Life in Adtech: Welcoming, Supporting, and Celebrating Diversity

In our blog series “Life in Adtech” we’re showcasing the different ways in which StackAdapters are driving innovation in adtech, and creating a progressive tech culture. From using modeling and data to create advanced algorithms to building stylish and robust user interfaces, everyone at StackAdapt is contributing to evolving the StackAdapt platform and providing the best product and service to our clients.

This month features Krista Campbell, Senior Director of People & DEIB at StackAdapt. Krista shares her journey into adtech, what her role entails, and how the team supports community, inclusion, diversity, and equity at StackAdapt.

Can you share a bit about your journey into working in diversity and inclusion?

I’ve spent the majority of my career so far working with people. I started in the operations field before eventually transitioning into People and Culture, where I’ve been for the last nine years.  

Looking back, I realize that I’ve always naturally viewed my People and Culture practices through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. I’m a biracial woman in the tech and marketing industry, and that’s made me very personally invested in seeing more representation and equity in the field. 

The death of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and the increase in anti-Asian racism these past few years solidified my passion for DEI. I was of course outraged by these events. They were stark reminders of all the work there is to do in creating a more equitable world. 

During that time, I noticed that many companies had a reactive approach to addressing these events. So I started looking into how organizations can embed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into their ethos, practices, and culture. 

Organizations that don’t implement DEI practices are missing out on opportunities to tap into their peoples’ potential. It’s been proven that diverse teams are more innovative and make better decisions. And, diverse companies have better shareholder returns. 

Now, the focus of my work is sourcing and researching proactive approaches to embedding DEI into every aspect of an organization, in an organic way. I work on ensuring underrepresented communities have a seat at every table.  

What does your role entail, and what would you say is unique about it?

At StackAdapt, I’m responsible for reinforcing the principles around DEI. It’s all about welcoming and creating diversity in our space, and understanding the systemic challenges that StackAdapters may be facing in their communities and in their work. I tackle issues around equality, and make sure that diversity is welcomed and celebrated. 

My role is unique because I get to learn about the experiences and perspectives of other people, who may lead different lives from my own. I also think my role is unique because I’m allotted the autonomy to look for ways to improve and move beyond the status quo. Lastly, I get to ensure that StackAdapt is considering the voices and opinions of as many different kinds of people as possible. That’s not just unique, it’s refreshing! 

How does the People and Culture team at StackAdapt contribute to positive growth?

People and Culture is all about empowering StackAdapters. We make sure that our colleagues have the support and tools they need to succeed. 

This includes working in partnership with leaders to develop an organizational culture in which StackAdapters can thrive, as well as creating a work environment that’s conducive to career growth, creativity, and innovation.

These initiatives are crucial as StackAdapt grows, especially internationally. Our colleagues are our greatest asset, and so investing in them leads to smoother growth. 

Who do you most collaborate with within the organization, and why is this collaboration important?

I collaborate a lot within the People and Culture team. Together, we’re able to cultivate ideas for initiatives that foster an inclusive company culture. Outside of my own team, I work most often with the Learning and Development team. I collaborate with them to implement training and promote awareness about DEI.

What advice do you have for people looking to get into this field of work?

DEI professionals focus on nurturing a workplace where employees feel they can be their authentic selves without fear of discrimination. They aspire to help companies create a level playing field for all employees to reach their full potential. If you are in the People and Culture or People Operations field, and are passionate about enabling what I mentioned above, you should pursue it!  

My best advice is to do your research, and get involved in your community. Many organizations host free information sessions and roundtables, and there are tons of great conversations happening about how we can make a difference in this space. One thing that helped kickstart my own journey into this field was doing a certification course in DEI. There are plenty of courses available, and they are a great starting point.

What is the most exciting part about being the Director of DEI and Community Strategy at StackAdapt?

What’s most exciting about my role is the level of support and engagement I receive from everyone at StackAdapt. Every day, I can see the commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from the bottom to the top. Everyone contributes, and I have never felt more inspired.

Having that support as well as the autonomy to successfully execute the prioritization of DEI at StackAdapt is exciting. This is such a significant role and opportunity, and I am grateful that I can pursue my dream of making a difference, in a meaningful way.

Interested in joining StackAdapt? See our open roles and apply here.

In each new addition, we will be highlighting our teams and employees in our “Life In AdTech” series—stay tuned for more!