Two of the Philippines’ most inspiring women in advertising and communications—Anna Chua-Norbert and Merlee Jayme—have been honored with top distinctions at the Campaign Asia-Pacific Women Leading Change Awards 2025, marking a proud and powerful moment for the country’s creative industry.
Anna Chua-Norbert: Visionary in Culture and Inclusion
Anna Chua-Norbert, Chief Culture Officer of DDB Group Philippines, was awarded the prestigious Visionary Award, which recognizes purpose-driven leaders who exemplify innovation, foresight, and inclusive transformation. Held in Singapore, the event spotlights trailblazing women reshaping the future of business across Asia-Pacific.
Anna joins a select group of Filipinas recognized on this regional stage for her strategic cultural leadership and commitment to building people-centered, sustainable organizations. Under her stewardship, DDB Group Philippines also earned Bronze for Best Company for Women, a company-level accolade that honors organizations actively supporting gender equality and inclusive workplaces.
“It’s not just about success—it’s about sustainability, inclusivity, and transforming industries with heart and strategy,” Anna shared. “We don’t just sell—we serve. And we measure growth not just in numbers, but in lives uplifted.”
A seasoned leader and tireless advocate for cultural transformation, Anna has helped embed a people-first philosophy at DDB, fostering inclusive leadership and empowering diverse talent to drive real-world impact.
Merlee Jayme: Champion of Creative Inclusion
Meanwhile, Merlee Jayme, Chairmom and Founder of The Misfits Camp, was named Woman Leading Change of the Year, along with the Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award—recognitions of her groundbreaking advocacy for neurodivergent and non-traditional creatives.
Jayme’s The Misfits Camp is the world’s first facility designed to assess and train neurodivergent and “leaf” creatives—individuals who think and create beyond conventional frameworks—and connect them with career opportunities in the creative industry. Through tailor-made assessments and inclusive placement programs, Jayme is building a future where creativity is not bound by conformity, and where invisible disabilities are no longer invisible.
In a powerful LinkedIn post, Merlee wrote:
“Lead to change perceptions about people with disabilities.
Lead to change the way the creative industry accepts neurodivergent creativity and capability.
Lead to change the advertising and marketing world’s lack of awareness and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Lead to change many, many more things to make this world a better one.”
Reacting to the awards, Jayme expressed gratitude:
“Thank you, Campaign Asia-Pacific, for recognizing us women as we work hard towards these changes—small and big. I’m overwhelmed and feeling blessed by this Women Leading Change of the Year and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion Awards.”
A Defining Moment for the Philippine Creative Industry
These dual recognitions of Chua-Norbert and Jayme underscore the growing influence of the Philippines in shaping a more inclusive, creative, and forward-thinking future for advertising and business in the region. Together, they embody leadership that is not just visionary, but compassionate—advancing cultures, companies, and communities by design.
Their stories are a clarion call: change begins with leadership, but it is sustained through courage, action, and an unwavering belief in a better future for all.
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