Photo Credit: Landry Basil
Adrianne C. Smith isn’t simply leading the conversation on diversity—she’s reshaping the framework. As Senior Vice President and Chief Inclusion and Impact Officer at FleishmanHillard, and founder of the Cannes Can: Diversity Collective (CC:DC), Smith has transformed words like “equity” and “access” from corporate jargon into cultural imperatives. With more than two decades of experience, she’s built pathways for the next generation while holding the door open for others to follow.
Revelence had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Smith following the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Fresh off a triumphant fifth year of Inkwell Beach, her independent DEI activation at Cannes, Smith offered a deeply human look at what it means to show up, speak truth, and build community when the world isn’t always ready for it.
Building a Legacy in Real Time
Inkwell Beach is more than a space. It’s a statement, and a sanctuary. And this year, that statement was more important than ever. Against a backdrop of economic headwinds and political pushback against diversity initiatives, Smith and her all-volunteer team stood firm.
“Even if it’s hard, even if sponsors pull out, we still show up,” she said. “We’re ten toes down in this work.”
Despite financial hurdles, the vision didn’t waver. Volunteers stepped up. Personal donors leaned in. The community rallied. The outcome was unmistakable: Inkwell Beach became a living, breathing example of what it looks like when purpose outweighs pressure.
On-site, the energy was unmatched. Thought leaders, students, celebrities, and executives mingled on the sand. They weren’t there to pose for photos—they came to connect, collaborate, and co-create. The result was a cultural tide shift rooted in belonging.
Why Inclusion Still Matters
Inclusion remains Smith’s focus, even as DEI programs face scrutiny or outright removal in some sectors. To her, inclusion is the heartbeat of innovation. It’s not an initiative—it’s infrastructure.
“People still don’t understand what diversity, equity, and inclusion really mean—or who it actually benefits,” Smith said. “Inclusion is about human connection. It’s about creating space where people feel seen, safe, and empowered to contribute,” Smith passionately stated.
At Inkwell, that space was visible and intentional. Programming spanned tech, finance, wellness, and creative strategy—all led by people of color, subject-matter experts, and rising stars. What unified the sessions wasn’t just brilliance—it was authenticity. The kind of energy that reminds people they’re not guests in the room. They belong.
Aya Awards and the Ripple Effect
One of the crown jewels of Inkwell Beach is the Aya Inclusion Awards, named for the West African symbol of endurance, leadership, and transformation. This year’s top honor, the Gold Aya, went to the creative team at Droga5 for a campaign that exemplified inclusive storytelling and behind-the-scenes diversity.
“They captured everything we wanted when we created the Aya Awards—storytelling rooted in authenticity, made by teams who reflect the world they’re speaking to,” Smith said.
But the impact of Smith’s work goes far beyond accolades. From alumni who now return as sponsors to first-time attendees who describe the experience as “life-changing,” the ripple effect is undeniable. She recalled one moment with a young man who returned to thank her personally.
“He said, ‘Adrienne, thank you so much for encouraging me to come—this has changed my life,’” she recalled. “That’s when I know the work is working,” she proudly stated.
Funding With Purpose and Integrity
Behind the beauty of Inkwell Beach is a hard truth: none of it is free. Every dollar raised is poured directly into the space—from staging to meals to programming. And every person on the team, including Smith, is a volunteer.
“This hat I wore all week? It’s camouflage—and that’s intentional,” she said of an Inkwell branded baseball cap. “It symbolizes that we’re in a battle. A battle to keep showing up. A battle to keep building.”
This year, with sponsorships pulling out late in the game, Smith was forced to do something uncomfortable—ask. She shared donation links and told the truth about what was needed. The response was overwhelming.
“A closed mouth doesn’t get fed,” she said. “So I told the truth. And people gave—because they believe.”
The Road Ahead for Inkwell
Inclusion, for Smith, isn’t a phase. It’s a mandate. Her long game is clear: activate more spaces around the world that reflect our collective excellence. Next stops include Davos in January, Martha’s Vineyard in August, and Cannes again in June.
Her leadership philosophy is simple—don’t wait for permission. Create. But she’s also clear that community matters. She encourages others not to compete, but to contribute.
“This isn’t mine—it’s ours,” she said. “If you see the vision, contribute to it. Build with us.”
So, what keeps her going after decades of pushing boundaries? Legacy. Humanity. And the deep knowing that inclusion, when done right, doesn’t just change industries. It changes lives.
“I don’t have children,” Smith reflected. “But I believe in succession. I believe in creating space for the next generation. That’s the gift I’ve been given—and I want to steward it well.”
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