Are you, or one of your colleagues, a champion of diversity, equity and inclusion striving to change our industry for the better? If so, we would love to hear your story as part of the IPA iList 2024.
The IPA iList initiative, in partnership with Campaign, celebrates the role models at all levels in all disciplines who are pushing adland to be best it can be, either from within in the work we create or the way we work together. Nominations for 2024 are now open.
Since 2020, 60 inclusivity gamechangers have been honoured on the IPA iList for their part in some of the industry’s most influential DEI initiatives. iListers are involved in all areas of diversity and inclusion including combating sexual harassment; improving gender, age, ethnic and socio-economic diversity; making the industry more inclusive around sexuality, religion, neurodiversity, and disability; improving mental health and wellbeing; and making the industry more accessible through flexible working practices.
The aim is to acknowledge and showcase these positive, intersectional role models, and create a community of likeminded inclusive leaders by giving them a platform to share best practice, thought leadership and provide tried and tested tangible solutions in the hope that others can be inspired to find solutions to their own diversity and inclusion concerns.
Shortlisted nominees will be interviewed by a judging panel chaired by Xavier Rees and made up of diversity and inclusion champions and iList alumni. The final 2024 IPA iList will be honoured at the IPA Talent & Diversity Conference in April.
Says Xavier Rees, UK Group CEO, Havas Creative and IPA Talent Leadership Group Chair: "It was an honour to be named on the inaugural iList in 2020, and I am incredibly proud to be Chairing this year’s judging panel. It’s important we celebrate the many talented, passionate and inspiring people striving to ensure this industry is an attractive and inclusive place for all."
To drive meaningful, long-term change, it’s even more important we learn from them. That’s what the iList sets out to do. If you have a story that needs to be told, I’d urge you to enter. We can’t wait to hear it.
Says Josh Krichefski, CEO UK & EMEA, GroupM and IPA President: "People are the lifeblood of our industry, and we would be nothing without them. That’s why my agenda as IPA President is about putting People First. We must do everything we can to nurture those currently working in adland and to be the most inclusive and welcome industry possible."
I’m excited to hear about the ways people are making this happen, both internally and across the industry, as part of the IPA iList judging panel and I encourage all those with a story to tell to enter the IPA iList 2024.
Says Leila Siddiqi, Associate Director, Diversity, IPA: "The IPA iList initiative is very special. It has a significant impact across the industry and is the only industry list that combines senior, junior, and mid-level talent from across all disciplines and business areas. Those who make it onto the iList become part of a strong support network and community; at the senior level they set an example of what inclusive leadership means and at the junior level they gain the motivation and confidence they need to further invest time towards making positive change happen."
So whether you’ve created a campaign that smashes stereotypes or you helped come up with a game-changing initiative in your workplace, don’t miss out on the chance to provide the industry with much-needed, tangible inspiration to make positive change.
Says Gideon Spanier, UK Editor-in-Chief, Campaign: "Campaign is delighted to partner again with the IPA on the iList because improving inclusion should be a priority for everyone who cares about the future of advertising. We know from industry research and our own journalism that more progress is needed in many areas and the iList is a fantastic way to shine a light on the people who are driving change. I found it inspiring to be a judge last time and am excited to see the entries for the iList 2024."
Nominations for the IPA iList 2024 are open until 19 January 2024, with the final iList to be announced at IPA Talent & Diversity Conference in April.