As Director of Talent Engagement and Inclusion for Publicis Groupe U.S., Jessica Watson has been instrumental in making the Groupe ever stronger and more competitive in the marketplace by promoting an engaging and inclusive work environment for all. By providing oversight for Publicis’ Business Resource Groups (BRGs), Inclusive Experiences and marquee strategic programs across a spectrum of diverse communities, Watson is part of the backbone of this organization’s commitment to DE&I – dedicated to the dynamic needs of our talent and the fast-moving pace of our culture. Having joined the company in July 2019, Watson has already made remarkable contributions to help drive Publicis’ commitment to DE&I. Not only did she co-develop Publicis Groupe’s Bystander Intervention learning course, she also facilitated the company’s ongoing “Brave Space” conversations to lend support to those in need. Additionally, Watson launched a monthly Talent Engagement and Inclusion newsletter and weekly bulletin to keep employees engaged in these critical conversations, and led a cross-functional team of 30+ in the planning and strategic execution of Publicis Groupe’s 11th annual Multicultural Talent Pipeline – providing diverse college students from across the U.S. learning and networking opportunities with thought leaders and industry experts. Prior to joining Publicis, Watson worked at J. Walter Thompson for four years, starting as an HR Project Coordinator in 2015 and was promoted to HR Project Manager in 2017. There, she prioritized and implemented the extensive scope of talent development initiatives in collaboration with global leadership, and drove the strategic execution of global learning and development programs. After her promotion, she temporarily relocated to London for three months to launch the Future Pioneers Apprenticeship Program for multicultural talent without university degrees, and managed three scholarship programs in partnership with the 4A’s, providing diverse talent access to funds and job opportunities to support their career growth. In 2014, Watson received her Bachelor of Science in Public Relations, a minor in Leadership and concentration in Event Management from the University of Florida, and is currently pursuing a Diversity and Inclusion for HR Certificate from Cornell University. While attending the University of Florida, she was named Female Leader of the Year of her graduating class and in 2020 became a MAIP Coach, AEF Made Mentor and graduated from the 4A’s inaugural Vanguard Program. 

Originally from North Carolina, Watson grew up in the suburbs of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and recently relocated to Atlanta, Georgia after living in New York City for six years. After her brief stint in London, Watson became a huge tea aficionado and can be found at thrift shops hunting down vintage teaware or watching HGTV with a fresh cup of tea when she’s not working.