New York: The One Club for Creativity has officially opened the call for entries for the 10th annual Next Creative Leaders (NCL) 2025, a global, free-to-enter competition recognizing women, non-binary, and trans creatives who are redefining leadership in the creative industry.
Established in partnership with The 3% Movement, NCL is the only free portfolio competition in the creative sector that provides a platform for rising talent making a meaningful impact through their work and perspectives. The program champions individuals whose creativity and leadership are driving change in terms of diversity, equity, and innovation in advertising, design, and digital media.
Entries are open through June 16, 2025, with the competition inviting copywriters, art directors, designers, associate creative directors, content creators, and newly promoted creative directors (with less than a year in role), as well as creative teams engaged in groundbreaking work.
Participants must submit four to six standout pieces of creative work along with written insights on how they—and their work—are contributing positively to the industry. Entries will be reviewed by a global jury of more than 70 top creatives, including past NCL winners, with winners announced in August 2025.
“The One Club created its own inclusion and diversity department nearly 20 years ago, and has steadily increased programming around gender equity in the workplace,” said Kevin Swanepoel, CEO, The One Club. “Next Creative Leaders is an important part of our programming because it identifies, elevates, and gives voice to those who are making a real difference, those who are opening the door and inspiring the next generation of creatives who follow in their footsteps.”
The competition not only selects global winners based on jury scores but also honors top entrants from Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East/Africa, and North America. Winners receive a one-year complimentary One Club membership, opportunities to serve on award juries, a free pass to a One Club professional development conference (valued over $1,000), and a chance to speak at industry panels and mentorship events. Their work is also showcased across The One Club’s platforms and featured by media partners.
This year’s branding for NCL 2025 has been created by Du Nieto (he/they), a 2021 NCL winner and lead designer at Revolut. The design uses the Romie Light Italic font, donated by Margot Lévêque Studio, based in New York.
As the organization behind prestigious programs like The One Show, ADC Annual Awards, Young Guns, and Type Directors Club, The One Club for Creativity continues to invest in the global creative community. All revenue from its initiatives supports its four foundational pillars: Education, Inclusion & Diversity, Gender Equality, and Creative Development.
