212NYC Honors the Trailblazers Forging Advertising’s Future
MARKETING
212NYC New York's Digital Advertising Club celebrated its 11th Annual Gala with the theme, "Resilience Through Reinvention."
On October 23, 2025, the New York digital advertising community gathered high above the city at the spectacular Tribeca Rooftop for the 212NYC 11th Annual Gala. The event, a key date on the industry calendar, celebrated the visionaries who are not just adapting to change, but actively shaping the next chapter of digital media. This year’s theme, “Resilience Through Reinvention,” perfectly captured the industry’s spirit amid global uncertainties, economic shifts, and the rapid rise of AI.
The annual gala, hosted by New York’s leading digital advertising club, serves as a crucial moment to pause, recognize groundbreaking achievements, and celebrate the inspiring leadership that propels the sector forward. As 212NYC President Jay Wolff noted, the evening was dedicated to the “visionaries who are redefining what’s possible in advertising” and guiding the industry’s course.
Indeed, 2025 has been a year that demanded both grit and innovation. Jay Wolff highlighted how the digital advertising community has continued to rise to the occasion despite economic pressure and technological disruption. The Gala itself was a reflection of this very spirit, showcasing the network that drives the industry’s forward momentum.
The heart of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 Excellence Awards, which recognized five leaders across the digital ecosystem for their exceptional impact:
Industry Luminary Award: This honor went to Rishad Tobaccowala, Founder of The Rethinking Work Platform. A true thought leader, Tobaccowala has consistently provided the long-term vision needed to navigate complexity. He remarked that the award underscores the "leadership, vision, and impact that 212NYC fosters within the advertising industry."
Industry Impact Award: Amy Benford, SVP GM of Integrated Marketing and Advanced Advertising at Colgate-Palmolive, was recognized for her significant role in driving tangible results and shaping the future of brand engagement.
Resilience Honor: Reflecting the event's theme, this new honor was given to Yolanda Lam, GM and Global Head of Agency Development at Microsoft, for embodying the steadfast ability to thrive and reinvent amidst industry challenges.
Industry Trailblazer Award: Baldwin Cunningham, Director of Media and Partnerships at State Farm, was celebrated for his pioneering work and bold approach in pushing boundaries within media and partnerships.
Rising Star Award: Representing the future generation of leadership, the award went to Jessica Brown, Executive Director of Partnerships & Marketplace at WPP Media, recognizing her early career achievements and inspiring leadership.
Since its founding in 2002, 212NYC has been at the forefront of the digital advertising revolution, uniting leaders and driving the sector from its early digital beginnings into today's fully connected, data-driven landscape. As VP Ritu Trivedi highlighted, the event celebrates the critical connections that have fueled this immense growth.
The 11th Annual Gala reaffirmed that while the digital landscape may be constantly shifting, the community’s commitment to excellence and innovation remains the steady constant. The event concluded by encouraging all attendees to join the growing 212NYC community to continue connecting, sharing, and shaping the future of advertising.