, Brand, Corporate & Energy

Ayanna Anderson

SVP, DIBs

Andrew Robinson

Head of People

Mags Cote

Head of Insights & Analytics

Mallory Cloutier

SVP

Dan Davies

SVP, Integrated Digital

Bob Gohn

SVP, Creative

Mazen Haddad

SVP, Delivery and Operations

Ross Levanto

SVP

Allie MacPherson

SVP, Social Media

Megan Phelan

SVP, Security

Saige Smith

SVP, Health

Katherine Zackel

SVP, Security and Crisis Communications

Joe Hamrahi

CFO

Emily McCrea

Controller

Ken Sugimura

Director, FP&A

Ali Balicki

VP

Shevaun Betzler

VP, Security

Sara Black

VP

Denise Jocson

VP, Creative

Megan Kernan

VP, Health

Morgan Mathis

VP, Health

Peter McCormack

VP

Melissa Roxas

VP

Tori Sabourin

VP, Digital

Amy Tsui

VP, Finance

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