Award-winning documentary filmmaker Jia Wertz and social enterprise, DASHDOK, earned the company’s advertising support. 

Digital Trends Media Group’s DEI Advertising Awards program was established in 2020, and is part of the publisher’s $3M commitment to support marginalized groups through no-cost advertising. 

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Conviction, Jia Wertz’s documentary, explores the shortcomings of the American justice system through the story of Jeffrey Deskovic, who was wrongfully convicted of murder at the age of 16. “When I started filmmaking, it was with a single goal in mind: to raise awareness of wrongful convictions. Awards like this one go a long way in helping achieve that goal by amplifying the voices of people who have been silenced through wrongful incarceration. I am so extremely grateful for that support,” says Wertz. 

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DASHDOK is an understated cardholder wallet that magnetically docks to a car's dash to offer both drivers and law enforcement smoother, less stressed traffic stops at a time when police reform and response remains hotly debated. “Our mission is to ease the relationship and reduce tension between drivers and law enforcement,” says Jeremy Roberts, founder of DASHDOK. “When it really comes down to it, though, DASHDOK is about the strength and resilience of our communities, and continuing to expand the boundaries of what that means. Receiving this award broadens our reach and impact, which doesn’t just benefit the brand, but all of us as one community.” 

Wertz’s documentary and DASHDOK are in the second cohort supported by the awards program.  2021’s recipients included Portland-based technology company Upsy and EffinFunny Productions, which received award recognition for their Twitch fundraiser to support prison inmate rehabilitation through technology education.