“We Are Utah” Inclusive Storytelling Campaign Wins Global Telly Award

Economic Development Corp of Utah and Comcast Team Up to Amplify Multicultural Professionals’ Relocation Experiences in Utah

Multicultural Utahns now make up nearly a quarter of Utah’s population, and the Economic Development of Utah (EDCUtah) recognizes that all Utahs have a story.

Comcast and EDCUtah are teaming up to amplify diverse professionals’ Utah relocation experiences with a We Are Utah video and social media campaign. 

The result: the duo won a Telly award for its breakthrough television video, “We are Utah.”

 The magic of the 4-minute video is that it illustrates the diversity, inclusion, and feelings of Utahns who are new to the Beehive State through their voices.

“As Utah continues to grow, we value opportunity and inclusion and are excited to celebrate the many cultures, identities, and backgrounds of our diverse communities,” said Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox. “The ‘We are Utah’ video is one of many resources aimed at instilling a sense of belonging for everyone—whether they have lived here for a year or decades or even generations.”

“It was so special sharing the stories of such a diverse group of individuals who call Utah their home,” Jeanine Deeb, Comcast Video Operations Manager, Comcast West Division Creative Services. “I truly appreciate the opportunity to bring these stories to life and showcase Utah’s diversity.”

 Spoken exclusively by Utah transplants, the video starts with four Utahns introducing themselves quickly. One says, “I am a Latina,” while another says, “I’m an Indian woman.” A man says, “I am a Rochester, New York native,” and a woman says, “I am a refugee from Congo.”  They are followed by eight more Utahns on the screen who says, “We are Utah.”

 Through fast edits, the people describe their favorable assessment of Utah.

 “I decided to stay in Utah because I was presented with opportunities I haven’t had anywhere else,” said Vlada Yaremenko, a former EDCUtah Business Development Manager.

 Others talk about the diversity in Utah, the acceptance of Utahns, the myriad activities, including being able to get a drink, and the hard-work hard-play balance of Utahns.

 “With this video, our goal was to provide a stereotype-busting asset for Utah employers, to support their human resource teams and corporate recruiters as they engage with out-of-state diverse talent,” said Theresa A. Foxley, President, and CEO of EDCUtah. “At the same time, EDCUtah gained a presentation tool to use with site selectors and corporate executives of companies considering Utah for an expansion project.”

 “This video anchors a broader ‘Belong in Utah’ initiative that is in the development process to deepen a sense of connection and belonging for current and aspiring Utahns.”

Comcast is proud to continue the conversation that connects us all in the state.

“I’m proud to work at a company that values diversity,” said Chris Dunkeson, Vice President of Technical Operations, Comcast Mountain West Region. “We work to hire and develop strategies that promote equitable practices and create a workplace that supports diverse teams. That’s who we are. That’s who we will continue to be.”

The award-winning video – created in an effective medium to communicate emotion – will be a valuable economic recruitment tool to drive the growth of new corporate entities in Utah.

 The Telly Awards showcase the best work created on television and across video for all screens. Receiving over 12,000 entries from all 50 states and five continents, Telly Awards include winners from the most respected advertising agencies, television stations, production companies, and publishers worldwide.