Celebrating
Diversity And Inclusion
in UK Media & Advertising
Welcome back to the MEFA Diversity and Inclusion Awards, in partnership with Campaign, now celebrating their fourth year since that brilliant inaugural ceremony in 2023. Open to everyone across the UK media and advertising industry, the awards return for 2026 following three successful editions in 2023, 2024 and 2025, and we'd love for you to be part of it.
At MEFA, we exist to shine a light on the people and organisations making our industry better: the advertisers, media organisations and individuals who are genuinely, wholeheartedly championing diversity and inclusion. Every entry and nomination helps us build a media and advertising industry that truly embraces and represents all communities, and we can't wait to see who you put forward this year.
This year, there are nine categories to choose from, celebrating everything from bold, standout creative campaigns to the quiet, tireless work that often goes unnoticed. Six of these are free to enter, so whatever your budget, there's a place for you to take part.
We're delighted that this year's Judging Panel will be chaired by Katrina Bozicevich, CEO at MG OMD, and Dino Myers-Lamptey, Founder of The Barber Shop. Scroll down to meet the rest of our brilliant line-up of 2026 judges.
Why Enter?
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The awards are open to everyone in the industry, whatever the size of your organisation.
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Two new categories, Mentor of the Year and Mentee of the Year, are open exclusively to MEFA members and free to enter, joining a wider mix of free and paid-entry categories available this year.
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Want to celebrate standout creative work? Our categories are designed to recognise exactly that, alongside the many other ways your organisation champions diversity and inclusion.
Entries are now open.
Deadline is Friday 2 October 2026, 23.59pm
For queries regarding submissions, email awards@mediaforall.org.uk
All In Champion
The 'All in Champion' award category is in partnership with the Advertising Association.
This special award category is specifically for companies who have made substantial progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion (D, E & I) and have embedded it in their ethos and company culture.
To qualify for this award, you must be an Advertising Association -
All in Champion
Change-Maker
This prestigious award is open to any individual who is making a significant impact on the media and advertising industry by actively committing themselves to achieving, creating, and inspiring positive change.
The Change-Maker award celebrates individuals within the industry who not only commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their policies, but truly live and breathe it. These exceptional individuals are championing D, E & I through the lens of various dimensions such as race, gender, social mobility, age, sexuality, and neurodiversity.
Creative Excellence
This award celebrates an exceptional campaign (within the last 18 months) with outstanding creative work that champions diversity and communicates powerful messages of inclusion and authenticity. The campaign demonstrates a commitment to authentic portrayal and representation of underrepresented groups.
The campaign authentically represents diverse groups and incorporate different points of view, encouraging authentic representation through advertising.
DEI Champion
This award recognises the efforts on an individual working in a formal DEI role. Their work has led to measurable improvements, such as increased representation, improved inclusivity, and reduced barriers to progression for underrepresented groups. Their ability to think outside the box and tackle DEI challenges in fresh and effective ways sets them apart as a leader in their field.
Inclusive Media
Planning and Buying
This award category recognises a campaign (within the last 18 months) that showcases exceptional audience understanding and expertise in media planning and buying; ensuring representation and reaching diverse audiences that are often overlooked or underrepresented. This award is for businesses that have gone above and beyond to reshape the media landscape and improve the performance of advertisements by truly understanding and connecting with diverse audiences.
Hammer
This distinguished award aims to recognise and celebrate a senior leader from a diverse background who has shattered the glass ceiling and made remarkable strides in incorporating
D, E & I across their business.
We are seeking a leader who demonstrates a deep belief in the power of diversity and its transformative impact on businesses.
MEFA Mentee of the Year
NOMINATED BY MENTOR
To be eligible, the mentee must be taking part in the 2026 MEFA Mentoring Programme, which runs through to October, and be on track to complete it, having attended every session with their mentor to date. Beyond attendance, we're looking for a mentee who has taken genuine ownership and initiative in the relationship, helping to organise sessions and drive the agenda rather than simply showing up. Strong, open communication has been essential, as has a willingness to be proactive and fully engaged throughout.
MEFA Mentor of the Year
NOMINATED BY MENTEE
To be eligible, the mentor must be taking part in the 2026 MEFA Mentoring Programme, which runs through to October, and be on track to complete it, having attended every session with their mentee to date. We're looking for a mentor who has been proactive and fully engaged throughout, with great communication that has helped build trust and momentum in the relationship. Crucially, mentoring works both ways, so we also want to hear what your mentor has learned from you, and how the relationship has shaped their own perspective.
Unsung Hero
This award recognises those extraordinary individuals who may have gone under the radar but have made a significant positive impact on those around them. We are seeking nominations for individuals who have dedicated a significant part of their career to volunteering within their organisation(s), working tirelessly to foster diversity and inclusion.
2026 JUDGES
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
Naren is the Chairman of NABS, he is a leading media practitioner and philanthropist. He joined the media industry in 1991. He was the CEO of primesight. In September 2018, Naren sold the business to Global Radio and left the businesses at the end of April 2020. In addition, in 2017 he founded the social enterprise Media For All.
CEO | Chair
MEFA | NABS
Patel
Naren
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
Shabina Lateef is a Media Planning Lead at Sky, responsible for shaping media strategy and planning across some of the UK's most competitive consumer categories. With over 15 years' experience in media and communications planning across agency and client-side roles, she brings a focus on audience-first planning and innovation.
Media Planning Lead
Sky
Lateef
Shabina
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
Ben Hope is a Marketing Director with over 10 years' experience in advertising. With a background in creative, design and animation, his passion lies in impactful marketing with brilliant ideas at its heart. As creator of the Powerful Posters series, he frequently analyses and advises on Out of Home executions.
Marketing Director
Bauer Media Outdoor
Hope
Ben
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
Leena is a strategic partnerships leader at Channel 4, focused on building high value relationships that support audience growth, innovation and long-term industry impact. A Freeview Board Director and VOD Professional Top 50 recognised leader, she brings commercial judgement, governance experience and a strong commitment to widening access and representation.
Distribution & Partnerships
Leader, Channel 4
Patel
Leena
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
Rachel spent over 20 years client-side leading media and marketing strategy for brands including Sainsbury's, Flora and Persil. She joined Sky Media in 2014, then Conker in 2020 as an Associate, qualifying as an Executive Coach. Rachel has led teams of 200 and is Treasurer of ISBA and WACL.
Associate of Conker
Conker
Bristow
Rachel
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
Having worked in media industry for the last 18 years, Michael initially worked agency-side for the likes of Carat, Mediacom, PHD, and Essence, leading on accounts including British Airways, Mars, VW, and BT/EE. He then moved over into the media owner space, as the Head of Client at Digital Cinema, fostering relationships with clients directly, and crafting cinema strategies for agencies and brands.
Head of Client
Digital Cinema Media
Bensley
Michael
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
Dara Nasr is Managing Director of Commercial Outdoor at Global, the Media & Entertainment Group. He joined in April this year from WeTransfer, where he was Vice President of Global Sales. He was previously Managing Director of Twitter UK, and spent five years at Google leading YouTube's agency sales team.
MD Commercial Outdoor
Global
Nasr
Dara
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
A senior media professional with over 20 years' experience across OOH, radio, television and digital. Thanh is Collaboration & Acquisition Director at JCDecaux UK and is dedicated to driving diversity, equity and inclusion. She launched Reach, a programme supporting brand growth for under-represented founders through the power of Out-of-Home.
Collaboration & Acquisition
Director, JCDecaux
Catachanas
Thanh
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
Nick Shaw is UK CEO of Ocean Outdoor. He joined in 2010 as Account Director, becoming Sales Director in 2015, Chief Revenue Officer in 2017 and UK CEO in January 2026. Passionate about OOH, he is focused on raising the medium's profile, previously working at Carlton TV and CBS Outdoor.
UK CEO
Ocean Outdoor
Shaw
Nick
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
Serhat Ekinci is the multi-award-winning Founder and Managing Director of UNITE, Omnicom Media UK's inclusion-driven agency, helping brands move from unconscious exclusion to conscious inclusion through cultural insights. His contribution to industry inclusivity was recognised with the Hammer Award at the MEFA Awards 2024, and an inaugural IPA iList winner.
Managing Director
Omnicom Media Group
Ekinci
Serhat
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
Kate Williams is Director of Impact & Equity at Publicis Groupe UK. With 15 years' experience across corporate and non-profit sectors, she helps organisations create inclusive, equitable workplaces through practical, people-centred change, embedding inclusion into culture and leadership. Kate specialises in inclusive leadership, psychological safety and culture change.
Director of Impact & Equity
Publicis Groupe
Williams
Kate
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
Karin Seymour is Client and Marketing Director for Sky Media, having joined in November 2022, leading client relationships, sponsorships and marketing. Karin previously spent nearly 25 years at newsbrands, including 18 years at News UK. A passionate advocate for working parents, she founded News for Parents, News UK's parents network.
Client and Marketing Director
Sky Media
Seymour
Karin
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
Danielle Austin is a respected leader in Out of Home, bringing over 21 years' experience blending operational expertise with strategic vision. Her career began in Production before moving into International Media Investment. As Managing Director and founding member of Evolve since 2019, she champions women in OOH and working parents.
Managing Director
Talon
Austin
Danielle
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
Stephen Woodford has been CEO of the Advertising Association since October 2016, promoting responsible advertising, public trust, inclusion through All In, and sustainability through Ad Net Zero. He previously led at four agency groups. A former IPA President, Stephen led its first ethnic diversity initiative and launched its professional qualifications.
CEO
Advertising Association
Woodford
Stephen
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
Nafissa Norris is Head of Membership & Engagement at the Conscious Advertising Network, building relationships across 200+ brands and agencies to champion transparency and inclusion. She is President of Bloom UK for 2026/27, previously leading its Inclusion Groups. A British Mauritian and working mum, she champions intersectionality and inclusive communities.
President
Bloom
Norris
Nafissa
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
Ally Owen is founder of Brixton Finishing School, an award-winning family of free programmes creating a diverse and equitable talent pipeline for the industry, aged 14 to 30. Her efforts have earned accolades including MEFA Changemaker 2023, Media Leader 2022 and Woman to Watch in Europe 2020.
Founder
Brixton Finishing School
Owen
Ally
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
Jacob is Head of Client Operations at PHD EMEA and co-founder of Black Together UK, Omnicom's cross-network ERG. With 16 years in digital media and operations, he specialises in business transformation and people leadership. Jacob is a trained executive coach, recognised in the IPA iList and Media Leader Future 100.
Head of Client Operations
EMEA, PHD
Knox-hooke
Jacob
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
Sufia Hussain is an EDI leader, Founder and CEO of RB+ (Religion and Belief Plus). Drawing on a 25-year career in advertising and media, she spent two decades in Global and Regional director roles championing underrepresented communities. Sufia established RB+ in 2025 to elevate faith literacy and champion Muslim inclusion.
Founder and CEO
RB+
Hussain
Sufia
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
Adele is an award-winning People Leader and Founder of Talent in Residence, a consultancy helping agencies, brands, trade bodies and charities match their business plans with talent strategy. With a career spanning in-house leadership and agency-side recruitment, she has led Talent Acquisition teams at LBG Media Group and WPP Media.
Founder
Talent in Residence
Bridgeman
Adele
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
Ndubuisi Uchea is the award-winning Co-Founder and CEO of Word on the Curb, a youth cultural intelligence agency helping brands engage youth audiences. Ndu has been recognised by Deutsche Bank's Award for Creative Entrepreneurship, YouTube's inaugural Creator Class, LinkedIn Top Voice, a Marketing Academy Scholar and Campaign's 2026 A-List.
CEO
Word on the Curb
Uchea
Ndubuisi
Dino Myers-Lamptey is the Founder of The Barber Shop, a strategy-led creative company that aims to solve the biggest business problems through data, distribution and disruptive ideas. They work with businesses that are driven by a purpose and which strive to enrich culture through the pleasure that they bring.
Connections Director
Outvertising
Rennie
Lucy
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