2026 Impact AwardsHonoring Leaders Advancing a Values-Driven Industry

A Morning Rooted in Values, Resilience, and Collective Action

On January 21, more than 200 marketing, media, and technology leaders gathered in New York City for Givsly’s second annual Impact Awards. The timing felt especially meaningful as Givsly officially marked seven years since its founding. What began as an idea grounded in purpose has grown into a community that continues to show up, even when the work is hard, because it matters.

The Impact Awards are not just a celebration of excellence. They are a pause. A moment to recognize people and organizations who believe that business can be both successful and responsible, and who act on that belief every day.

A Rare Room

In her opening remarks, Susan Grace invited everyone to take in the room they were sitting in. A room filled with leaders, builders, nominees, partners, and people in transition, all connected by a shared belief that values and business do not have to exist separately. She spoke about how rare it is to gather in a space where intention, consistency, and care are what unite us, and how simply choosing to be present contributes to building the kind of industry we all want to see.

That sense of intentionality was felt throughout the morning. From conversations at tables to the stories shared on stage, the room reflected what happens when people choose to lead with purpose instead of defaulting to what is easy or familiar.

Recognizing Leadership That Creates Real Impact

The 2026 Impact Awards honored individuals and organizations who are actively shaping a more responsible industry. Each honoree was recognized not only for what they have achieved, but for how they show up. Through leadership, advocacy, innovation, and care for their communities.

Beyond the recognition itself, every top honoree selected a nonprofit to receive a donation in their honor, reinforcing that impact is most powerful when it extends beyond the room.

Celebrating the 2026 Impact Awards Winners

At the heart of the Impact Awards is recognition. Recognition of individuals and organizations who are not only talking about responsibility, but actively embedding it into how they lead, build, and show up for others.

This year’s winners represent a wide range of perspectives across brands, agencies, nonprofits, and ad tech. What connects them is a shared commitment to impact, intention, and action. We are proud to congratulate the following 2026 Impact Awards winners.

People Categories

Intersectionality Champions: 🏆 Emily Aylott, CEO, Mothers Against Addiction; Co-Founder, Textbooks and Teething Rings
Meaningful Mentors: 🏆 Lauren Jopling, Group Director, Planning, WPP Media
Mindful Media: 🏆 Traci Spiegelman, Vice President, Global Media, Mastercard
Purpose Pioneers: 🏆 Nichole Henderson, Manager, Global Audiobook & Podcast Marketing, Spotify
Responsible Rookies: 🏆 Dereca Sims, Global Inclusion & Impact Manager, Omnicom

Organization Categories

Turning Values Into Action

True to Givsly tradition, the morning was also designed to create immediate, tangible impact.

Guests were sent home with Givsly Community Care Kits filled with essentials like hats, socks, hand warmers, and food items. Attendees were encouraged to give them directly to someone in need on their way to work or home, extending the spirit of the event beyond the room and into the city.

In addition to honoree-selected donations, Givsly also facilitated donations to three nonprofit organizations addressing urgent needs across the country. This year’s recipients included American Immigration Council, Feeding America, and American Cancer Society. Each was chosen intentionally, reflecting the challenges communities are facing right now and the role our industry can play in supporting solutions.

2026 Impact Achievement Award

The Impact Achievement Award recognizes one extraordinary leader at the Givsly Impact Awards whose values and consistent actions have shaped the way our industry shows up for one another.

This honor is reserved for someone who leads through action. A person who shows up, gives back, and uses their influence to make our industry stronger and more supportive. Their thoughtful contributions and dedication to meaningful impact are evident in how they engage with others, champion nonprofits, and inspire participation in initiatives that uplift our communities.

The 2026 Recipient
🏆 Cara Lewis
EVP, Head of US Agency Sales
TelevisaUnivision

Closing With Honesty and Resolve

As the morning came to a close, Chad Hickey offered closing remarks grounded in honesty, vulnerability, and resilience. He spoke candidly about the fear, frustration, and sadness many are feeling in this moment, particularly as values-led work is increasingly challenged across industries. Rather than offering easy optimism, he reinforced why this work matters now more than ever, and why staying the course is essential.

He reminded the room that our industry is built on influence. The same skills used to drive growth and performance can also be used to shape culture, expand opportunity, and push back against systems that leave people behind. This is not just meaningful work. It is necessary work.

Carrying the Energy Forward

Walking out of the 2026 Impact Awards, the feeling was clear. Success is not only measured on dashboards. It is reflected in who we support, how we lead, and the kind of culture we help create together.

To our honorees, partners, and everyone who joined us, thank you for continuing to show up with intention and care. We are grateful for this community and more committed than ever to building an industry where values lead the way.