Artis Stevens on how the ad industry can help redefine mentorship

Ad Age is marking Black History Month 2025 with our fifth-annual Honoring Creative Excellence package. (Read the introduction and all the essays here.) Today, guest editor Kaleeta McDade turns the spotlight to Artis Stevens, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, who writes about his ministry: helping companies start youth workplace mentoring programs. I remember like it was yesterday—asking my dad at the age of 7 if I needed to follow in his footsteps and become a preacher. He smiled and said the following words that would inspire my life for years to come: “Everyone has their ministry in this world. You have to find yours.” I think about this moment as we celebrate Black History Month. All the power and influence of Black culture and history, so many iconic contributors who have shaped our country for the better. But who sticks out the most for me was a Black father who passed down the lessons of mentorship, passion and purpose to his son. See, Black culture—and any culture, for that matter—is about human connection. And nothing is more centered in human connection than the idea of mentorship. I have seen it firsthand, as the first Black CEO at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America in its 120-year history. I’m uniquely aware of the lived experience of being a Black man who grew up with limited means. And in meeting thousands of young people—many who grew up just like me—a powerful truth exists that the talent they possess is undeniable, but too often the access and opportunity needed to harness their talent is unavailable. Today, a disproportionate number of Black youth still feel very distant to their own American dream—living in or near poverty, experiencing a widening educational gap and lacking the wealth of extended mentorship and positive connections outside of their immediate family. But there are solutions, and one of the most actionable and accessible solutions by any brand, agency, individual or institution is expanding a young person’s network of mentors. Research shows that when young people have an extended network of mentors, especially ones in higher socioeconomic levels, they are more likely to thrive educationally and economically, as well as possess a stronger sense of well-being. These same young people are today’s innovators, entrepreneurs, creatives and influencers, all contributing to a broader ecosystem of advertising and media talent, creation and consumption. So, imagine the possibilities of a multi-billion-dollar sector—one with the unlimited capacity to mold public perception—mobilizing its workforce and igniting its talent pipeline so that mentorship is viewed as more than a nicety but a necessity. Like my dad shared when I was younger, I now follow a ministry of mentorship. One that’s dedicated to helping every company in America start a youth workplace mentoring program, creating a youth talent pipeline in industries including advertising, and telling a powerful story that redefines mentorship as a transformative societal solution that not only empowers Black youth but any young person or adult who is seeking to find their ministry in this world. I hope you will join us—because young people need you and the world needs young people. Sign up for Ad Age newsletters From influencer marketing to agencies, get the latest news and analysis delivered to your inbox Click here

Artis Stevens on how the ad industry can help redefine mentorship

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