COMMUNITY
Honoring a century of Black history and the people whose work continues to shape the promotional products industry.
The promotional products industry has always been built on connections and shared purpose. Black professionals have helped shape that foundation for generations, influencing how products are created, shared and used to bring people together.
As Black History Month marks 100 years of organized commemoration, we recognize the ongoing contributions that continue to strengthen our community and its future.
This month, we spotlight Daryll H. Griffin, MAS, whose more than 35 years of work reflect the lasting influence of Black visionaries in the promotional products industry.
Daryl H. Griffin, MAS, founder and president of Accolades Inc., has been an active member of the promotional products community for more than three decades.
Griffin founded Accolades Inc. in 1990 after beginning her career as a classroom teacher and later working in personnel operations at Xerox Corporation. That early experience shaped her people-first approach to business and leadership, both within her company and throughout the industry.
A dedicated industry volunteer, Griffin served on the PPAI Board of Directors from 1994 to 1998. She was named a PPAI Fellow in 2016 and received the PPAI H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award in 2019. That same year, she was honored with the PPAI Women of Achievement Award, which recognizes women who have helped advance the role of women within the industry. In her remarks during the presentation of the award, Griffin expressed her gratitude, saying, “The Women of Achievement has special meaning because I am able to share it with you, my circle of sisters.”
“The Woman of Achievement has special meaning because I am able to share it with you, my circle of sisters.”
Daryll Griffin, MAS
Founder & President, Accolades Inc.
Griffin has also been deeply involved in volunteer leadership beyond PPAI, serving on the boards of organizations including the Young Women’s Christian Association of Greater Atlanta, the Atlanta Business League, the United Sisterhood of Wheat Street Baptist Church and the Vacation Bible School on Wheat Street. She has also served with the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, the Callanwolde Arts Center Foundation, the Hispanic Corporate Council of America and NSAC Jack and Jill America.
Her dedication to minority business development earned her recognition as one of Atlanta’s Top 100 Black Women of Influence. In 2016, Accolades Inc. was presented with the Jackie Robinson Most Valuable Diverse Business Partner Award by the Atlanta Braves and Major League Baseball.
Through her continued service, Griffin remains a respected leader whose contributions continue to advance the promotional products industry.
Like the products our members source, we seek to forge connections that create joy. We embrace belonging while encouraging teamwork and collaboration.
Ingenious inventions make life easier, tastier and sometimes even more fun – and have made an indelible impression on the promo landscape – but we often don’t stop to think who or where these bright ideas came from.
For nearly a century, laws enforced racial order everywhere in the American South. To serve their communities and maintain their self-respect, Black entrepreneurs started local, small-scale and family-run businesses.
The promotional products business is all about creating branded items and apparel that people will find meaningful and use to express themselves. This story is about one branded piece that found its way into history. These can take many forms but are most commonly apparel, drinkware, pens, bags, or tech products.
Black professionals discuss the importance of Black History Month, reflecting on how their unique experiences and perspectives impact and strengthen the promotional products industry.
Brands large and small are commemorating Black History Month with discounts, sales and promotions in February. But a recent survey found that one in five Black Americans think Black History Month promotions are offensive. PPAI Media spoke to an expert about how to execute these campaigns with respect.
Although diversity, equity and inclusivity efforts have been targeted at both the federal level and in the private sector, industry pros counter that the data shows having a diverse workforce only strengthens businesses.
The experiences of Daryll H. Griffin, MAS, both in and out of the promotional products industry, are underscored by a lifetime of offering helping hands and genuine guidance to those in need. It’s a dynamic that reflects Griffin’s chosen life of service—a path that was first nurtured during her childhood.
PPAI has named Daryll Harris Griffin, MAS, president of Atlanta-based distributor Accolades, Inc. (PPAI 103067) as the 2019 H. Ted Olson Humanitarian of the Year. Griffin will be honored during the Chairman’s Leadership Dinner on January 14, 2019 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center during The PPAI Expo in Las Vegas.
Distributor Accolades, Inc. (UPIC: ACCINC) was presented with the Jackie Robinson Most Valuable Diverse Business Partner Award from the Atlanta Braves and Major League Baseball during a pre-game ceremony on April 15, Jackie Robinson Day, at Atlanta’s Turner Field. Daryll Griffin, MAS, founder and CEO of the Norcross, Georgia, co
PPAI technology partner SAGE allows Association members to source products from thousands of industry suppliers. Users can filter the product search engine for ESG and diversity certifications, including:
The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Action Group increases the visibility of underrepresented groups within the promotional products workforce and inspires industry business leaders to embrace inclusive, unbiased business practices.
Nicole Rhooms serves as PPAI’s Human Resources Director, bringing over 20 years of experience in driving organizational success through strategic human capital management. She holds a master’s degree in Human Resources and Employment Law from Arizona State University, with a specialization in Human Resources. With deep expertise in all aspects of HR, Nicole has consistently demonstrated a proven track record in talent acquisition, employee development, leadership coaching, and organizational development.
Throughout her career, Nicole has partnered with senior leadership to align HR strategies with business goals, fostering a positive and productive work environment while optimizing workforce performance and engagement. Known for her ability to navigate complex challenges and build strong relationships across all levels of the organization, she is passionate about creating innovative HR solutions that drive sustainable business growth.
Serving as the chief technology officer of Sonline since 2014, Suri Anantharama is a PPAI volunteer. He began his term on PPAI’s DEI Action Group in 2024.
PPAI volunteer Derrick Hamilton is a member of the executive team at distributor LeaderPromos. Originally joining the firm in 2020, he currently serves as its vice-president of business development, inclusion & sustainability.
An ecommerce operations expert, Tricia Johnson is the director of enterprise programs at distributor Myron. A PPAI volunteer, she first joined the promotional products industry in 2017.
Pennsylvania-based Lauren LaMantia is a human resources manager at promotional products distributor Gordon Sinclair.
The vice-president of people & culture at Canada-based distributor Genumark, Jean Steffanazi first joined the promotional products industry in 2018.
Originally beginning her career with SanMar in 2002, PPAI volunteer Natalie Tenner is currently a credit manager at the industry supplier, and its Diversity & Inclusion Council Chair.
In coordination with the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Action Group, PPAI is working to make the promotional marketplace welcoming to all. What other culture and heritage celebrations would you like to see recognized throughout the year? Email us.
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The Association is driven by members like you. Industry volunteers play an essential role in defining our strategy and shaping the industry.