H/L Hires Yunilda Esquivel as VP Director of Multicultural Marketing
Independent ad agency H/L welcomes Yunilda Esquivel as VP, Director of Multicultural Marketing. Known for its award-winning, culturally specific work, H/L’s decision to bring Esquivel on board underscores its commitment to delivering targeted, connection-driven strategies for a broad range of culturally diverse audiences. In her new role, Esquivel will collaborate across H/L's client portfolio and internal teams to develop programs and campaigns that authentically connect with diverse cultural groups and enhance H/L’s leadership in Multicultural Marketing.
Esquivel’s multifaceted career reflects her commitment to fostering innovation, strategic growth, and cultural fluency within her teams. She has led global business initiatives and strategic planning efforts for advertising, entertainment, and technology-based companies, including agencies Saatchi & Saatchi, Gallegos United, Wunderman Thompson, Laundry Service, and Mojo Supermarket. Her understanding of cultural shifts nationwide will be integral to H/L’s ability to create dynamic media and creative campaigns that reflect the vibrancy and fluidity of culturally significant moments.
Born and raised in Costa Rica, Esquivel speaks four languages. Starting her career in production, she found her way into creative strategy in Los Angeles at the intersection of culture, technology, and creativity, where she developed fresh and compelling work for clients like Toyota, Comcast, Ford, Marriott International, TikTok, Meta, and Amazon. Her projects have been recognized by the Cannes Lions, Webby Awards, One Show, and ANA Awards.
Yunilda Esquivel remarks, “I love creating brand conversations that naturally become part of people’s lives. Creative and multicultural strategy merges things that I deeply care for: uncovering how people feel connected to their community and identity, as well as creating brand conversations that answer tangible business needs. H/L was among the first to champion the influence of culture to drive successful business outcomes for client partners by offering a dedicated Multicultural Marketing practice 20 years ago. This legacy of cultural fluency informs how we approach today's more interconnected segments, where identity lives on a spectrum of culture and value affinity.”
H/L CEO Andrea Alfano says of Esquivel, “She’s a creative collaborator at heart and works tirelessly to elevate brands and their market ambitions to a place where they’re forming genuine connections with audiences. We understand today’s market is increasingly diverse and are excited by that. Effective communication is required to convey an understanding of these cultures—and diligent work and artistic vision are necessary. Luckily, this is something Yunilda has in spades. She’ll undoubtedly shape our clients’ media and creative campaigns, as well as our internal teams’ thinking in inspiring ways.”
Since 1985, H/L has been fiercely independent and committed to Make Momentum.™ The company’s strengths include local and national media activations, creative development, insights and analytics, full-scale digital and video production, multicultural marketing, and PR. H/L is headquartered in Oakland, California, with people in 22 states and offices in Atlanta, Miami, Phoenix, Kansas City, and St. Louis. What unites H/Lers across the country is a common drive—to pioneer new ways to push clients’ businesses forward and serve its communities.
