Yolonda Brinkley, the self-proclaimed global disruptor, is a full-service marketing communications practitioner specializing in event production and entertainment publicity. She holds an MBA from the University of Illinois Geis School of Business and a BA from Clark Atlanta University.  

Fueled by passion, she is the creator of Diversity in Cannes, the independent film movement promoting inclusion at the Cannes Film Festival. Supported by Academy Award Winner Viola Davis' JuVee Productions, Yolonda began her inclusion efforts at the Festival de Cannes before #diversity was trending in Hollywood and the global film industry.  

Since its 2010 inception, Diversity in Cannes has emerged from a simple filmmaker symposium to a comprehensive movement including the flagship 'Diversity Day in Cannes' and 'A Celebration of Black Women in Film.' Yolonda provides a platform for underrepresented content creators telling stories specific to marginalized populations, to be seen, heard and celebrated at the Cannes Film Festival. Yolonda is recognized for independently pioneering the inclusion efforts at the Cannes Film Festival and invites you to follow her journey @diversencannes as Diversity in Cannes celebrates 15 years in May 2024.