Diversity and Multiculturalism in Advertising: An Interview with Leo Olper

Abstract

Abstract: In this interview Leo Olper, Senior Vice President and Managing Director at LatinWorks with headquarters in Austin, talks about the growing importance of multicultural perspectives in advertising today, as well as his own career path through the multicultural advertising landscape. Olper shares perspectives on the history and rise of multicultural advertising, including changes needed in today’s overall advertising industry. He speaks to advertising’s role in shaping culture and society, and how a changing demography in the United States will impact American advertising. Olper addresses the thorny issue of discrimination in advertising and, while he states there are no easy answers, he provides some ideas on reaching out and pulling up a younger, more diverse pool of talent, while providing advice on recruiting and retaining a diverse pool of advertising professionals. In short, he encourages change in the advertising industry, for diversity begets diversity.