• by Tanya Gazdik , March 27, 2023

General Motors and Los Angeles-based multiplatform media company Macro announced the launch of a five-month program to prepare the next generation of multicultural marketing executives. 

The General Motors Marketing Academy powered by Macro will focus on business and professional acumen, enabling each participant to grow in marketing and media skills while creating a diverse talent pipeline of executives in marketing, branding, public relations and communications. 

GM is dedicated to supporting and scaling diverse-owned companies now and in the future, said Tarshena Armstrong, GM director of diversity marketing and development. 

"Programs like this ensure authentic representation and development of diverse companies and talent, providing participants with dedicated resources and opportunities to excel,” Armstrong says in a statement.  

The program will identify eight diverse candidates in the early stages of their careers for this curriculum-centered opportunity. During monthly meetings, marketing executives, storytellers and advisors will discuss topics such as best practices, market trends, navigating the corporate structure and building a client base. 

Participants will also take part in on-site experiential sessions and will be paired with a marketing or media executive mentor to aid in their professional development.

The program is unique as it aims to identify and support executives and entrepreneurs in the brand storytelling space, said Stacey Walker King, chief brand officer, Macro.

“Our company was launched as a vehicle for people of color globally to see themselves reflected authentically in media, and I couldn’t be happier to play a small part in building and preparing these brand storytellers for the vast opportunities that await them,” King said in the announcement.

Applications for this inaugural program are being accepted now through April 15 at GMmarketingacademy.com.