Nominees Category: Nominee 2026

Merlee Cruz-Jayme

Merlee is redefining what leadership looks like in today’s creative industry by turning inclusion into systems that work.

A multi-awarded creative leader, she moved beyond representation to build real-world solutions for the neurodivergent and disabled. Through The Misfits Camp and Jayme Headquarters, she created a sustainable ecosystem that trains, hires, and retains divergent creatives through real employment and commissioned work. What began in advertising now influences marketing, education, medicine, and government.

Her work has reshaped how brands, educators, pediatricians, and policymakers understand neurodiversity, proving that inclusive creativity strengthens both business and society. Co-creating solutions with neurodivergent creatives, She led initiatives like Safe Sound Check, a sensory safety project that inspired legislation in Congress and gained Senate approval.

Not only does she give voice to the neurodiverse, but her leadership is gaining global impact, influencing creative communities in Africa and Southeast Asia- building pathways to dignity, independence, and a sustainable future.

Stop That Dot Together

HOMESOY 3.0’s “Stop That Dot Together” campaign tackled a critical gap in among Malaysian women: high awareness of breast cancer, but low screening action. Building on its 2024 awareness platform, the campaign evolved by reframing screening from an individual responsibility into a shared act of care. Rooted in a cultural truth that women often prioritise others over themselves,, the campaign activated their support systems to overcome inertia and drive behaviour change.
By combining a distinctive mnemonic, real survivor stories, and an ecosystem of hospitals, influencers, media and partners, the campaign moved beyond messaging into participation.

The result: 27,557 screenings (+155% vs 2024), with 99% inspired to accompany loved ones and 85% taking steps towards screening. Sales rose 189% vs 2024.
Stop That Dot Together proved that when women act together, awareness becomes action and screening was no longer something to avoid, It became something women do for each other.