Ayanna Anderson

Bold creativity and strategic inclusion imperatives work hand in hand. We leverage a sensory approach to cultural awareness and belonging—from food and fashion to music, literature, and spoken word—that doesn’t just enrich our culture, it drives measurable business impact. This creative approach enhances employee engagement, elevates our employer brand with prospective talent, and creates authentic community connections where we work, live, and play.

Diversity, inclusion, and belonging aren’t just priorities at Highwire—they’re part of our origin story and everyday rhythm. As a woman-founded, women-led agency, we don’t just talk about representation—we live and lead with it. Our "Inclusion Always" company value guides everything from talent development to client counsel. We practice inclusion as an evolving skill, not a destination, which unlocks deeper creativity, sharper storytelling, and more innovative partnerships. Our agency mirrors the increasingly interconnected world we inhabit—a place where colleagues bring their authentic selves to work and thrive.

We anchor our strategic approach in authentic storytelling at the intersection of inclusion and innovation. Whether navigating a product launch, cultural crisis, or brand reinvention, our integrated, data-backed approach ensures every campaign is bold, measurable, and responsive to cultural and political nuances. As the sociopolitical climate grows more complex, we coach clients on aligning words with actions and corporate values. Consumers and employees expect authenticity and accountability—not performance. We transform inflection points into opportunities for genuine connection, positioning clients to emerge stronger with deeper stakeholder trust and more resilient brand identities.

Our DIBs Media Perspective series represents bold, timely programming that has evolved into a powerful platform for insight and connection across our agency, clients, and industry peers. Launched by Managing Director Danny Maiello, this quarterly series addresses journalism’s diversity gap—where 76% of reporting journalists identify as white—by hosting dynamic conversations with multicultural communications experts, journalists, and industry leaders shaping today’s narratives. These guests offer candid insights into how their identities influence their work, creating rich dialogue that sharpens our cultural lens and informs smarter, more inclusive communications strategies. The series delivers practical value while spotlighting powerful career stories across diverse media platforms.

Highwire’s culture doesn’t just support growth—it ignites it. As the agency’s inaugural DIBs leader, I’ve experienced what it means to be championed by visionary founders and supported by leadership that walks the talk. Highwire made DIBs an agencywide priority, not a side project. This culture has emboldened me to ask for what I want—from attending key industry events to building my voice as a thought leader through panels, articles, and award juries. I’ve gained a holistic view of building an equitable, future-forward organization while being encouraged to deepen my business understanding. I’ve stayed in this role longer than any point in my career because I’m surrounded by sharp, collaborative, generous colleagues who energize and challenge me. Working with millennial and Gen Z teammates has stretched me to grow as a leader and reimagine what an inclusive workplace truly looks like.