50 Black Women Gamechangers in Media revealed

The Media Leader and Join Our Table can announce the first 50 Black Women Gamechangers in Media.

Revealing the list, Elizabeth Anyaegbuna, co-founder of media agency 16x9media and a founding sister of Join Our Table, said: “At Join Our Table, we believe meaningful change happens when visibility meets opportunity.

“Our partnership with The Media Leader to spotlight these 50 remarkable black women in media isn’t just about recognition — it’s about reshaping the industry’s narrative from the inside out.

“These women aren’t merely participants in media; they’re architects of its future. By amplifying their voices and achievements, we’re not asking for a seat at the table — we’re building a larger, more inclusive one where black female talent isn’t the exception, but an essential part of the conversation.”

The Media Leader and Join Our Table have brought together a formidable list of talent from across the UK media landscape, from agencies large and small, media owners, brands and beyond.

These women represent companies as diverse as All3Media, GroupM, It Takes A Village Collective, IPG Mediabrands, ITV, Microsoft, Mobo Group, News UK and more.

You can read about the 50 women here.

Steve Scaffardi, managing director of events and publishing at Adwanted UK, the parent of The Media Leader, said: “I was overwhelmed by the talent and achievements of the women involved when working on the list. Each and every one of these women are genuine gamechangers in our industry.

“We couldn’t be prouder to be celebrating and championing them and can’t wait to hear more from them at The Media Leader events, in our coverage, videos and podcasts.”

The Gamechangers concept was conceived not just to celebrate the achievements of this 50, but also to ensure that The Media Leader can continue to pave the way for, and uncover, even more diverse talent.

50 Black Women Gamechangers in Media

Mercy Abel, impact and marketing lead, John Doe Group

Foluke Akinlose, founder, Precious

Annika Allen, head of diversity, equity and inclusion, All3Media

Lydia Amoah, CEO and founder, Backlight UK

Teanne Andrews, co-founder and director of operations, We Are Parable

Elizabeth Anyaegbuna, co-founder and CEO, 16x9media

Gerry Anyanwu, client director and founder, Fully Human

Tobi Asare, managing partner, head of growth, OMD UK

Tumisha Balogun, co-founder, Tag

Shelley Bishton, head of diversity, equity and inclusion, News UK

Kianna Briggs, diversity, equity and inclusion manager, IPG Mediabrands

Charlene Charity, head of integrated strategy, Digitas

Lucy Daramola, UK and EMEA group client director, Microsoft Advertising

Chloë Davies, founder and CEO, It Takes A Village Collective

Ellie Edwards-Scott, co-founder, The Advisory Collective

Matilda Egere-Cooper, editorial director, Dentsu Creative

Brenda Emmanus, broadcaster, journalist and consultant, Free Spirit Productions

Flavilla Fongang, founder and CEO, Black Rise

Caroline Forbes, head of sales, Clear Channel UK

Samantha Fray, talent development lead and founder, Black People in Sports Broadcasting

Angie Gola-Ebue, global vice-president, HER

Charlene Gravesande, founder and CEO, Ink Media

Marsha Jackson, project and operations director, Conscious Advertising Network

Kanya King, founder and CEO, Mobo Group

Ronke Lawal, PR and comms consultant, Ariatu PR

Nadine Leighton, marketing director, Bright SG; co-founder, Join Our Table

Samantha Lewis, senior account manager, GroupM OOH

Adele Lewis Bridgeman, founder, Responsible Resourcing Agency

Janay Marie, managing director, Tallawah

Maria McDowell, founder, Lollipop Mentoring

Lesley Myers-Lamptey, head of commerce strategy, T&Pm

Lauren Ogúndèkó, chief activation officer, EMEA, IPG Mediabrands

Rejoice Ojiaku, SEO manager, Nelson Bostock Unlimited

Shay Okelola, account director, Mindshare

Evelyn Oluwole, senior sales director, WeTransfer

Tobi Oredein, CEO and founder, Black Ballad

Simone Pennant, founder and CEO, The TV Collective

Collette Philip, founder, Brand by Me

Marsha Powell, CEO, BelEve

Ade Rawcliffe, chief people officer, ITV

Kelly Richards, head of collaborations and partnerships, JCDecaux

Bonita Samuels, senior associate director, EssenceMediacom

Michelle Sarpong, commercial lead, the7stars

Charlotte Stavrou, founder and CEO, SevenSix Agency

Tolu Stedford, CEO and executive producer, Story Compound

Natalie Trye, global industry lead, Meta

Louise Twycross-Lewis, head of insight, PHD

Ally Tyger-Doyle, head of diversity, equity and inclusion, EMEA, MiQ

Sophia Ufy Ukor, founder and CEO, Violet Simon

Dinah Williams, founder, Avenir Network