Nicole Simpson has joined RAPP U.S. as director of DE&I, a newly created position at the agency.

Simpson will ensure that RAPP’s employees feel seen, safe and have a clear path forward for success, and that the work RAPP produces for its clients continues to be inclusive and equitable, representing the diverse communities and people the brands serve. She will also assist in RAPP’s implementation of OPEN 2.0, Omnicom’s action plan for achieving systemic equity throughout its agencies. Simpson will report directly to Devin O’Loughlin, RAPP’s global chief diversity, equity, inclusion and communications officer.

In her previous role as a corporate paralegal and DE&I champion at Omnicom Health Group, Simpson exhibited a passion for building communities which steered her to create “the Black Collective,” the first Black talent recourse group at Omnicom Health Group. As the founder, she moderated a myriad of brave conversations for her network to bring understanding around highly sensitive and charged topics. Simpson naturally eased into the DE&I field through her efforts, both in and outside of Omnicom, serving as a mentor for Rutgers Alumni Connection Program, board member for Racism Has No Home Here, executive sponsor for Black Together, and Mentorship Program lead for AcentO, Omnicom’s Latinx ERG.

“I was ready for a new challenge and very committed to staying within the Omnicom network, so the stars aligned when a DE&I position opened at RAPP,” said Simpson. “The opportunity to work with Devin and this incredible community was more than I could have hoped for. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to step into a role that allows me to do work that is my ultimate passion.”