In an industry where Black voices have long been underrepresented, a transformative internship program is opening doors for young talent. Building Leaders and Creators (BLAC), a national initiative, is equipping Black and BIPOC creatives with the skills, experience, and networks needed to thrive in advertising. Barker, a New York-based independent ad agency, is among the growing number of firms championing this effort, hosting interns who are shaping the future of the industry. Here’s how BLAC and Barker are driving change through mentorship, real-world projects, and community-building.
A Mission to Diversify Advertising
Launched in 2020 in response to calls for racial equity following George Floyd’s murder, BLAC addresses the advertising industry’s stark lack of diversity. With only 5.8% of ad professionals being Black—mostly in entry-level or administrative roles, per the 4A’s—the program aims to create pathways for underrepresented talent. BLAC’s 12-week, paid internship places creative thinkers at independent agencies nationwide, offering training, hands-on work, and long-term career support.
Unlike traditional internships, BLAC emphasizes community. Interns form a national cohort, connecting virtually for workshops and projects while working at host agencies like Barker. The program, sponsored by brands like Procter & Gamble, has graduated over 90 interns since its start, with 70% securing full-time jobs, according to AdWeek.
Barker’s Role in Nurturing Talent
Barker, known for its bold campaigns and innovative storytelling, has embraced BLAC as a partner in reshaping advertising. The agency hosts interns in roles like copywriting, design, and strategy, immersing them in real client work. From brainstorming sessions to pitch meetings, Barker’s team mentors interns, helping them build portfolios that stand out in a competitive field.
At Barker, interns don’t just shadow—they contribute. For example, BLAC interns work on high-profile assignments, including creative briefs from P&G, where they develop and pitch concepts to brand executives. This hands-on experience, paired with Barker’s collaborative culture, gives interns a front-row seat to agency life and a chance to make an impact.
The BLAC Experience
The 2024 BLAC program, running from May 19 to August 8, 2025, offers a structured yet dynamic experience:
- Intro Week (May 19–23): Interns onboard at their host agency, like Barker, then join a virtual national cohort for four days of industry immersion, meeting Black ad leaders and learning about roles like art direction and account management.
- In-Agency Work (May 26–July 23): Over 8.5 weeks, interns dive into agency tasks—attending client calls, crafting campaigns, and honing skills. Virtual BLAC sessions 2–3 times weekly, foster professional growth and camaraderie.
- Pitch Project (July 24–August 1): Interns team up to tackle a P&G brief, pitching ideas to brand reps, gaining real-world creative experience.
- Career Fair (August 4–8): The program wraps with workshops, portfolio prep, and interviews with hiring agencies and brands, paving the way for job offers.
BLAC’s low-barrier application process welcomes diverse talent. Applicants submit a two-minute video showcasing creativity, no résumé or prior experience required. This approach, as BLAC executive director Nicolet Gatewood notes, ensures “opportunity where opportunity is needed.”
Impact and Vision
For Barker, hosting BLAC interns is more than a diversity initiative—it’s a chance to tap into fresh perspectives that enrich campaigns. Interns like those at Barker have gone on to secure roles at top agencies, proving the program’s ability to launch careers. In 2021, 23 of 32 BLAC interns landed full-time jobs, a trend the program aims to continue.
BLAC’s broader goal is systemic change. By fostering inclusive environments and training agencies in DE&I, it seeks to elevate Black talent to leadership roles. Barker’s participation reflects a shared commitment to an industry where creativity reflects the diversity of its audience. As P&G’s Marc Pritchard said, “Every link in the creative supply chain should be 40% multicultural, equal to the U.S. population.”
Looking Ahead
As BLAC grows—expanding from 11 agencies in 2021 to 22 in 2022, including Atlanta’s Response Media—it’s reshaping advertising’s future. Barker’s involvement underscores the power of independent agencies to drive change. For aspiring creatives, BLAC offers not just a foot in the door but a community to support them throughout their careers.
Applications for the 2025 BLAC cohort are closed, but those interested in 2026 can follow updates at blacinternship.org. With programs like BLAC and agencies like Barker leading the way, the ad industry is inching closer to a more inclusive, vibrant future.