Celebrating the Changemakers Shaping
a More Values-Driven Industry
Action is what drives impact and the Impact Awards are back for a second year to celebrate the people and companies moving our industry forward. Voted on by the marketing, media, and tech community, the 2026 Impact Awards honor those who remain committed to their values while pushing boundaries to create more responsible, impactful work.
We’re once again shifting the spotlight, not just on the pioneers of purpose, but also the behind-the-scenes champions and rising talent breaking barriers every day. Impact can come from any seat in the room, which is why the awards recognize contributions across levels, roles, and experiences.
Industry Voting is open October 16 at 9am EST and closes October 31 at 5pm EST.
Awards Ceremony Breakfast
Breakfast Reception + Awards Presentation
Wednesday,
January 21, 2026
8:30 am - 11:00 am
Tribeca 360° 10 Desbrosses St,
New York, NY 10013
Elegant ceremony setup
360° views of Manhattan
More details to come for our January 2026 celebration!
Council for the Impact Awards
CIA
The Council for the Impact Awards (CIA) is a group of past honorees and winners who help guide the selection process and ensure each recognition reflects meaningful, values-driven work across the industry.
The top three in each category will be notified the week of November 10 and will advance for final review by the Council. Winners will be announced at the Impact Awards Breakfast in January.
Ali Wendroff
EQUATIV
VP of Demand Partnerships
2025 Values-Based Vendors Honoree
Crystal Foote
Digital Culture Group
Founder
2025 Values-Based Vendors Honoree
Cheryl Guerin
Mastercard
EVP, Global Brand Strategy & Innovation
2025 Intersectionality Champions Honoree
Jenise Ogle
Omnicom Media Group
Director, Inclusion and Impact
2025 Responsible Rookies Honoree
Jessica Padula
Nespresso
VP of Marketing
2025 Action-Focused Advertisers Honoree
Kylee McKinney
Mediahub
Associate Media Director
2025 Responsible Rookies Honoree
Heather Roff
L’Oreal
AVP, Media
2025 Action-Focused Advertisers Honoree
Noor Naseer
Basis Technologies
VP of Media Innovations and Technology
2025 Purpose Pioneers Honoree
Sara Porritt
Omnicom Media Group
Chief Inclusion and Impact Officer
2025 Purpose Pioneers Honoree
Santia Nance
Mediahub
VP, Group Media Director
2025 Intersectionality Champions Honoree
Tony Franklin
A Black Executive Perspective
Podcast Founder & Host
2025 Intersectionality Champions Honoree
People Categories
We’re proud to share the 2026 People Category Finalists following an incredible round of submissions. These individuals advancing to public voting have championed internal and external responsibility initiatives over the past year, driving measurable impact across our industry.
Purpose Pioneers
Purpose Pioneers
The senior leaders who have a proven history of purposeful work and have made significant contributions to advance the industry over the past year.
Responsible Rookies
Responsible Rookies
The people who are under 10 years into their careers and paving the path forward as the next generation of responsibility-focused leaders.
Intersectionality Champions
Intersectionality Champions
The underrepresented and strong allies who step beyond identity lines to drive meaningful progress across causes. These individuals champion solidarity by breaking down silos and using their influence to amplify interconnected movements, whether that’s a person of color leading environmental reform, or a queer leader fighting hunger. Their work proves that real change requires empathy, reach and cross-cause courage.
Mindful Media
Mindful Media
Advertising funds the internet, but who’s making sure it funds a better one? This category honors the leaders at platforms, publishers and partners who are reimagining media’s role in society. Whether through ethical data use, support for quality journalism or AI tools that drive equity and efficiency, these leaders prove that innovation and integrity can go hand-in-hand.
Meaningful Mentors
Meaningful Mentors
This award honors senior leaders who don’t just climb, but they bring others with them. They wholeheartedly support people early in their careers by creating real access, visibility and growth for the next generation. These mentors go beyond coffee chats and career advice to create real access, visibility, and growth for emerging talent. Their commitment to uplifting others is not only kind, it is a strategic choice to ensure our industry remains innovative, inclusive, and forward-thinking.
Organization Categories
We’re proud to share the 2026 Organization Category Finalists following an incredible round of submissions. These companies have demonstrated the power of responsible action through focused initiatives and campaigns that drive meaningful impact both within their organizations and across society.
Responsible Representation
Responsible Representation
Representation is critical in marketing and advertising. This category honors organizations that go beyond checking boxes to embed representation with care and authenticity. From inclusivity and accessibility in creative to empowering underrepresented voices at all levels, these companies show what it means to make marketing that reflects and respects the real world.
Diversity Defenders
Diversity Defenders
These companies didn’t just talk about inclusivity when it was on trend, they’ve stood by it when it has been under fire. Regardless of the pressure to retreat, these organizations have stayed committed to building inclusive workplaces, supporting equity-focused initiatives and reflecting the full spectrum of their consumers in everything they do. These organizations prove that unwavering values drive long-term positive impact on business growth, cultural relevance and employee engagement.
Sustainable Stewards
Sustainable Stewards
We all have a responsibility to contribute to greener practices and better health for the planet, whether that means reducing carbon emissions, combatting over consumption or lowering overall waste. This category will honor the companies that have achieved substantial results from sustainability initiatives or campaigns over the past year.
Campaigns with Conviction
Campaigns with Conviction
This category honors the brands that are unshakable in their willingness to advocate for more responsible advertising practices and empower their agencies and partners to push forward purposeful storytelling initiatives and campaigns through bold creative, values-based storytelling and mission-aligned media strategies.
Resourceful Responsibility
Resourceful Responsibility
Every little bit counts when pushing for the greater good and many companies are determined to drive a positive impact. This category will celebrate the companies that creatively used limited resources to drive meaningful results. It highlights organizations making a positive impact through new initiatives or by expanding existing programs, even with limited resources.
Key Dates
August 11
Awards Submissions Open
September 19
Submissions Deadline (Midnight)
October 6
Finalists Notified
October 16
Public Voting Opens
October 31
Public Voting Closes
November 10
The top three in each category notified; CIA review begins
January 2026
Winners Announced at Awards Breakfast
Partners
Early Event Partners
Early Table Sponsors
Early Participating Sponsors
Want to join in on the recognition?
Sponsorships, tables, tickets, and other opportunities all support our mission to honor industry
changemakers and drive greater nonprofit impact.