"It's about embracing the things that make you unique, even if it makes others uncomfortable."
Musician, actor, and activist Janelle Monáe joined Cheddar on Monday to talk about an ad campaign she's working on with Belvedere Vodka that emphasizes inclusion and diversity.
"We have a shared vision about making this world much better. Inclusion is at the top of my list. Inclusion for women, minorities, and my brothers and sisters in the LGBTQIA+ communities," said Monáe.
The venture, which began last year, is called "A Beautiful Future," and involves a coordinated limited edition bottle, a social media campaign, and a video series led by female directors.
The bottle is available beginning this month.
"It's the whole idea that inclusiveness is really the mainstream now," said Rodney Williams, the president and CEO of the vodka brand.
The campaign began at a 2018 brunch co-hosted by Monáe and Belvedere. The event was in support of Monáe's Fem the Future movement, which aims to encourage those who identify as women working in the media, cinema, and arts fields.
"It's really to highlight women's voices, and to say — hey — we're noticing that there is a gender gap. And there's not a lot of women who are behind the cameras. I'm in front of them, where are the producers? Where are the engineers? Where are we?" said Monáe.
"We're here. And we can compete at a high level, but we have to be given those opportunities."
A group representing several big tech companies is suing Utah over state laws about children's social media use.
Google has agreed to pay $700 million to settle an anti-trust settlement.
Stocks were up after the closing bell as Wall Street continued to pin their hopes on rate cuts after last week's comments from the Fed.
Cheddar News' Need2Know is brought to you by Securitize, which helps unlock broader access to alternative investments in private businesses, funds, and other alternative assets. The private credit boom is here and the Hamilton Lane Senior Credit Opportunities Fund has tripled in assets under management in just six months from November 2022 through April this year. Visit Securitize.io to learn more.
Google has agreed to pay $700 million and make several other concessions to settle allegations that it had been stifling competition against its Android app store — the same issue that went to trial in another case that could result in even bigger changes.
Nicki Minaj just reached a milestone that no other woman in rap has reached.
Apple announced that starting this week, it will stop selling some versions of the Apple watch in the U.S.
Southwest Airlines will pay a $35 million fine as part of a $140 million settlement to resolve a federal investigation into a debacle in December 2022 when the airline canceled thousands of flights and stranded more than 2 million travelers over the holidays.
The House of Representatives recently passed a bill aimed at increasing transparency in healthcare.
If you have a flexible spending account, here's some short information for you so you don't leave money on the table.
