AAF Atlanta x First, Not Only Network Inclusion Workshop Lunch

On March 24th, we're partnering with First, Not Only Network for our 5th AAF Atlanta Inclusion Workshop Lunch, after having our dynamic four-part 2025 event series dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusion in advertising. This event is bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and advocates to share insights and strategies for shaping a more inclusive and impactful advertising landscape. Our March 24th Workshop will focus on Build It From Within, Build It Beyond: Empowering Intrapreneurs & Entrepreneurs to Lead the Future presented by Publicis.

Through a dynamic mix of expert-led panel discussions and intimate breakout mentorship sessions, participants will learn how to thrive as intrapreneurs who influence from within, or as entrepreneurs who build new opportunities when companies fail to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Location:

Publicis Groupe Atlanta

384 Northyards Blvd NW, Suite 410

Atlanta, GA 30313

In partnership with:

Thank you to our host:

Panelists:

Crystal Foote, Founder & CEO, Digital Culture Group

Crystal Foote is an award-winning advertising executive, entrepreneur, and published author with nearly two decades of experience driving high-performance campaigns for Fortune 500 brands and culture-defining startups. She is the Founders of Digital Culture Group, an advertising technology company known for its AI-powered Audience Resonance Index™ (ARI), which fuses psychographics, transaction data, and competitive signals to optimize audience engagement and conversion. Recognized by AdAge, Forbes, and Inc., Crystal has received numerous awards, including Entreprenista 100 and AdExchanger/AdMonsters Entrepreneur of the Year. Grounded in legacy and impact, she also champions global education initiative, funding scholarships, and creating access for future changemakers.

Candii Woodson-Witchard, Director of Performance Marketing, Head of Media – Herschend Family Entertainment

Candii Woodson-Witchard is a strategic marketing leader with over 20 years of experience driving growth through performance marketing and brand strategy for major organizations like Verizon, Dunkin’, Georgia-Pacific, Southeast Toyota, and AT&T. Currently the Director of Performance Marketing at Herschend Entertainment, the largest family-owned themed attractions company in the U.S., she leads integrated paid media strategy across a diverse portfolio of amusement parks and hospitality properties. Throughout her career, she has been known for building high-performing teams, aligning cross-functional partners, and translating data into meaningful business outcomes. Candii’s leadership philosophy is rooted in fostering trust and creating environments where both individuals and organizations can thrive. Beyond her corporate leadership, Candii is the founder of Misspacklight and Shepackslight, platforms dedicated to supporting wellness and personal growth for women and Black women, respectively.

Sonja Stanley, EVP, Operations & Change Management – Publicis Digital Experience

Sonja Stanley is EVP of Operations & Change Management at Publicis Digital Experience, where she guides enterprise-scale transformation and champions inclusive, sustainable growth. With deep experience leading operations, strategy, and change across top-tier agencies, she’s helped elevate teams and streamline complex marketing workflows. As a member of Chief and First, Not Only, Sonja is a dedicated advocate for women of color rising through agency ranks. She blends leadership, operational excellence, and purpose-driven change to help organizations—and people—thrive.

Janis Middleton, Chief Inclusion Officer, Chalkboard Ventures + Founder — First, Not Only Network

Janis Middleton is the Founder of First, Not Only Network and a high-powered media strategist who has led major brands—including The Home Depot, Buffalo Wild Wings, Truist, and Hanes—to meaningful, people-centered growth. An Atlanta native and proud Clark Atlanta University graduate, she has built her career around creating environments where all talent can thrive. That mission led her to develop the Inclusion Strategy practice and the cultural strategy accelerator, each+every, within the 22Squared and Trade School portfolio. Janis blends strategic rigor with an unwavering commitment to equity, helping brands connect authentically with the communities they serve.

Joey Womack, CEO, Goodie Nation

Joey Womack is a social entrepreneur and startup coach on a mission to positively impact 1 billion people by 2039. He is the Founder & CEO of Goodie Nation, a nonprofit supporting tech-focused social entrepreneurs and diverse founders, and Amplify 4 Good, a mission-driven agency helping organizations create meaningful social impact. Joey is also the Co-Founder of Atlanta Black Tech and serves on multiple boards and advisory councils, including Startup Atlanta, Venture Atlanta, SXSW, and SOCAP’s Spectrum Conference. Recognized for his innovation and leadership, he has been featured by Atlanta Magazine, Huffington Post, PepsiCo, and TAG for his transformative work in entrepreneurship and equity.

*Cancellation Policy: Due to pre-registration costs and guarantees, refunds or credits are not extended for this event. However, registrations are transferable. On the day of the event, the substitute attendee must present a copy of the registration receipt or e-mail verification to be admitted to the event.

**Note: By registering, you agree to receive updates about news, programs, and special events from AAF Atlanta. Recording of the event or screen capture of the event might be used likeness in the media to promote future AAF Atlanta events and programs. You also agree to receive emails from AAF Atlanta and our partners.

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