Publicitarias to Speak at Cannes Lions 2025 with a Workshop on Inclusion and Creativity

Jun. 13, 2025

Publicitarias, the organization that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in the Ibero-American advertising industry, has been selected to speak at Cannes Lions 2025, where it will lead the official workshop “The DEI Challenge: Put your ideas to the test.” The session will offer a safe space for self-reflection and collective learning, providing practical tools to uncover biases, foster meaningful conversations, and design more inclusive and effective campaigns. Using the Perspectivas prompt cards, participants will analyze ideas, identify blind spots, and apply strategies to drive cultural transformation within creative teams.

The workshop will be facilitated by Melanie Tobal (founder and president of Publicitarias), Emilia Åström (Learning Experience Designer), GiGi Gutiérrez (Triple Bottom Line Leader), and Ale Haro (Publicitarias Mexico Ambassador) — all recognized for integrating social impact with creative excellence.

In parallel, Publicitarias has been selected by the Equity, Representation and Accessibility (ERA) Programme, an initiative from Cannes Lions that supports the participation of projects committed to representation, accessibility and equity in the creative ecosystem.

As part of this recognition, Publicitarias will bring a delegation of 13 women leaders, ambassadors and volunteers from various Latin American countries. Their collective presence aims to amplify the region’s talent and perspectives in the spaces where the future of the industry is shaped.

 Melanie Tobal said:

"This is a critical year to talk about and act on diversity, equity and inclusion in our industry. That Cannes Lions is recognizing the work we’ve been doing at Publicitarias is not only a huge honor — it’s a sign of hope for those of us who continue leading with purpose, even in the face of backlash."