The finalists for the MEFA Diversity & Inclusion Awards 2026 have been announced, recognising individuals, organisations and campaigns advancing diversity, representation and inclusion across the UK’s media and advertising industry.
The Media For All (MEFA) Diversity & Inclusion Awards 2026 have revealed their full shortlist, celebrating individuals, teams and organisations working to create a more diverse, equitable and representative UK media and advertising industry. Now in their fourth year, the awards are organised by Media For All, in partnership with Campaign and powered by Sky.
The 2026 shortlist features 61 entries across nine categories, recognising achievements ranging from inclusive advertising campaigns and media planning to leadership, allyship, mentoring and workplace inclusion. Two new categories, MEFA Mentor of the Year and MEFA Mentee of the Year, recognise the importance of professional development, sponsorship and creating opportunities for underrepresented talent.
MEFA DIVERSITY & INCLUSION AWARDS 2026 FINALISTS
This year’s finalists, by category, include:
ALL IN CHAMPION (in partnership with the Advertising Association)
This category recognises organisations making substantial progress in embedding inclusion into their workplace culture, policies and everyday practices. The finalists are:
- Global
- JCDecaux
- Medialab
- Omnicom Media UK
- Talon
- the7stars
- We Are Social
CHANGE-MAKER
Recognising individuals making a significant contribution to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion across the industry. The finalists are:
- Jade Behr – Agency Development, Spotify
- Jordan Golding – Head of DEI Planning, MG OMD
- Josh Chi – Head of Media and Strategy, Managing Partner, UNITE
- Laura Rowe – Managing Partner, Marketing Intelligence and Inclusion, OMD UK
- Lucy Verby – Founder, We Are Masterplan
- Nafisa Bakkar – CEO and Creative Director, Amaliah
CREATIVE EXCELLENCE
Celebrating advertising campaigns that challenge stereotypes, improve representation and authentically connect with diverse communities. The shortlisted campaigns are:
- Amaliah, Mother, IKEA and iProspect – Iftar At Ours
- Bauer Media Outdoor UK with The African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust – Silent Crisis
- Diversity Media Sales and MG OMD – This Girl Can (Sport England), with Steppers and Muslim Hikers
- Here&Now365 – #EmbraceYourCrown for Vatika Naturals
- MG OMD and Word on the Curb – Love Is In The Blood for NHSBT and Channel 4.0
- Word on the Curb, NHSBT and Channel 4.0 – Love Is In The Blood
DEI CHAMPION
Recognising professionals making a tangible difference to diversity, equity and inclusion within their organisations and across the wider industry. The finalists are:
- Irene Mensa-Bonsu – DEIB Project Manager, Omnicom Media
- Jenny Pusey – Head of Talent Attraction and Diversity and Inclusion, JCDecaux
- Katie Corrie – EMEA Chief People Officer, We Are Social
- Kianna Briggs – Head of Talent Acquisition and Inclusion, Medialab Group
- Ruby Eastop – Senior Culture and Inclusion Manager, Global
- Uma Rashid – Talent Attraction Partner, JCDecaux
HAMMER AWARD
Recognising senior leaders who have broken barriers, challenged traditional expectations and helped make the media and advertising industry more inclusive. The finalists are:
- Dilki Weerakoon – Head of Client Strategy, Talon
- Enyi Nwosu – UK Lead and Global Chief Strategy Officer, American Express, UM
- Jay Rajdev – Managing Director, TAU Marketing Solutions
- Michelle Sarpong – Head of Activation, the7stars
- Saad Alsaraf – CEO, Mediareach
- Sajeeda Merali – CEO, PPA
- Sangeetha Mahadevan – Managing Partner, UNITE
INCLUSIVE MEDIA PLANNING & BUYING
Celebrating campaigns that use audience insights, inclusive media planning and effective investment to reach communities often overlooked or underrepresented in traditional advertising. The shortlisted entries are:
- Here&Now365 – Remitly Ramadan 2026 CampAIgn
- iProspect with Amaliah, Mother and IKEA – Iftar At Ours
- MG OMD and Word on the Curb – Love Is In The Blood for NHSBT and Channel 4.0
- MG OMD, UNITE and Word on the Curb – Inclusive Planning Audit for O2
- Sky Sports – ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup Campaign
- The Kite Factory (media) and Don’t Panic (creative) – How Oxfam “Stayed in the Fight” by Challenging the Legacy Model
- Channel 4 – This Girl Can – The Way We Move
- the7stars – Battling HIV Stigma: London HIV Prevention Programme – Do It London
MEFA MENTEE OF THE YEAR
A new category recognising individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to learning, personal development and making the most of mentoring opportunities. The finalists are:
- Amrit Mann – Publisher Development Manager, LiveRamp
- Crystal Ampofo – Client Executive, Evolve OOH
- Donna Evelyn – Senior Account Manager, Medialab Group
- Jacob Knox-Hooke – Head of Client Operations, PHD
- Ketan Lad – Founder and Creative Thinking Coach, Eureka Creativity
- Miren Patel – Founder, Kertoa
- Rachel Harman – Agency Sales Executive, Ozone
- Vanessa Sackey – Group Programme Manager, Inclusion & Impact, Omnicom Media
MEFA MENTOR OF THE YEAR
Another new category recognising professionals who have supported others through guidance, coaching and opportunities for career development. The finalists are:
- Aliya Vigor-Robertson – Founding Partner, JourneyHR
- Aman Dogra – Head of CEE and African Sales, Financial Times
- Athena Witter – Founder and CEO, Engine Pop
- Joy Dean – VP Marketing & Publisher Partnerships, UK & Europe, Optima
- Ketan Lad – Founder and Creative Thinking Coach, Eureka Creativity
- Mark Wynter – General Manager, The Farm
- Rachel Glean-Dumbrell – Head of Agency – Outdoor, Global
- Ritula Shah – Classic FM Host, Public Humanities Fellow
UNSUNG HERO
Recognising individuals whose contributions to inclusion and workplace culture may not always receive widespread recognition. The finalists are:
- Bonnae Ogunlade – Enablement Director, Omnicom Media
- Camealia Xavier-Chihota – Marketing and Social Media Director, The Digital Voice
- Frith Hofmeesters – Strategy Partner, Omnicom Media
- Resham Ahdan – Leadership Development Manager, Sky
- Rupa Jones – Insight Controller, Sky Media
WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED ON 11 NOVEMBER
The awards ceremony will bring together representatives from agencies, media owners, advertisers and industry organisations to celebrate the people and campaigns helping to make UK media and advertising more inclusive. The 2026 judging panel includes leaders from across the sector, with representatives from organisations such as the Advertising Association, Sky, Financial Times, Channel 4, Global, JCDecaux, Publicis Groupe and Omnicom Media UK.
As businesses continue to navigate changing attitudes towards workplace diversity and inclusion, the awards provide an opportunity to recognise practical initiatives, leadership and contributions that are helping to create a fairer and more representative industry. The winners of the MEFA Diversity & Inclusion Awards 2026 will be announced on Wednesday 11 November at Curzon Soho, London.
Click here for more information about the awards.
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