ADWEEK’s Agents of Change: Leading With Purpose to Reshape Our Industry

Agents of Change Presented by Empower celebrates the people reshaping marketing, media, advertising, and tech through meaningful action

Being the change you want to see in the world requires vision, courage, and the willingness to walk your own path.

ADWEEK’s 2026 Agents of Change, presented by Empower, celebrates the leaders reshaping marketing, media, advertising, and tech through meaningful action.

In partnership with Empower, the industry platform created by Propeller Group and WACL, this award recognizes individuals who combine commercial excellence with a commitment to creating a more responsible and forward-thinking industry.

Zambezi CEO and Principal Jean Freeman, Cornett Co-Founder Christy Hiler: OWN IT

Opening their own agency is a dream for many creatives, but the path can be difficult to walk for underrepresented talent. Jean Freeman and Christy Hiler have been paving the way since 2022, when the Zambezi and Cornett leaders co-founded Own It to give women and nonbinary entrepreneurs the data, mentorship, and networks needed to build businesses of their own. Since they came on the scene, women-owned agencies have grown from less than 1% of the industry in 2022 to 4% in 2026, with Own It’s database now spanning more than 1,000 agencies. In 2026, they brought Own It to Cannes Lions and With expanding summits and its first global event at Cannes Lions. Hiler is also one of the founding members and leaders of BLAC, which connects Black and underserved talent with agency internships.

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