POCAM launches Vancouver chapter to support BIPOC marketers

People of Colour in Advertising and Marketing (POCAM) has officially launched a Vancouver chapter, expanding its national footprint and addressing a growing need for industry-specific community and mentorship for BIPOC professionals in Western Canada.

The move follows the organization’s Montreal expansion in June 2025 and comes at a moment when many equity-focused initiatives across the industry are facing renewed scrutiny. According to POCAM’s latest Visible & Vocal study, just 56% of BIPOC professionals believe positive steps toward workplace inclusion are being taken, down significantly from 73% in 2022. The study also points to a continued lack of advancement into leadership roles, despite a modest increase in BIPOC-led mentorship.

For Vancouver-based marketers and creatives, the new chapter aims to close a long-standing gap.

“There is an incredible community of non-white marketers and creatives in the Greater Vancouver Area, but historically they haven’t had many opportunities to come together,” said Matthew Tsang, POCAM steering committee member. “This chapter creates a space for people to find mentorship, build meaningful professional relationships, and feel supported over time.”

POCAM’s Vancouver presence will focus on locally relevant programming, networking, and partnerships between agencies, freelancers, and brands, offering both career support and a forum for industry accountability.

“Access to community and mentorship shouldn’t depend on geography,” said POCAM co-founder Gavin Barrett. “Our goal is to reach professionals who have been navigating the industry without the right support systems in place.”

The chapter officially launched on January 30 with a community gathering at Rethink Vancouver, marking another step in POCAM’s mission to strengthen equity, representation, and opportunity across Canada’s marketing and advertising industry.

About POCAM:
Founded in 2020, People of Colour in Advertising and Marketing (POCAM) is a not-for-profit industry organization working to advance representation and equity through mentorship, programming, research, and community-building. POCAM is led by a volunteer Steering Committee of BIPOC advertising and marketing leaders who have made it their mission to empower other BIPOC professionals to succeed within systemically white workplaces. Current Steering Committee members include Ishma Alexander-Huet, Gavin Barrett, Natalie Bomberry, Erik dela Cruz, Joycelyn David, Deyra Jaye Fontaine, Julian Franklin, Aleena Mazhar, Chino Nnadi, Mark Rutledge, Ken Saint Eloy, Justin Senior, and Matthew Tsang.

For more information about POCAM, visit WeArePOCAM.ca.