PepsiCo Americas Beverages has announced that it will be the 2015 sponsor of the Marcus Graham Project’s iCR8 boot camp, a summer-long experiential learning program that provides aspiring advertising and marketing leaders with the opportunity to gain the exposure and experience necessary to solidify careers within the industry.
As part of the program, selected boot camp participants will create a pop-up marketing agency that will provide real-world marketing and advertising solutions for PepsiCo U.S. beverage brands, including Aquafina, Brisk, Pepsi, Mountain Dew and Sierra Mist, as well as Beats By Dre and other start-up and non-profit clients.
PepsiCo has a long legacy of developing African American and minority marketing professionals. In fact, 2015 will mark 75 years since The Pepsi-Cola Company blazed the trail that would help change the color of corporate America by creating a special markets sales team focused on the African American community. “Our relationship with the Marcus Graham Project and all that it stands for in developing the next generation of leaders is a natural extension of the legacy that we will celebrate next year,” said Angelique Krembs, Vice President of Marketing Activation for PepsiCo America Beverages.
“Working with the Marcus Graham Project is a great way for PepsiCo to reinforce our legacy of driving engagement and fostering opportunities within the African American community. MGP’s mission is aligned with our own belief that the best way to speak to our consumers with an authentic voice is to cultivate a diverse and engaging culture within our organization,” said Krembs. “We think it is wonderful that next summer – 75 years after that first Pepsi special market team was created – we’ll have the opportunity to empower the next generation of marketing and advertising leaders.”
The Marcus Graham Project and PepsiCo have been on the road recruiting for the 7th edition of the iCR8 Summer Boot Camp, unlocking the imaginations of college students around the country. MGP will host a Q&A session on December 11th, so that individuals interested in learning more about the boot camp program can engage with alumni and program leaders.
Additionally, the Marcus Graham Project and PepsiCo hosted a national event on #GivingTuesday as the official kick off to MGP’s Capacity Building Campaign, The Boomerang Effect, which was announced at the organization’s annual gala in Dallas. To date MGP has commitments of over $680,000 towards their $1.25 million goal for in 2015 with the plans to establish programming in Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta; transition from volunteer staff to full-time salaried staff and develop self-sustainable leadership programs and services.
