Inclusion starts with equal access to a platform. Ducard leads the development of YouTube’s key responsibility and public interest partnership efforts including Learning, Social Impact, Kids & Family, Health and Human Rights & Racial Justice. One of the key issues with health education is that not everyone has the same access, so Ducard’s team welcomed a new health partnerships vertical that brings high-quality and trusted health content to viewers across the globe. He’s made sure everyone has access to the same information on their terms by working with more than 85 local health authorities and public health experts across the world. The efforts created visible methods of information-sharing from public health authorities and various campaigns to address vaccine hesitancy. Ducard also announced a $100 million commitment from YouTube supporting Black creators and artists through the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund and welcomed a class of grantees to the program. He cites YouTube Originals series “Retro Tech” as a series embracing diversity today. “We don’t always see Black people represented in tech so I think that show is doing a lot to position tech as both cool and accessible,” he says.
Do you think there has been significant progress on DEI in the industry in the past year?
Over the past year, diversity, equity and inclusion have gained widespread attention but even before that, it’s something that I, along with so many others, have felt passionate about and advocated for. We stand on the shoulders of giants who have long advocated for this work, and while there’s been a lot of positive change, there’s always more work to be done and I feel optimistic about the direction. I’ve seen individuals and companies really step up to the plate this past year and invest in DEI in meaningful ways.
My best advice for fostering open, honest communication…
Be authentic. Also, trust that your point-of-view is incredibly valuable and worth contributing but also realize that listening and learning from the experiences of others is equally important.
Favorite current show that you feel embraces D&I?
The power of representation can’t be overstated. One show that I’m currently watching with my kids is the YouTube Originals series, “Retro Tech” from Marques Brownlee. We don’t always see Black people represented in tech so I think that show is doing a lot to position tech as both cool and accessible.