In a significant milestone for the marketing and advertising industry, zö Agency, a trailblazing firm based in Bend has announced its certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). This prestigious certification underscores the agency’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as its dedication to empowering changemakers across the United States in an industry where women-owned agencies are severely underrepresented.
According to a 2019 study by the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), a mere one percent of advertising agencies in the United States are owned by women, despite women making up nearly half of the advertising workforce (ANA, 2019). zö Agency, founded and wholly owned by Sonja Anderson, is breaking barriers and challenging the status quo in an industry that has historically been dominated by men.
“Earning the WBENC certification is not just a recognition of our status as a women-owned business; it’s a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable world, both within our industry and beyond,” said Sonja Anderson, founder and CEO of zö Agency. “We are proud to stand alongside the changemakers we serve, amplifying their voices and helping them achieve their missions, while also paving the way for more women to take on leadership roles in advertising.”
zö Agency’s diverse team, spanning a wide range of ages, genders, identities, and ethnicities, brings a wealth of perspectives and experiences to every project, ensuring that each client receives tailored, impactful solutions. The agency’s client roster boasts an impressive array of organizations tackling some of society’s most pressing issues, including houselessness, addiction recovery, unemployment, senior care, rural development, LGBTQ rights, women’s rights, and youth of color empowerment. By leveraging its expertise in marketing, advertising, and strategic communications, the agency helps these organizations expand their reach, engage their target audiences, and drive meaningful change.
The WBENC certification is the gold standard for women-owned businesses in the United States, affirming that a company is at least 51 percent owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women. This certification not only validates zö Agency’s commitment to women’s entrepreneurship but also opens doors to new partnerships and opportunities with corporations and government entities that prioritize supplier diversity.
As zö Agency continues to grow and evolve, its mission remains steadfast: to champion the changemakers, create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for all, and inspire more women to take on leadership roles in the advertising industry. With the WBENC certification as a powerful testament to its values and expertise, the agency is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
About zö Agency:
zö Agency is a women-owned, full-service marketing and advertising firm based in Bend, Oregon, dedicated to serving changemakers across the United States. With a diverse team and a commitment to social justice, the agency partners with nonprofits, government entities, and private companies to create impactful campaigns that drive positive change.
References:
Association of National Advertisers. (2019). A Diversity Report for the Advertising/Marketing Industry. ana.net/content/show/id/diversity-report-2019
