Equality Media + Marketing launches Equality Elevate internship program
Equality Media + Marketing has officially launched Equality Elevate, a paid internship program designed to empower emerging talent — especially from underrepresented backgrounds.
The announcement:
Equality Media + Marketing today formally launched Equality Elevate, its pioneering paid internship program, following a successful pilot phase that demonstrated outstanding results in empowering emerging talent, particularly those historically underrepresented.
Initially piloted to test and refine a new model of meaningful career development, Equality Elevate prioritises inclusivity, mentorship, and tangible industry experience. Participants select from two targeted streams: Creative, encompassing design, content creation, branding, and ideation; and Media, covering planning, buying, analytics, and strategic media solutions.
The structured support of senior industry talent, combined with hybrid work flexibility and real-world project exposure, has already proven effective, 60% of pilot interns transitioned into full-time roles either within Equality or the wider media and marketing industry.
“We launched Equality Elevate to directly address the industry-wide gap in access for underrepresented talent, individuals who have traditionally faced barriers such as limited networks, fewer mentorship opportunities, and systemic biases,” said Marilla Akkermans, founder and managing director of Equality Media + Marketing. “Our pilot succeeded largely because of the retention and strength of our senior talent, whose deep industry expertise enabled us to provide high-quality mentorship. Their commitment has been essential in creating meaningful career opportunities for emerging professionals.”
Holly Wells, account coordinator at Equality Media + Marketing and participant in the pilot program commented: “As my university graduation loomed, I found myself struggling to break into the media world and beginning to question if I even belonged in it. Finding Equality Elevate changed everything. The exceptional leadership team provided me with meaningful, hands-on experience across multiple departments in the agency, encouraging me to learn from a diverse group of brilliant minds. This exposure not only deepened my understanding of how the industry operates but also helped me identify where I thrive professionally and reignited my confidence in what I can bring to the table.”
The official introduction of Equality Elevate further strengthens Equality Media + Marketing’s reputation as a leader in fostering diversity, equity, and innovation, recently highlighted by its recognition at the top of the AFR’s BOSS Best Places to Work List in Media & Marketing.
Applications for Equality Elevate internships are accepted year-round, specifically encouraging candidates from diverse backgrounds who have traditionally faced barriers to entry. The structured program ensures interns develop essential industry skills, meaningful professional connections, and lasting career confidence.
As conversations around equity and representation intensify industry-wide, Equality Elevate exemplifies the future of talent development: purposefully inclusive, strategically supported, and built to foster long-term success.
Source: Little Loud
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