About DES
Where did we come from?
In many ways, we've always been here. We, the people behind Detroit Experience Studio, are passionate members of our Detroit creative and advertising community. And we recognize that quite frankly, there aren't enough of us here.
Facts — Detroit is 86% people of color, yet we make up less than 6% of the industry. And of that fragment, just 4% are VPs or higher.
We know the issue all too well — and we shined a light on it. That light got the attention of WPP, who've graciously thrown their support behind us — giving us a global network of reach and capabilities.
Now we're sharing our passion. Our knowledge. Our connections. Our perspective. And an amazing opportunity to open up more seats at the table for people who look like us.
Who we are
Kapria Jenkins
Executive Director
Creating change together!
I am proud to call Detroit my hometown. I was born, raised, and educated in the city and have dedicated
most of my 20-year profession to improving the lives of Detroiters.
My experience in youth development, communications, social justice, and ministry equips me to
genuinely relate to people from all walks of life – and work with them – serving alongside youth, community
residents, nonprofit leaders, and corporate executives to create social impact that honors the dignity, humanity, and
self-efficacy of others.
I've held some fantastic titles throughout my career, from intern to executive director — however, my proudest title is — mom.
That's why DES means so much to me — bringing together my professional and personal passions to establish an educational
institution that brings equity and change to an entire industry — a place where the child in my home and all the children
in my hometown can thrive.
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Nakia Reeves
Director, Program Operations
Building bridges and creating lasting relationships!
This has been my true north for the past 20 years as an Account Management professional. Extroverted at heart, I have always leaned on my ability to understand, relate to and gain trust with my clients and partners throughout my career. This strength coupled with my growing passion as a wellness professional has led me to my current work as Operations and Client Engagement Director for the Detroit Experience Studio.
In addition to representing as a Black professional in advertising, I seek to ground our students and partners alike, in the path of mindfulness — so we can show up as our truest and most authentic selves for success in any field.
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Randi Winters
Community Engagement Manager
Giving back to my community!
As a product of DPS schools, I strongly believe in giving back to the community and students who look like me and share similar experiences.
In 2020, I founded an organization at Western Michigan University, Removing Every Obstacle (REO). REO is a mental health organization that serves as a safe space for college students to discuss their mental health as well as other issues they may be facing and to learn better mental health practices.
With a growing background in PR, philanthropy, advertising, community outreach, and more, many people would describe me as innovative, creative, dedicated, and driven, but I will always describe myself as a student — soaking up any knowledge around me.
My experience being a Client Engagement Intern with VML was full of new challenges and opportunities which ultimately allowed me to be the connector that I am now, and led me to being a full-time employee with VML. These experiences along with my overall life experiences have helped prepare me for this role with DES and I'm ecstatic to be able to share my experiences with our students.
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Our Core Volunteers
Meet the people who make it happen — our youth educators, success coaches and support staff.
Janea Bridges
Senior Program Director
VML
Rashaud Brooks
Associate Director Experience Design
VML
Lendell Brown
Group Director Analytics
GTB
Natalie Cavanaugh
Associate Director Experience Design
VML
Darcy Dunham
Engagement Manager
VML
Michael Nishanian
Director Experience Design
VML
Christian Plummer
Program Director
VML
Brett Reese
Director Experience Design
VML
Christina Rountree
Senior Experience Designer
VML
Olivia Sanabria
Strategist
VML
Chris Walker
Director Strategy & Insights
VML
Ashley Washington
Associate Engagement Director
VML
FAQs
WPP — Steppin' Up
Not just talk - WPP is investing millions to support, develop and promote the advertising arts in traditionally marginalized communities.
And they've brought friends:
We are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world.
Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, technology and more. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.
Our people are the heartbeat of our organization – and we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond.
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Makerhouse is a brand design-centric, specialized creative production house in the Hogarth network. Passionate about crafting effective design solutions and content at scale. We are one part design-centric makers, driving creative excellence and effectiveness. And one part strategic production operations, ensuring compliance and efficiency. With more than 300 specialists across the globe, and long hallways to the right partners when needed, we make the best work, the best way, in creative partnership with agencies and clients alike. Whatever the need, we'll make it happen.
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Engineered to drive performance for the world's most iconic brands, GTB is a global precision marketing agency that creates ideas that inspire people to act. One of WPP's specialist agencies driving creative transformation, GTB works across 6 continents with multiple offices worldwide.
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UniWorld Group, Inc. (UWG) is the longest-standing, full-service, multicultural marketing and advertising agency in the United States. A thought leader in creativity, inclusion and innovation, UWG has carved its legacy in the communications space for more than fifty years by connecting brands to multicultural audiences beyond the construct of race and ethnicity. UWG is a minority-owned, woman-led strategic partner of the WPP network.
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Mindshare is a global, multi-award winning, media agency network of 9,300 people across 86 countries united by the desire to create new media experiences. Mindshare drives Good Growth for clients through Precisely Human Intelligence and the Intentional Use of Media.
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H+K is one of the world's leading global communications companies, partnering with clients across more than 80 offices globally in more than 40 markets.
Drawing on our significant heritage – and a spirit of unbridled creativity and innovation – we are constantly renewing the capabilities that empower us to drive growth for our clients, help them manage risk, and defend and improve their reputations in today's extraordinary environment.
With a focus on agility and creativity, we are innovating the future of public relations.
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Hudson Rouge is an integrated, luxury marketing boutique, headquartered in New York with offices in Detroit, Shanghai, Toronto and Mexico City. Founded in 2012, and part of WPP, Hudson Rouge specializes in understanding, optimizing and amplifying the unspoken codes that contribute to the staying power of luxury brands and services. At Hudson Rouge, we provide a channel-agnostic, integrated approach and broad service offering, to clients in the ultra-competitive luxury sector.
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Detroit Public Schools
Community District
Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) is Michigan's largest public education system. It is governed by a locally elected, seven-member board with Dr. Nikolai Vitti serving as superintendent.
We champion a whole child approach that combines superior academics with socio-emotional, extracurricular, and health services tailored to each student's needs.
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Foundation
The Detroit Public Schools Foundation's (DPSF) mission is to create and enhance educational opportunities for Detroit Public Schools Community District's (DPSCD) students, families, and educators. Our vision is that every DPSCD student will receive the support needed for college and career readiness and we are dedicated and committed to bringing needed resources to DPSCD.
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