G.E.M.S. Honors 2026
Celebrating the communicators, leaders, storytellers, advocates, and changemakers whose impact extends beyond a title.
This year's G.E.M.S. will be shaped by purpose, sharpened by experience, and distinguished by impact. We're celebrating leaders whose excellence and impact set a higher standard.
Wednesday September 16, 2026 | New York City
Special thanks to Hachette Book Group, our 2026 G.E.M.S. Honors venue sponsor and host. We are grateful for their generous partnership and hospitality as we gather in New York City to celebrate the extraordinary leaders, visionaries and changemakers who are truly A Cut Above.
How Would You Like to Participate?
Meet our 2026 G.E.M.S. Honors emcee, Tiffany D. Cross!
A celebrated journalist, author and cultural commentator, Tiffany is known for bringing bold insight, authenticity and an unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices shaping our world.
We are thrilled to welcome Tiffany as she guides us through an unforgettable evening honoring the leaders, visionaries and changemakers who are truly A Cut Above.
Join us September 16 in New York City for the 2026 G.E.M.S. Honors, presented by MSL and hosted by Hachette Book Group.
Meet the 2026 Diversity Action Alliance G.E.M.S. Honorees
The 2026 G.E.M.S. Honorees represent an extraordinary cross-section of organizations shaping communications, culture and community. This year’s class includes leaders from SoundCloud, Walmart, Nielsen, McCann, MSL, Edelman, Burson, Zeno Group, Highwire PR, AARP, the NAACP, Foot Locker, Pepperdine University and the PR Girl Manifesto, among others.
Together, these global corporations, agencies, academic institutions, nonprofits and entrepreneurial ventures reflect the breadth and collective power of our profession. Through their leadership, the honorees are strengthening organizations, transforming how stories are told, expanding opportunity and creating a more representative future for communications.
Meet the 2026 Industry Legends
The 2026 G.E.M.S. Industry Legends represent decades of visionary leadership and enduring influence across the communications profession. Their distinguished careers span organizations including Walmart, AARP, the Association of National Advertisers, FINN Partners and HM Communications.
Collectively, Thomas “Tony” Waller, Edna Kane-Williams, Carlos Santiago, Helen Shelton and Etienne Hernandez-Medina have shaped organizations, elevated culturally relevant storytelling, opened doors for generations of professionals and helped move the industry toward greater representation and accountability.
Their legacies are measured not only by what they have achieved, but by the people, institutions and possibilities they have transformed along the way.
FAQs
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When do nominations close?
1
July 3, 2026.
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When is G.E.M.S. Honors?
2
September 16, 2026.
Where is the event?
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Midtown NYC. Exact address to be shared after ticket purchase.
Who can be nominated?
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Do I need to be present to win?
How do I become a sponsor?
Communicators, leaders, organizations, teams, advocates, storytellers, and changemakers whose work has made a meaningful impact on the profession and the communities they serve.
No. Attendance is encouraged but not required.
Complete the sponsorship inquiry above or contact the DAA team for sponsorship opportunities at kelly@diversityactionalliance.org
