Yolonda Brinkley, the self-proclaimed global disruptor, is a full-service marketing communications practitioner specializing in event production and entertainment publicity. Fueled by passion, she is the creator of Diversity in Cannes, the independent global film movement promoting inclusion at the Cannes Film Festival. Supported by Academy Award Winner Viola Davis' JuVee Productions, Yolonda's inclusion efforts include the annual presentation of Diversity Day in Cannes, consisting of two short film showcases, a film panel and an awards reception in France during the Festival de Cannes, where diversity is not a priority.

Since its 2010 inception, with Yolonda at the helm, the initiative has emerged from a simple filmmaker symposium to a comprehensive movement, providing a platform for globally diverse filmmakers to be seen and heard at the Cannes Film Festival. More specifically, Diversity in Cannes promotes the presence of underrepresented content creators telling stories specific to marginalized populations and celebrates their achievements at the world's most prestigious film festival. 

Celebrating 16 years, Yolonda has hosted hundreds of filmmakers from five continents, received thousands of short film submissions representing at least 35 countries and has welcomed esteemed panelists. In 2024, she launched Black Women Cannes, which as the name describes, provides a platform to celebrate Black Women at the Cannes Film Festival as they've been grossly underrepresented throughout Cannes Film Festival 77 year history. 

Yolonda is recognized for independently pioneering the inclusion efforts at the Cannes Film Festival, resulting in a European Diversity Award nomination. To learn more, follow her journey @diversencannes @blackwomencannes.