PepsiCo Americas Beverages and the Marcus Graham Project Join Forces to Build Leaders in the Field of Marketing, Advertising and Media

PURCHASE, N.Y., Dec. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- PepsiCo Americas Beverages has announced that it will be the 2015 sponsor of the Marcus Graham Project's iCR8 boot camp, a summer-long experiential learning program that provides aspiring advertising and marketing leaders with the opportunity to gain the exposure and experience necessary to solidify careers within the industry.

As part of the program, selected boot camp participants will create a pop-up marketing agency that will provide real-world marketing and advertising solutions for PepsiCo U.S. beverage brands, including Aquafina, Brisk, Pepsi, Mountain Dew and Sierra Mist, as well as Beats By Dre and other start-up and non-profit clients.

PepsiCo has a long legacy of developing African American and minority marketing professionals. In fact, 2015 will mark 75 years since The Pepsi-Cola Company blazed the trail that would help change the color of corporate America by creating a special markets sales team focused on the African American community. "Our relationship with the Marcus Graham Project and all that it stands for in developing the next generation of leaders is a natural extension of the legacy that we will celebrate next year," said Angelique Krembs, Vice President of Marketing Activation for PepsiCo America Beverages.

"Working with the Marcus Graham Project is a great way for PepsiCo to reinforce our legacy of driving engagement and fostering opportunities within the African American community. MGP's mission is aligned with our own belief that the best way to speak to our consumers with an authentic voice is to cultivate a diverse and engaging culture within our organization," said Krembs. "We think it is wonderful that next summer – 75 years after that first Pepsi special market team was created – we'll have the opportunity to empower the next generation of marketing and advertising leaders."

Applications to the iCR8 Summer Boot Camp are due January 11, 2015 and can be found on the Marcus Graham Project website at www.marcusgrahamproject.org.

The Marcus Graham Project and PepsiCo have been on the road recruiting for the 7^th edition of the iCR8 Summer Boot Camp, unlocking the imaginations of college students around the country. MGP will host a Q&A session on December 11^th, so that individuals interested in learning more about the boot camp program can engage with alumni and program leaders. Guests can tune in to the program at: www.blogtalkradio.com/MarcusgrahamProject

Additionally, the Marcus Graham Project and PepsiCo hosted a national event on #GivingTuesday as the official kick off to MGP's Capacity Building Campaign, The Boomerang Effect, which was announced at the organization's annual gala in Dallas. To date MGP has commitments of over $680,000 towards their $1.25 million goal for in 2015 with the plans to establish programming in Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta; transition from volunteer staff to full-time salaried staff and develop self-sustainable leadership programs and services.

About Marcus Graham Project
The Marcus Graham Project is a national network of diverse professionals that have purposed themselves in developing the next generation of thought leadership within the advertising, media and marketing industry. The vision of The Marcus Graham Project (MGP) is to provide long term access to information, technology, financial and people resources that will strategically develop a viable pool of talent and leadership within the industry. The Marcus Graham Project is a 501 (c) 3 organization. http://www.marcusgrahamproject.org

About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $66 billion in net revenue in 2013, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

At the heart of PepsiCo is Performance with Purpose – our goal to deliver top-tier financial performance while creating sustainable growth in shareholder value. In practice, Performance with Purpose means providing a wide range of foods and beverages from treats to healthy eats; finding innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment and reduce our operating costs; providing a safe and inclusive workplace for our employees globally; and respecting, supporting and investing in the local communities where we operate. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

Contacts:
Marcus Graham Project
Lincoln Stephens, Co-Founder & Executive Director
Tel:214.810.6475
[email protected]

PepsiCo
Andrea Foote
Tel: 914-253-2628
[email protected]

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SOURCE PepsiCo

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