Advertising agency Doner has appointed Shelia Minetola as its inaugural director of diversity, equity and inclusion. In this new role, she will provide dedicated energy and focus to advance the agency’s overall DE&I efforts, both internally and for client-based initiatives.

“Our agency is headquartered in one of the most diverse cities in the country, so we know firsthand that our work and our agency culture only gets better when we tap into all backgrounds and points of view,” said David DeMuth, CEO at Doner. “We look forward to offering our clients cultural insights and creativity that includes and appeals to everyone, with Shelia on our team.” 

Prior to joining Doner, Minetola held a number of high-profile positions within the ad industry in Southeast Michigan. She previously served as director of operations at Full Circle Foundation, where she worked with non-profit agencies to spearhead educational, environmental, and health and welfare initiatives. Prior to that, she held business development, marketing and multicultural roles at Uniworld Group, Publicis Groupe and J. Walter Thompson.

“I have always admired the work Doner creates and have great respect for how the agency invests in and develops their employees” Minetola said. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to create meaningful and thoughtful change towards the inclusive culture and environment our industry and agency needs.”

With over 20 years in the advertising community, Minetola will bring a focus on culture, clients, and community, the agency’s three pillars of focus for DE&I. She will plan and curate cultural events for important causes and events like Black History Month, National American Arab Heritage Month and many others.