Digital transformation agency Bounteous has announced that Melinda Ramos has joined the company as Vice President of Learning and Diversity.
In her new role at Bounteous, Ramos will focus on a wide scope of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including the creation, promotion and delivery of effective growth and development opportunities across the organisation. This announcement comes at a time of tremendous growth for Bounteous and shortly after the company’s recent acquisition of FortyFour, an Atlanta-based digital agency. Ramos joins a team of over 600 strategists, technologists, designers, analysts, content creators and marketers spread across 10 locations in North America and Europe.
“Bounteous is a rapidly-growing, innovative agency that’s intentionally, deliberately and actively creating a diverse and equitable environment for its employees and clients,” commented Ramos. “I look forward to building upon that foundation as we continue to promote a supportive and collaborative environment of constant learning for our team members, as well as create more seats and opportunities to elevate all voices, no matter where they sit.”
DIVERSE EXPERIENCE
Ramos brings diverse experience and a range of skills to Bounteous, previously holding Human Resources roles in finance, consulting, digital marketing, crisis management and communications industries. Most recently, Ramos served as the Vice President and Director of Talent & Diversity at Brownstein Group, a Philadelphia-based advertising agency. During her time there, she led the company’s efforts to grow a diverse and inclusive workplace, including talent acquisition, retention and outreach to talent in underrepresented communities.
In addition to Ramos’ professional endeavours, she is recognised as a local advocate for diversity and inclusion, belonging in the Philadelphia region as a member of several organizations. Ramos is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Philly Ad Club Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
“The appointment of Melinda Ramos further solidifies our commitment to cultivate a learning culture and build a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace,” stated Leah Weyandt, Chief People Officer at Bounteous. “Melinda brings rich experience to this new role and I look forward to her leadership and ability to identify high-impact programmes that continue to inspire and develop our thriving, creative workforce.”
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GROWING DIVERSE TEAMS
Adding to her comments, Keith Schwartz, Co-founder and CEO of Bounteous, stated: “Top talent wants to work with diverse teammates who bring fresh perspectives and in inclusive environments who value new ideas to provide the spark for innovation. As we craft cutting-edge digital solutions, our focus on learning and diversity continually brings unique ideas to the table, benefiting both our company and clients greatly.”
Growing diverse teams is a subject discussed in-depth in the Co-Innovation Manifesto, which Schwartz authored back in 2020. One of the principles outlined in the Co-Innovation Manifesto is for organisations to “insist on having the best talent”. According to Schwartz, “the best talent aspires to join organisations with purpose that also foster a culture committed to learning.”
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For the past 20 years, Bounteous has worked with global brands and innovative startups, bringing together diverse teams of talented people to change the way companies do business. The company provides a number of in-house affinity groups to its diverse range of team members, including groups for women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, parents and working moms, people with disabilities, as well as members of the Black, Indigenous and people of colour communities.
Additionally, in an effort to foster an environment of diversity, learning and professional advancement for the next generation of tech pioneers, Bounteous has established a scholarship programme for people who identify as women from the Black, Indigenous, people of colour or LGBTQIA+ communities.