The National Millennial and Generation Z Community is an organization created to change the conversations that were being had about two generations: Millennials and Generation Z, both of which have traditionally been subjected to unflattering stereotypes in the workplace. NMGZ founder Bill Imada wanted to change that.
Mr. Imada is the Chairman and Chief Connectivity Officer of IW Group, Inc., a minority-owned and operated advertising, marketing and communications agency focusing on the growing multicultural markets. It is through his efforts and contributions that this group is able to do what it does. In the past few years, NMGZ has grown to 44 colleges and universities in over 40 states, Washington, D.C., and Guam.
What does NMGZ do?
NMGZ meets virtually and in-person with executives from fortune 500 companies to create a space where civil discourse can occur. The group conducts focus groups and interviews with the companies. Members of NMGZ also answer questions that the company executives have about the two generations. Each school that participates in NMGZ represents that state. Kent State University members represent all of Ohio when members meet with executives around the world in-person or during monthly video calls. NMGZ members are telling the story of Ohio Millennials and Gen Z, and are helping to change that conversation and help global companies understand what the generations want from products, services and careers. The Kent State NMGZ chapter is run as a subcommittee of Kent State’s award-winning pre-professional Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA Kent).
Our members participate in these conversations with executives, sharing their thoughts and demonstrating how their generations think and act. They work to change the conversation directly. They meet online and in-person through trips to internationally known brands in Boston, San Francisco, Atlanta and more.
The Members
Mia Elizabeth (Chairman )
Mia Cadle is a senior here at Kent State University and became a member of PRSSA at the beginning of her first semester here at Kent State. Cadle later became a member of the NMGZ after hearing Bill Imada speak about it.
“I remember in high school my peers and I were often ignored because many adults didn’t feel that our opinions had any true weight or value to them,” Cadle said. “After hearing Bill speak I knew that this would be a chance to try to change that viewpoint. I wanted to make sure that people knew my generation was worth listening to.”
Cadle is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in public relations and a minor in Chinese. She hopes to start her career with an agency to consult with brands internationally as well as locally.
William Dakin
William Dakin is a senior at Kent State University. Dakin joined PRSSA during the fall semester of 2021. He later joined NMGZ after hearing Bill Imada speak.
“From the first time I heard about NMGZ, I knew I had to join. I joined because of the experience and knowledge attained from talking to other members and important executives. NMGZ is a unique opportunity that isn’t available to most students.”
Dakin is currently pursuing a Business Administration Degree with a minor in International Business. He aspires to be an executive.
Analina Marshall
Analina Marshall is a senior at Kent State University. Marshall joined PRSSA during the fall semester of 2021 and then later joined NMGZ after hearing about the organization from Mia. Analina is currently pursuing a degree in Communication Studies. After receiving her degree Analina hopes to work in the field of Public Relations.