In a group discussion led by Sean Nesmith, AE on Strategic Campaigns; colleagues Judith Hosang, SVP of Lifestyle & Travel; Henry Robins, Account Director on Cities; Kwame Belle, VP of Strategic Campaigns; and Stefne Jean, AAD of Maiden+John; gathered to reflect on their careers, celebrate Black leaders and explore both Black History and the present.
What has been your favorite moment working at BerlinRosen?
Judith: My favorite moments at BerlinRosen are the times when I have really gotten to celebrate with my colleagues. Last summer, our Lifestyle team gathered on the rooftop of The Beekman, and I remember looking around at the team’s smiling faces and feeling at home. Even after big projects, I rarely take a moment to celebrate and instead just roll on to the next assignment. One exception was the “Franchise Freedom” event sponsored by our client, Therme. It was a long day and a late night, but we managed to find a decent restaurant that was still open and toasted to our success.
Henry: For me, it’s the individual connections I’ve built within the team, especially being able to mentor junior staff. I get so much fulfillment from helping junior staff troubleshoot issues and think about their careers and futures and how to navigate the internal politics, which can be frustrating at any job. We have such a great team here, and there’s so much investment in growth and professional development. There’s such a culture of people helping folks connect to other opportunities internally and also externally.
Kwame: Anytime your client partner invites you to meet in-person or spearhead operations for their event—those are always my favorite. When you get to walk in their shoes, be in their environment, you get a real appreciation for their perspective. But most importantly, it does something special for the camaraderie with your own team! Whether you’re taking the train ride with someone or you’re getting on a plane, that’s the time when you really get to learn a little bit more about the people that you work with every single day.
Sean: My favorite moment last year was when some of the D.C. folks were able to go to the Congressional Black Caucus together as a cohort. And the chances that I have been able to go to New York, celebrate with the team, hang out and be collaborative—those have been some of my favorite moments at the job as well.
What is the most profound moment within the last couple of years that stands out to you as demonstrating our society moving forward towards equality and justice?
Henry: To be perfectly honest, I feel like it’s been a very challenging couple years for our movement. I personally have struggled to think about this question because it is hard to think of one moment that’s been positive, and there’s a lot of things on the horizon that feel quite negative too… And I think that’s okay. That’s what motivates me to keep doing the work that I’m doing and being the person that I’m being. So I don’t always have to look to external things to motivate me. Sometimes it’s the lack of examples or positive news out there that is what fuels me, and I think fuels others, to keep striving for better.
Judith: I agree with you—the work is not finished and sometimes it feels like we take two steps forward, four steps back, and it can get discouraging. But let’s not forget we have a female vice president. That is a milestone that once felt out of reach, even after voting President Obama into office. That is a powerful seat to occupy and should not be taken for granted.
Can you highlight notable achievements or contributions made by Black individuals throughout history that you find particularly inspiring or influential?
Kwame: I will broaden it globally—because I think it’s vital to do so when we think about the Black experience. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s leadership on a global level, specifically from an economic and environmental justice standpoint. When we think about the practices destabilizing our environment and who’s on the frontier of experiencing those repercussions, she’s put on a masterclass of operating with a clear vision and utilizing effective messaging to hold those who can shift policies and practices accountable.
You can see the corollary situation between the leading contributors to global warming and which nations are disproportionately experiencing the brunt of these catastrophic events. And then, when the affected nations seek financial relief to rebuild, they are hit with punitive loan agreements. It perpetuates a cycle of inequity. And that’s a grave injustice. There’s a tourism aspect, sure. But people have lived there for decades and centuries and will continue to. So it’s home. It’s someone’s place of pride.
Prime Minister Mottley’s plan—which, among many things, would pause debt payments for countries hit by a disaster to create funds for immediate relief and rebuilding, along with having world banks mobilize funds to accelerate climate resilience—is top-form. Pioneering an additional program putting environmental sustainability at the center of finance reform is also a huge deal.
Stefne: For me, it’s Dorothy Hayes, a Black graphic designer who entered the white-dominated design field and made it her mission to make sure she uplifted the voices of Black designers. She also created an exhibit called “Black Artist in Graphic Communication” that highlighted various designers and brought much-needed exposure to them. Today, although there is diversity in the space, it could be better—I think there is still a need for community within the space. Groups such as “Where are the Black Designers” do that and allow people of color to have that community and share ideas and experiences that can help them in their respective fields.
Can you share a few personal experiences that hold significant meaning for you within the context of Black history?
Henry: I grew up in literally the whitest state in the country. My high school was about 750 people, and I think there were fewer than five other people of color. I had a very warped concept of race growing up. I didn’t really understand what my own race was because I didn’t see anyone that really looked like me.
I grew up on the border with New Hampshire. In 2007, it was the lead up to the presidential primaries, and there was a lot of excitement and activity. The candidates were coming to debate in basically my hometown, and I had a chance to go to a rally with Barack Obama—he was there. But I remember going to this rally with my parents—I was probably 10 or 11 at this point. I saw him speak and got to meet him afterwards and shake his hand. And I just remember thinking, wow, this person kind of looks like me—because we’re both lighter-skinned Black people.
I think throughout that campaign, I was pretty young, but it sparked my interest in politics. I felt so moved by the reactions of my classmates and parents and teachers who were really rooting for this guy. My town voted for Obama by about 40 percentage points. It was a huge Obama town, versus Hillary, and it really shaped a lot of the person that I became later.
Kwame: I’m leading a lot of the work we coin as Inclusive Tech, which encompasses tech advocacy and being responsive to the technology that is of the moment.
Reflecting on the Black community’s impact on transforming the way most other users/consumers engage with tech offerings—I can call out an inflection point in society, and I can show you where our influence played a key role in making tech safer, generating cultural shifts and creating a destination of joy.
There is constantly this vanguard moment that’s occurring. Black Software by Charlton D. McIlwain shines a much-needed light on the Black entrepreneurs, engineers and enthusiasts that have emerged over the last five decades.
Sean: I’ve connected with my Nana so much about Beyoncé. A lot of my family is from D.C., and since moving here, I’ve never spent so much time with my grandmother and her friends. I spend so much time with her, her neighbors and her sorority sisters—talking about very current events that I usually only talk about with other Gen Zers. It warms my heart knowing how connected the community is across ages, and it makes me just really thankful that technology has brought a place of belonging for our Black elders and really, really young Black people.
What led you to choose your career trajectory, and what guidance would you offer young Black students navigating their own career choices?
Judith: I’m the product of an HBCU education—and a school, Florida A&M University, where students were nurtured into majors. Through my interest in journalism, public relations found me. So, I encourage students to find a school environment where they won’t get lost. And if you’re unsure of your direction, don’t be afraid to knock on a dean’s door and have a conversation. Learn about majors and career opportunities.
When I arrived in New York, I wanted to pursue jobs in travel & hospitality PR, as well as fashion & entertainment PR. My strong resume of internships attracted attention, and I approached interviews confidently—but never saw people who looked like me beyond the reception desk. One firm’s hiring manager told me, “I like you, but I’m not sure I can sell you to my clients.” That stuck with me, and I became discouraged. Years later, I was hired by a PR firm that shared office space with that hiring manager’s firm.
I want Black students to keep pushing. And if you don’t see someone like you in that space, try to occupy it anyway…or create it. Today, there are great examples of firsts and bests—Elaine Welteroth, Lindsay Peoples, and many in high-end interior design, which is another category I adore that traditionally excluded people of color. Somebody has to be the first, and maybe it’s you.
Stefne: Graphic design allows for a creative outlet within a changing structure, which can be defined by the client or a problem. It makes for interesting work. People will always have something to say; I would do what you want that solves the problem or achieves the client’s goals, and have at least a backup plan that still allows you to achieve your goals. Sometimes you create a Porsche, but sometimes your client wants or needs a Toyota Corolla.
Fast Facts
What is your favorite Black-owned restaurant?
Kwame: Vinatería in Harlem
Henry: Sylvia’s in Harlem
Judith: Fisherman’s Cove in Brooklyn
Stefne: Sugar Cane Rum Village in Mount Vernon, NY
Sean: Oohh’s & Aahh’s in D.C.
What is your special theme song to celebrate and reflect throughout this month?
Kwame: “Oceans” by Jay-Z and Frank Ocean
Henry: “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” by Sylvester
Judith: “War” by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Stefne: “Message in a Hammer” by Obongjayar, “Let’s Start” by Fela Kuti and “For the People” by Endea Owens
Sean: “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston
What is your favorite movie that celebrates Black culture?
Kwame: Atlanta (not a movie but still we rise)
Henry: Mahogany
Judith: Coming to America
Stefne: BlacKkKlansman, Judas and the Black Messiah
Sean: Moonlight