VML Outstanding Role Models 2024

Hayley Rozman, Senior Manager of Business Development Operations (VML Chicago), and Kaia Hemming, Director of Art Production, North America (VML New York), have been named to the OUTstanding Top 100 Future Leaders list for 2024, supported by YouTube. This recognition celebrates their significant contributions to advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion and breaking down barriers for LGBTQ+ employees in the workplace.

The OUTstanding Role Model Lists honor leaders who, regardless of their professional titles in DEI, have made it their personal mission to create more inclusive and equitable environments for LGBTQ+ individuals. These leaders are helping pave the way for greater representation, inspiring others to follow suit.

At VML, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging (IE&B) are core values that guide our culture, supported through a global network of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). In 2024, VML expanded to 27 ERGs worldwide, with 13 based in North America, offering employees a platform to connect, share experiences, and foster inclusivity.

Our ERGs, including Prism — VML’s ERG for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies — are central to our commitment to driving positive change.

Prism’s initiatives in 2024 included events such as a Coming Out Day panel in collaboration with Free Mom Hugs and the Wellbeing ERG, a Pride Month discussion with LGBTQIA+ leaders across WPP, and a conversation about intersectionality with the Noir ERG, which supports Black and African Diaspora employees.

Learn more about Hayley and Kaia below.

Hayley Rozman Headshot

Hayley Rozman — Senior Manager, Business Development Operations

Hayley Rozman is a Senior Manager of Business Development Operations at VML and co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG), "Prism." In this role, they have been instrumental in fostering safe, inclusive environments and leading initiatives such as the Queer Makers Market during Pride Month 2024, which was praised as “the best Pride month Chicago has ever seen.” A passionate advocate for queer youth, Hayley is a Big Sibling in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Beyond that, she's built community by creating a queer movie club and founding a Facebook group for local LGBTQ+ individuals. As a BODYPUMP instructor at a queer-inclusive gym, she champions visibility and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to their work for the LGBTQ+ community, they also advocate for neurodivergent individuals, blending their professional and personal passions to empower others to embrace their identities and seek support in all aspects of life.

Kaia Hemming Headshot Gray

Kaia Hemming — Director of Art Production, North America, Integrated Production

Kaia Hemming is the Director of Art Production, North America at VML, where she serves as a co-lead for Lotus (VML’s AAPI ERG) and as a Culture Connector who assists 13 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to foster an inclusive workplace. She has supported workshops, including Google’s #IAmRemarkable, and produced the 2021 Proud Pronoun Project, which normalized pronoun visibility across the agency. Kaia is actively involved with WPP Unite, participating in panels that promote allyship for the LGBTQ+ community. Beyond her professional role, she co-founded Sunset Park Runners, creating an inclusive space for runners of all backgrounds. Kaia also supports LGBTQ+ families by organizing community events and building connection networks. As a dedicated mentor through 3AF and Asians in Advertising, she empowers young advertising professionals from marginalized communities and actively advocates for underrepresented photographers in the industry. Inspired by the belief that "a rising tide lifts all boats," Kaia is committed to creating equitable opportunities and fostering collaboration within her field.

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