ADCOLOR Announces 2026 Classes of FUTURES and LEADERS, Launching Standalone Fall Experiences Ahead of 20th Anniversary

With the 15th class of FUTURES and fifth class of LEADERS, ADCOLOR expands its signature talent initiatives with dedicated programming in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ADCOLOR, the premier organization dedicated to championing community and inclusion in the creative industries, today announced the selected cohorts for the 2026 ADCOLOR FUTURES and ADCOLOR LEADERS programs, celebrating two major milestones: the 15th class of FUTURES and the fifth class of LEADERS.

To further elevate the depth, scope, and individual mentorship of both programs, ADCOLOR is expanding these signature initiatives into standalone experiences distinct from its annual conference. Taking place in Los Angeles from September 29 through October 2, 2026, the new format allows ADCOLOR to provide specialized focus, executive mentorship, and strategic resources tailored to each cohort, amplifying the impact for these milestone classes as the organization builds toward its 20th anniversary in 2027.

Selected from hundreds of competitive applicants through a rigorous vetting process led by the ADCOLOR and LEADERS advisory boards, the 60 professionals across both cohorts represent a dynamic group of emerging and established talent in the creative industries. Rather than merely adapting to industry shifts, these professionals are actively driving business breakthroughs, establishing new operational frameworks, and leading with accountability and creative excellence.

The 2026 ADCOLOR FUTURES Class

Celebrating 15 years of identifying and championing early-career talent, the ADCOLOR FUTURES program welcomes 30 emerging professionals who have demonstrated extraordinary strategic ownership, entrepreneurial drive, and cultural leadership within their first one to three years in the industry. The 2026 cohort includes agency strategists, film directors, product managers, and founders of grassroots community platforms, carving out new pathways for innovation and influence.

"Marking 15 years of FUTURES, this class proves leadership isn't defined by tenure;  it's defined by vision and action," said Candace D. Queen, Strategic Growth Advisor at ADCOLOR. "From launching non-profits to building tech accessibility frameworks, these 30 individuals are stewards of change, creating meaningful impact on their industries and communities."

The 2026 ADCOLOR LEADERS Class

Now in its fifth year, the ADCOLOR LEADERS program supports senior-level professionals, directors, agency founders, and C-suite executives navigating critical career inflection points. The 30 individuals selected for the 2026 LEADERS cohort bring proven track records in scaling global platforms, driving responsible AI models, leading crisis communications, and shaping commercial growth for Fortune 500 brands and independent ventures alike.

"The fifth class of ADCOLOR LEADERS represents a remarkable group of executives whose journeys have shaped how they lead with purpose and substance," said Criseli Saenz-Roddy, Director of Programs at ADCOLOR. "These 30 executives are not simply navigating the future of business, they are actively redesigning it by championing accountability, creating space for others and using their influence to leave a lasting legacy for the next generation."

From September 29 to October 2, participants will experience intensive masterclasses, executive coaching, and collaborative challenge sessions hosted across premier global creative agencies, leading technology hubs, and major media platforms, including 72andSunny, Anomaly, Deutsch, and Publicis. Sessions will be guided by stellar talent development firms alongside industry innovators like Lindsay Shookus, Mark Clennon, Monique Idlett, Jean Batthany, Ronnie Dickerson-Stewart, Alexina Shaber and more.

"As ADCOLOR approaches its 20th anniversary, we are inspired by the caliber of our 2026 FUTURES and LEADERS classes," said Tiffany R. Warren, Founder of ADCOLOR. "They are living proof of what two decades of rising up and reaching back can create. By devoting a standalone week entirely to their growth and development, we are creating even more space to foster the next generation of talent through the community, connections, and innovative tools that make ADCOLOR unique."

Organizations and prospective corporate partners interested in supporting ADCOLOR's mission of Rise Up, Reach Back and championing the next generation of industry leaders are encouraged to contact partnerships@adcolor.org.

2026 ADCOLOR LEADERS

• Aalina Tabani: VP, Music & Artist Partnerships, United Entertainment Group
• Andrew Almendras: VP, Marketing Strategy & Planning, IMAX
• Brianne Pins: Founder, In Context
• Calune Eustache: Experiential Director, ESSENCE Communications Inc.
• Christie Sithiphone: VP, Inclusion & Impact, MMC
• Danielle Stephens: Independent Communications & Engagement Leader (formerly Fidelity Investments)
• Eden Ghebresellassie: SVP, Sports Partnerships , Omnicom Media
• Faith McIver: VP, Global DEI and People Communications, Edelman
• Gabriela Gironas: Founder, Cool Shit, Cool People
• Husani Barnwell: Group Art Supervisor / Creative Director, Remedy Edge / Husani Barnwell Creative Consulting
• Jasmine Clennon: Global Marketing Lead, Pinterest
• Jenn Jacome: SVP and Earned Media Lead, M Booth Health
• Julian McBride: Global Head of Communications, Residence
• Justin Adu: Global Head of Social Media, Replit
• Kimberly King: VP, Inclusion  Advertising & Partnerships, NBCUniversal
• Lalita Salgaokar: Co-Founder / Creative Director, Self-employed
• Lolita Morrow: Vice President, Brand Partnerships, Genius
• Manuel "Marcos" Hernandez: Executive Creative Director & Co-Founder, FPO Marketing
• Naria Frazer: SVP, People Experience & Belonging, Praytell
• Nihal Atawane: Associate Creative Director, Copy, BarkleyOKRP
• Paige Nicholson: Creative Director / Executive Producer, Self-employed
• Paris Tyler: Founder & Principal, Vibrant Communications
• Raymond Sims: Director Responsible AI & Portfolio Management , Microsoft
• Shaela Lawson: Director, Global Engagement, Netflix
• Shayna Jamison: Experiential and Activations Lead, Amazon
• Shola Aminu: Business Controller, North America, Bang & Olufsen
• Stephanie Omo-Abu: Senior Brand Manager, SirDavis American Whisky, Moët Hennessy USA
• Tahirah Edwards-Byfield: Creative Director, 72andSunny
• Wayne Arthur: CEO and Founder, Kaleide Agency
• Yasmeen Telsem: Founder & CEO, Telmore Agency

2026 ADCOLOR FUTURES

• Aaron Parrish-Dean: Director & Filmmaker, Independent
• Abriana Saenz: AE, Social Impact, The Lede Company
• Andrea Paredes: Social Media Manager, GSD&M
• Ann Grace: Account Executive, BBDO
• Brandon Silva: Product Marketing Manager, Google Labs
• Brian Oviedo: Program Manager, Google
• Chiamaka Uwagerikpe: Senior Strategist, Ogilvy
• Colvin Prince: Social Media Director, Auburn University Harbert College of Business
• Cooper Olson: Art Director, Fallon
• Damaryan Benton: Account Executive, Anomaly
• Diana Vicezar: Product Marketing Manager, Microsoft
• Elise Park: Assistant Producer, TBWA\Media Arts Lab
• Grace Yam: Assistant Account Manager, Goodby Silverstein & Partners
• Jaya Wilson: Brand & Marketing Strategy Coordinator, Universal Destinations & Experiences
• Jessica Angamarca: Social Media Manager, Civic Entertainment Group
• John Bonney: Partnerships Business Development, 23XI Racing
• Jordan Gooden: Account Manager, Quizlet
• Josue Petion: Producer, Omnicom Production/Deutsch
• Kehinde Sogbesan: Sr. Associate, Chief Marketing Office, Pfizer
• Kyle Hobson: Brand Manager, Black Male Initiative
• Leko Ritchie: Brand & Social Strategist  | Model, Independent
• Lubens Benjamin: Growth & Marketing AE, Havas CX
• Maya Logan: Experiential & Strategy Manager, Octagon
• Sofia Fugon: Marketing Manager, USA TODAY CO
• Tayler Towles: Account Executive, Wieden + Kennedy
• Taylor Falls: Program Manager, Adobe
• Uzo Mgbahurike: Senior Strategic Planner, Erich & Kallman
• Valeria Tineo: Sr. Specialist, Global Brand Marketing, Under Armour
• Yuliana Garcia-Portilla: Sr. Account Manager, VML
• Zaria Gray: Associate Art Director, Barker

About ADCOLOR

ADCOLOR® is a not-for-profit 501(c) (6) organization whose mission is to celebrate and champion inclusion and build community in the creative industries. Our process is twofold. First, we help individuals and organizations RISE UP, letting their accomplishments and ideas shine. Then we teach these new leaders and would-be-mentors how to REACH BACK and find others who deserve to be noticed and promoted. Our goal is to create a community of professionals who are here to support and uplift one another. Learn more by visiting www.adcolor.org.

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