Imagine learning the correct way to give handshakes and make eye contact with corporate leaders and having the opportunity to tour the latest technology in market researchโall while in middle school. A few lucky students from Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta recently experienced these crucial lessons thanks to our Sustaining Active Black Leadership and Empowerment (SABLE) employee resource group.
Members of Nielsenโs African-American affinity group hosted eight students at our Tech Hub in New York for the second round of the schoolโs โAmazing Shakeโ competition. The competition tests students on professional interaction skills like strong handshakes and eye contact when greeting others. At the Nielsen Tech Hub, New York-based company executivesโLinda Dupree, SVP, Client Solutions; Don Lowery, SVP, Community Engagements and SABLE Executive Sponsor; Diana Lucas, SVP, Client Solutions; and Colleen White, SVP, Client Solutionsโgave students a high-level overview of Nielsenโs business. After hearing the overview, students were asked to take on the role of Nielsen associates advising their clients. After giving the students some abbreviated data and strategy options, our senior leaders helped them design fictional media plans to reach consumers. The competition tested studentsโ ability to think through options and potential outcomes and present their solutions to corporate leaders.
โAn essential pillar of our mission at SABLE is to strengthen the bond between Nielsen and the African-American community,โ said Jordan Robinson, Manager, Client Solutions, SABLE member and organizer of the competition. โThese boys and girls are our future business and community leaders. Our relationship with the Ron Clark Academy allows us to interact with talented, inspiring students and help them sharpen their personal and professional skills.โ
The studentsโ visit to the Nielsen Tech Hub was the second round in the schoolโs Amazing Shake competition, which began on-site in Atlanta. The annual competition is a culmination of the schoolโs curricular emphasis on personal and professional skills development. Students put lessons about human interaction and professional etiquette to use in various challenges. The competition will conclude in Atlanta from Feb. 9, 2018, through Feb. 11, 2018.
Our philanthropic relationship with the Ron Clark Academy is not limited to mentoring opportunities such as this competition. Over the past two years, weโve hosted landmark employee forums for our African-American and Hispanic associates, and at each event, the Nielsen Foundation has awarded scholarships to Ron Clark Academy students. We believe empowering students today will strengthen the communities where we live and work.
โAs Nielsen ponders the best way forward in a multicultural future, itโs vital that we connect with the members of younger generations that will, in short order, be the decision-makers for us and for our clients,โ said Don Lowery. โAfter having the privilege of hosting the students of the Ron Clark Academy, itโs clear that our future leaders are equipped with the skills to create a prosperous future for the businesses they will lead and communities where they will live.โ
