At a time when digital advertising faces both disruption and reinvention, 212NYC, New York’s Digital Advertising Club, proved that resilience still defines the industry. On October 23, the organization hosted its 11th Annual Gala under the theme “Resilience Through Reinvention,” honoring trailblazers whose leadership and innovation continue to shape the future of advertising.
Held before a packed audience of marketers, agency leaders, and media executives, the event celebrated not just professional excellence, but also the adaptability that has kept the advertising world moving through economic headwinds, AI transformations, and cultural shifts.
A Night Honoring Industry Pioneers
“Each year, the Gala brings together the visionaries who are redefining what’s possible in advertising,” said Jay Wolff, President of 212NYC. “Last night, we celebrated their impact, their leadership, and their role in guiding our industry into the future.”
The 2025 honorees reflected the diverse innovation driving today’s ad landscape:
- Industry Luminary Award: Rishad Tobaccowala, Founder, The Rethinking Work Platform
- Industry Impact Award: Amy Benford, SVP GM, Integrated Marketing and Advanced Advertising, Colgate-Palmolive
- Rising Star Award: Jessica Brown, Executive Director, Partnerships & Marketplace, WPP Media
- Industry Trailblazer Award: Baldwin Cunningham, Director, Media and Partnerships, State Farm
- Resilience Honor: Yolanda Lam, GM, Global Head of Agency Development, Microsoft
“I’m honored to be among the award recipients at the 212NYC Gala,” said Tobaccowala. “This event underscores the leadership, vision, and impact that 212NYC fosters within the advertising industry.”
A Legacy of Leadership and Collaboration
Since its founding in 2002, 212NYC has been more than a networking hub—it’s been a catalyst for digital transformation. “The organization has grown alongside the industry,” said Ritu Trivedi, VP of 212NYC, “uniting leaders who have driven advertising from its early digital beginnings to today’s fully connected, data-driven landscape.”
This evolution mirrors the broader shifts in advertising—from banner ads to programmatic buying, from third-party cookies to AI-driven personalization. Through it all, 212NYC has remained a central meeting point for those steering the change.
The Year of Resilience
For Wolff, 2025 will be remembered as a year of collective endurance. “Amid economic ups and downs, global uncertainty, and the rise of AI, I’ve been inspired by how our digital advertising community continues to rise to the occasion,” he said.
That theme—resilience through reinvention—was evident not just in speeches, but in the diversity of the honorees’ work: from reimagining data ethics and creative storytelling to redefining what digital collaboration looks like in an AI-driven world.
A Call to the Industry
The Gala also served as a rallying cry for the next generation of digital leaders. Wolff closed the evening with an invitation: “The 212NYC Gala is a reflection of that spirit—showcasing how our members come together, support each other, and drive the industry forward. I encourage everyone to join our community and experience that energy firsthand.”
In a world where digital transformation never stops, 212NYC’s Gala reminded everyone that progress isn’t just about technology—it’s about the people resilient enough to reinvent it.
