Adrianne C. Smith is a powerhouse in the advertising and communications industry, currently serving as SVP and Senior Partner, Chief Inclusion and Impact Officer at FleishmanHillard. With over two decades of experience as an inclusion strategist and change agent, she is the founder and visionary behind the Cannes Can: Diversity Collective (CC:DC), which launched Inkwell Beach, Cannes’ first-ever DEI-focused activation. From building platforms for rising stars to anchoring corporate equity strategies, Smith’s work embodies what it means to lead with purpose, resilience, and vision.
How did it feel to return to Cannes Lions for Inkwell Beach’s fifth year?
This year was critical. Given all the uncertainty in the world, we needed to show up, ten toes down. Inkwell Beach, through CC:DC, remains committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This isn’t a trend; it’s our mission. We were there to reinforce that inclusion is not going anywhere. We’re in the human connection business, and that matters now more than ever.
What did Inkwell Beach prove this year on the global stage?
It proved people still believe in the power of inclusive storytelling and creativity. The energy was electric. Everyone showed up and showed out. Our presence reminded the industry that the best creative work happens when we work collaboratively, with diverse voices at the table.
As the founder, how did you experience the week personally?
I experience it through the lens of a producer. I’m checking on the chairs, the cups, the setup. But from what I saw and heard, it was an authentic space. People felt like it was their home base, to make deals, eat good food, and then go back out into Cannes. From AI to financial empowerment, we had conversations that moved the culture forward. We had students, athletes, celebrities, all coming together.
You’ve said inclusion is not optional. What message do you have for brands still treating DEI like a checkbox?
The problem is that many don’t fully understand what DEI truly means or who benefits. Every brand needs to define what inclusion means to them. Globally, most lead with the “I” for inclusion because once you’re inclusive, everything else follows. For us, we don’t just talk, we live it. Every dollar we raise goes back into building that space. Everyone involved, including me, is a volunteer.
Despite sponsor dropouts, you still pulled it off. How?
It was tough, but personal donations carried us. I even had to ask in group chats for support, which felt awkward, but necessary. People believe in what we’re building. Even if they don’t know all we went through behind the scenes, the energy on-site was undeniable.
Tell us about this year’s Aya Inclusion Awards.
Our Gold Aya Award went to the team from Droga5 for a campaign that embodied everything the award stands for, authentic storytelling rooted in inclusivity. The team was diverse, and the message resonated. We’re proud of that.
Which session stood out most to you?
It’s hard to pick one, but I’d highlight our sessions with the ambassadors and alumni. Seeing young voices take the stage with confidence and clarity was powerful. That’s what we built this for, to pass the mic to the next generation.
What ripple effects have you seen from CC:DC?
One story that stands out, a young man I encouraged to attend told me the experience changed his life. He said Inkwell felt like home. People from all backgrounds, Black, Asian, you name it, come to Inkwell and feel safe, seen, and inspired. That’s bigger than me.
You’ve been in this space since the ’90s. What keeps you hopeful and what keeps you up at night?
Hope comes from connection. DEI is human work. I don’t have children, but I believe deeply in succession planning, passing it forward. What keeps me up? The urgency. There’s still so much to do. I feel like I’m always behind because I’m already thinking about the next global city we need to activate.
What are your top three non-negotiables for success?
Believe in yourself and that you belong. Don’t take no for an answer, view it as a request for more information. Think beyond yourself, focus on impact for the many, not just the one.
You’ve said you’re not asking for permission, you’re creating. How are you empowering others to do the same without co-opting your vision?
Where can people follow your journey?
