The Women in Advertising Communications Leadership (WACL) is continuing to act as a catalyst for gender equality across the sector as it announces the winners of this year’s 19th annual WACL Talent Awards.
In partnership with NABS, the support organisation for the advertising and media industry, WACL – which is celebrating its 100th year in 2023 – has chosen 29 women to receive training bursaries of up to £1,500 each.
WACL Talent Awards chair and CEO of VMLY&R Commerce Michelle Whelan said the committee was “in awe at the talent, drive and determination of applicants”.
“The women driving our the next generation of our industry forward are not only future leaders, but going above and beyond to drive gender equality throughout the industry,” she added.
“We are immensely proud to be able to further accelerate the careers of 29 women through the Talent Awards. As we think about continuing to accelerate gender equality within business and our industry, I can’t wait to see the impact this year’s cohort will have.”
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Each year WACL also presents the Wendy Braverman Award to two women who embody Wendy’s entrepreneurial spirit. This year it was shared between two: Anisa Morridadi, founder and executive chair of Beatfreeks – who said she was excited to join the “coven of epic, powerful women who will help guide me through this next part of my journey” – and Natalie Moores, co-founder of Mac&Moore.
Kenny Dada, account director at VCCP was also awarded the annual Patricia Mann Award, for championing change and challenging the status quo to support other women and make a positive impact on the marketing and advertising industry.
Dada said winning the award was a “huge honour”, adding that “all women at the start of their careers should be given the right tools to thrive, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds”.
Launched by Tess Alps in 2005, the WACL Talent Awards are designed to encourage talented and inspirational women prioritise career development and achieve their full potential. In the last 16 years, more than 225 women have received bursaries totalling over £450,000.
