We are just one week away from this year's CMDC Future Impact Awards, the annual program dedicated to recognizing and celebrating emerging media talent, rising stars, and next-generation leaders in Canada's media industry.]
With 320 nominations across 14 categories, they have now announced the shortlist.
Here is the CMDC Future Impact Awards 2026 Shortlist
Future Impact Awards 2026
Congratulations to the
CMDC YA Awards Shortlist
01
Notable Newcomer of the Year
- Urja AminHavas
- Breanna BillardMira Media
- Sam KaimanCossette Media
Presented byDentsu
02
Strategic Retail Media Partner of the Year
- Amelia MachumMira Media
- Sofiia MirzaInvolved Media
- Calvin RossWPP
Presented byWalmart Connect
03
Video Champion of the Year
- Riya D'Souzadentsu X
- Sierra LaughlinEpitaph Group
- Kayla LebretonPHD
Presented byPixability
04
Innovator of the Year
- Kenneth HyCairns Oneil
- Poornima NairPHD
- Dimple RochaniPHD
Presented byThe Trade Desk
05
Young Marketer of the Year
- Ida GuidaTelus Health
- Elif OgutcuChurch & Dwight
- Julian SaddyKenvue Canada
Presented byThe Globe and Mail Advertising
06
Emerging Women in Technology & Media of the Year
- Yasmin ChahadePublicis Media
- Bhavishya IndrakantiHavas Media
- Sofiia MirzaInvolved Media
Presented byGoogle
07
Media Entertainer of the Year
- Shiksha AggarwalPHD
- Jacqueline ChiuWPP
- Alyzeh LalaniPHD
Presented byTikTok
08
Collaborator of the Year
- Maria Gomez SilvaMedia Experts
- Jenny HaoCarat
- Jerlie RicafortMekanism Media
Presented byPattison
09
Insight to Impact of the Year
- Natalie KakolCossette
- Andrea MongeBleublancrouge
- Shersky RamirezCairns Oneil
Presented bySnapchat
10
Media Leader of the Year
- Caroline BretonInvolved Media
- Angie GenovesePHD
- Mike RumbleEpitaph Group
Presented byThinkTV
11
Local Media Champion of the Year
- Patrick EchegoyenCairns Oneil
- Priti SrivastavGlassroom
- Harshal WalambeCossette
Presented byLa Presse
12
Mentor of the Year
- Lorena ChiarottoWPP
- Alex LuFUSE Create
- Naseema TasneemPHD
Presented byNative Touch
13
AI Changemaker of the Year
- Kenneth HyCairns Oneil
- Soames Lovett DarbyCairns Oneil
- Tushar ThaparPHD
Presented byCMDC AI Council
14
Community Catalyst of the Year
- Darshan DesaiEpitaph Group
- Olivia KiddCossette Media
- Zeynep SoydanPHD
Presented byReddit
