Eight trailblazing leaders who are breaking barriers in marketing, advertising and media

In a world where marketing, advertising, and media play a significant role in shaping our perceptions of the world around us, it is imperative that the voices of diverse communities are heard and represented accurately. In honor of Women’s History Month, we shine a spotlight on eight trailblazing leaders who are breaking barriers and paving the way for diversity and inclusion in these industries.

Adrianne C. Smith — senior vice president, senior partner and chief diversity and inclusion officer at FleishmanHillard, and founder of the Cannes Can: Diversity Collective — is a creative, entrepreneur, senior executive, and thought leader whose career spans 20 plus years in advertising, media, and professional development. Smith has created and produced documentaries, and television programs, and participated in the launch team for a digital sub-television network. Her advocacy work includes founding Vision Corpos Media Group, a media company that creates new content for current and emerging media outlets. In 2019, she made history by creating the first standalone Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Beach in the festival’s 66 years of existence. Smith was previously WPP’s first global director of inclusion and diversity.