These are the people, policies and programs spearheading a more diverse and inclusive adland.
AdNews can announce the finalists for Champions of Change, an award program celebrating DE&I progress in media, marketing and advertising. It includes a category for individuals alongside awards for workplaces, initiatives, creativity and social impact.
A power list of 10 trailblazers will be revealed at the presentation ceremony in Sydney on June 19, in addition to winners for each section and a Golden Hammer for a gender equity pioneer.
AdNews publisher Assia Benmedjdoub said it’s more important than ever to celebrate individuals and initiatives driving progress this year.
“In today’s environment, this kind of leadership isn’t just admirable—it’s essential. Champions of Change recognises those who are actively moving the needle on inclusion, not just talking about it.”
Tickets to the event can be purchased here.
Power List Finalists
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Marilla Akkermans – Equality Media + Marketing
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Jacquie Alley – The Media Store
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Linh Diep – Ogilvy
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Lindsey Evans – Special Group
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Danielle Galipienzo – Initiative
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Gordon Geraghty – EssenceMediacom
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Elena Giannini – Avenue C
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Joshua Green – Spark Foundry
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Philippa Noilea-Tani – Wavemaker
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Tess Palmyre – WAMA / Brandable
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Hank Paul – TheyConnect
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Scott Purcell – Man of Many
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Margie Reid – Thinkerbell
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Jen Sharpe – Think HQ
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Andrew Thompson – The Otis Recruitment Company
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Lauren Thornborough – UM
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Sam Turley – Mindshare Australia
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Louise Wilson – LinkedIn and The Village
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Leigh Wood – Nani Creative Pty Ltd
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Charles Xu – OMD
Workplace Diversity Finalists
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WPP Media Australia
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Publicis Groupe Australia
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Think HQ
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Thinkerbell
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Veridooh
DE&I Initiative Finalists
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Cultural Perspectives – MiAccess
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WPP Media Australia and Amaze – The A-Plus Inclusion Program
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IMAA – Female Leaders of Tomorrow
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M+C Saatchi Group – Open House
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TAFE NSW – Our Ways of Learning
Social Impact Finalists
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Are Media – Change AREgenda
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Carbon Creative – Tarkiner
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Enrichd Group – Game Changers: Community School Sports Programs for Societal Impact
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Special – The Shift 20 Initiative: Casting Call
- The Village – The Village: Working Parents Program
Creative Catalyst Finalists
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Special – The Shift 20 Initiative: Casting Call
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TAFE NSW – Our Ways of Learning
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Think HQ – The Unsaid Says A Lot
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Think HQ – VACCHO Workforce Recruitment
AdNews would like to thank Cultural Perspectives, MFA and Unltd for their support of the program.
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