Meet Dana Anderson

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dana Anderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dana, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favorite quote:

“IT IS UP TO ME TO ALWAYS FIND A WAY TO REPRESENT MY CULTURE IN WHATEVER I DO.”
-MR EAZI

I believe in the power of storytelling. It’s an art and a healer. We share from our own lens, our own lived experience and then we’re connected to our whole world. Because the beauty is we get to see the complexity of humanity…seeing ourselves in and through other beings.

That’s what makes this quote so important to me. As a creative and a storyteller, I hold a responsibility of doing the best I can to accurately represent the people, characters, communities I touch in my work. As a Black woman, there is nothing more refreshing than seeing us in more textured, layered, empowered roles on screen. Well, everywhere. Black people are not a monolith.

Representation matters. We all want to feel seen and heard.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the founder of Concrete Runway, Inc. a conscious culture agency. We’ve got our own approach to PR, one that leans into what we call storysharing instead of storytelling. That means building narratives that connect with diverse audiences and cultivate brand affinity. Not just talking AT audiences about how great you are. Our clients understand the importance of having a positive impact in under-resourced and underrepresented communities.

For years, Concrete Runway was basically a one-woman show. I was consulting at the ad agencies, freelancing on productions and brand activations. Fast forward to 2020 when the world turned upside down. I set the intention to only do meaningful work and the Universe lined everything up. I began partnering with a dear friend and colleague whose creative agency serviced nonprofit and movement orgs. Then Concrete Runway became an agency partner of a multicultural/D+I division within a multinational brand. That took my business to the next level. No more one woman show…I had to build with a team.

So much about this journey is rewarding but owning a business is of course not without its challenges. Personally and professionally. As you grow, you have to learn to ask for help, know your worth, own your power, set boundaries. How you do one thing is how you do everything–so you begin to recognize how much personal development mirrors your professional development.

These are strange times. The value of DEI and multicultural is under attack and the landscape is changing. While I may pivot slightly, I’m not giving up on advocating for these communities. Brands will face a blowback if they choose to dismiss the audiences whom they also rely on for revenue. Concrete Runway is poised to make this clear to our clients: roll back all of your efforts and your reputation–and shareholders–will suffer the consequences.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well I actually am a recent transplant to the city of Scottsdale, AZ. So I am the best friend who needs the itinerary. There is so much to do here that I have yet to experience. At the top of my list is the Tierra Luna Spa at the Arizona Biltmore. It’s a self care oasis for woo-woo wellness junkies. A stay at The Sanctuary for the views. A lil happy hour at The Global Ambassador is a must for bubbly. For me, getting outdoors on some hikes is key. Sometimes it’s just for sunset photos! McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak. A day trip up to Sedona to get in the vortex and see the red rocks. It’s gorgeous here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Gosh, so many people in my life (past and present) deserve A LOT of credit and recognition. First of all, I come from an extremely supportive family. Not just in the way they show up for me, but because they allowed me to explore every ounce of my creativity. They exposed me to the performing arts, culture, music, travel and the power of community.
Professionally, I always give credit to James Patterson, an executive at the ad agency where I consulted for years. He always pulled me into anything he wanted to “get done.” And getting to work around him was always a masterclass in grace and client relations. Creatively, my artistic home at Collaboraction Theatre Company pushed me into creating and sharing my own work. What a powerful way to take control of your own narrative. Forever grateful.

Website: www.concreterunwayinc.com / www.danananderson.com

Instagram: @theycallmedna_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danananderson

Facebook: @TheyCallMeDNA

Image Credits
Soul Brother
Nader Abushhab
Diana Espina
Jennifer Johnson
Collaboraction