"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."
Maurits Pots, founder and CEO of Tema ETFS, joined Cheddar News to discuss what market trends to look out for with the debt ceiling vote in the backdrop of investors' minds.
Used car prices have risen dramatically recently and continue to remain at a high rate. Cheddar News spoke with some customers and a salesman to get their take.
The U.S. government’s auto safety agency plans to require that all new passenger cars and light trucks include potentially life-saving automatic emergency braking and meet stricter safety standards within three years.
A judge ruled against Boeing and said families of passengers who died in the 737 Max crash in Ethiopia can seek damages for the pain and suffering felt by the victims shortly before the accident.
Used car prices are skyrocketing, with some costing as much as a brand new car. Cheddar News reporter Ashley Mastronardi has more on what's behind rising prices for pre-owned vehicles and some tips for getting the best bang for your buck.
A group of Amazon workers upset about recent layoffs, a return-to-office mandate and the company’s environmental impact is planning a walkout at the company's Seattle headquarters Wednesday.
