Media For All [MEFA]

The MEFA 2024 Diversity and Inclusion Awards are an incredible opportunity to celebrate and uplift the individuals, teams, and organisations transforming diversity, equity, and inclusion in media and advertising. By entering, you're not just showcasing your commitment to a more inclusive future, you’re inspiring others and gaining recognition for your hard work in driving real change. Now is your time to shine, be recognised, and make an impact that resonates throughout the industry! ✨ ➡️ Head to https://lnkd.in/eqius-hR to learn more, submit your entries, or nominate someone! #MEFA #MediaForAll #DiversityAndInclusion #Media #Advertising #Awards

Good morning 🎉 We're looking forward to seeing you all shortly! Make sure you don't miss this wonderful and insightful conversation! ✨

Join us for our upcoming MEFA Coffee Morning this Friday 29th November 2024 at 10.00am – 10.45am. Our November Coffee Morning will be hosted by Adrian Williams who will be joined by some of our MEFA 2024 D&I Award Winners Serhat Ekinci, Ayesha Jina and Elizabeth Anyaegbuna ✨ Members can join via the link shared in our WhatsApp group or platform. We can't wait to connect with you all and share in this inspiring conversation! 🎉 #MEFA #CoffeeMorning #Award #DiversityandInclusion #Community

🟢 Business Transformation Award Winner The winner of the Business Transformation award is Sharon Lloyd Barnes, Commercial Director of Advertising Association 🎉 This category recognises individuals or initiatives that are helping to transform the industry and make it more diverse. The judges agreed that this year’s winner is “delivering work of immense importance to our industry, and her energy and dedication to the cause make her truly deserving of this award”. Sharon Lloyd Barnes, commercial director at the Advertising Association, has led the All In Campaign since 2020, driving the UK advertising industry toward greater inclusion. She launched the All In Census, gathering data on diversity and inclusion, which has shaped DEI strategies across over 120 businesses. Sharon has also launched the All In Action Plan, focusing on gender, ethnicity, and social background. Her work continues to foster lasting cultural change, ensuring a more inclusive advertising industry and setting new standards for DEI. Congratulations Sharon 🏆 #MediaforAll #BusinessTransformation #Awards #DiversityandInclusion

🟢 All in Champion Award Winner The Winner of the All in Champion award is Digitas UK 🎉 This award recognises a company whose “work has led to measurable improvements, such as increased representation, improved inclusivity, and reduced barriers to progression for underrepresented groups”. “Digitas has made significant progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion through its Digitas Next strategy, partnering with organisations like Multiverse and Generation to offer apprenticeship pathways,” said the judges. The company introduced the AnonCV tool to reduce bias in recruitment and saw notable improvements, including a 13% employee turnover rate and 60% female representation in the C-suite. With 40% of entry-level recruits from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, Digitas is also working to embed DEI into every project. Congratulations Digitas UK 🏆 #MediaforAll #AllinChampion #Awards #DiversityandInclusion

🟢 Creative Excellence Award Winner The winner of the Creative Excellence award is Zenith UK for Vanish, “Me, My Autism & I – how a big idea made purpose truly relevant” 🎉 Vanish’s campaign targeted the unique needs of autistic teens, particularly those relying on familiar clothes for comfort. Partnering with Channel 4, Vanish produced a powerful film about a young autistic girl’s attachment to her hoody, which won £1 million in media airtime. The campaign expanded to social media, TV, and a pop-up exhibition showcasing donated clothing from autistic teens. Vanish saw a 28% increase in media ROI and improved brand perception by 69%. “This campaign reasserted Vanish’s market leadership while raising awareness of clothes care for autistic individuals,” said the judges. Congratulations Zenith UK 🏆 #MediaforAll #CreativeExcellence #Awards #DiversityandInclusion

🟢 Inclusive Media Planning & Buying Award Winner The winners of the Inclusive Media Planning & Buying award are OMG UNITE, PHD and Amaliah for Sainsbury's, “It’s Not Ramadan Without…” 🎉 Following research that revealed many Muslim customers were unaware of Sainsbury’s product range, the retailer launched the “It’s Not Ramadan Without…” campaign to raise awareness and connect with Muslim shoppers. By collaborating with Muslim influencers and using community radio, Sainsbury’s reflected diverse food traditions during Ramadan, resulting in a 21% increase in sales and improved brand familiarity. “The campaign successfully enhanced cultural relevance and drove both sales and brand loyalty,” concluded the judges. Congratulations OMG UNITE, PHD and Amaliah 🏆 #MediaforAll #InclusiveMediaPlanning #InclusiveMediaBuying #Awards #DiversityandInclusion

🟢 Hammer Award Winner The winner of the Hammer Award is Serhat Ekinci, Managing Director of OMG UNITE 🎉 The premise of this award is to recognise an individual who has “shattered the glass ceiling” and having received a highly commended mention last year, Serhat Ekinci has gone one better in 2024. “Serhat has revolutionised inclusive advertising at OMG, founding OMG UNITE to promote conscious inclusion across all campaigns," said the judges. “Recognised as a trailblazer, Serhat continues to set new DEIB standards and inspire with his resilience and inclusive leadership.” His award-winning ‘UnderstandME’ campaign for NSPCC Childline increased trust and counselling requests from ethnic minorities. His leadership has resulted in 1000% revenue growth, an expanded client base, and numerous awards. Congratulations Serhat 🏆 #MediaforAll #Hammer #Awards #DiversityandInclusion

🟢 DEI Champion Award Winner The winner of the DEI Champion award is Shelley Bishton, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of News UK 🎉 According to the judges, Shelley has “reshaped” News UK’s DEI efforts since 2018. They added: “Shelley’s partnerships with organisations like The Mobos and The Aziz Foundation have driven real change. Her DEI leadership fosters an inclusive workplace, with 84% of employees reporting they can be themselves at work.” Congratulations Shelley 🏆 #MediaforAll #DEIChampion #Awards #DiversityandInclusion

🟢 ChangeMaker Award Winner The winner of the ChangerMaker award is Elizabeth Anyaegbuna, Co-Founder and CEO of 16x9media 🎉  “Elizabeth is a transformative leader in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB)” said the judges of the winner of this prestigious award, made to “any individual making a significant impact”. As president of Bloom UK, Anyaegbuna expanded DEIB membership championed intersectionality and co-founded ‘Join Our Table - A space to celebrate Black British women’, which highlights Black women in marketing. As CEO of 16x9media, she advocates for underrepresented businesses. Her leadership extends globally, influencing organisations like the UN Women UK and the Conscious Advertising Network. Congratulations Elizabeth 🏆 #MediaforAll #ChangeMaker #Awards #DiversityandInclusion