In 1908, Helen Lansdowne Resor became Wunderman Thompson’s and the industry’s first female copywriter. A dominant force in the early days of advertising, Helen’s talent and vision inspired a generation of leaders. To honor her, Wunderman Thompson created the Helen Lansdowne Resor (HLR) Scholarship, which provides support and resources for female and non-binary college students to succeed in our industry.
That said, the industry initially did not embrace her innovative methods and inclusive approach. But agencies today can learn a lot from this pioneer of female empowerment and equality by hiring and promoting inclusively and giving talent from all walks of life a seat at the table of opportunity.
Ezinne Okoro, our Global Chief Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Officer, shares key lessons we can learn from Helen Lansdowne Resor – ideas like taking part in cultural conversations and giving underrepresented groups the confidence to unleash their talent and ideas and help change established ways of doing things.
