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Muscular Dystrophy Association Named Finalist at the 16th Annual Shorty Awards for Accessible Air Travel Campaign

New York, April 17, 2024 – Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has been named as a 16th Annual Shorty Awards finalist for the Accessible Air Travel Campaign in the Call to Action Category. To vote for MDA’s Accessible Air Travel Campaign click here: Vote for Shorty Awards Audience Honor till April 30.

The Shorty Awards honor the best work in digital and social media by the most creative and influential brands, agencies, organizations, and individuals whose work has excelled in creativity, strategy, and effectiveness.

MDA’s work has demonstrated outstanding performance across the judging criteria, which makes it a top contender for a Shorty Award in a most competitive year. The work is also eligible for competing in the Audience Honor - a separate honor voted by the public between April 16th to April 30th.

"We're deeply honored to stand as finalists for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Accessible Air Travel Campaign. Our gratitude extends to the advocates in the disability community and allies who championed inclusivity in the FAA reauthorization seeking to ensure a dignified air travel experience. For decades, this community has faced exclusion and indignity in air travel, but through this Campaign, millions of allies have amplified our message, answering the call to action. We’re grateful to Shorty Awards and members of the Academy for recognizing the MDA Accessible Air Travel Campaign in the ‘Call to Action’ Category. We commend the bravery and courage of Mindy Henderson, Vice President of Disability Outreach and Empowerment, MDA, and Madison Lawson, MDA Advocate, for fearlessly documenting the daily challenges endured by people living with disabilities in air travel," said Paul Melmeyer, Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Advocacy.

Read more about the MDA Accessible Air Travel Campaign here.

The 16th Annual Shorty Awards winners will be announced at the in-person celebration on May 22, 2024, at Tribeca 360º in New York City.

The winners and honorees are chosen by the Real Time Academy (RTA) - a panel of prominent experts and leaders in digital and social media who have been hand-selected based on their deep industry knowledge, professional reputation, and outstanding achievements, including previous Shorty wins.

Members of the Academy include Michelle Wong (CMO, Sprinkles), Allison Hobbs (Senior Director, Creative Services, Mediabrands Content Studio), Emeka Obia (Integrated Strategy Director, Publicis West Africa), Hital Pandya (Global Group Creative Director, Leo Burnett Chicago), Brittany Rice (Director, Social and Content, FX Networks/Disney), João Inácio (Creative Director, DEPT Agency), Naz Nazli (Creative Director, Creative X, Meta), Laura Mignott (Global Chief Experiential Officer, VML Commerce), among others.

About Muscular Dystrophy Association

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. For over 70 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for the support of our families. MDA's mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org and follow MDA on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

About The Shorty Awards

The Shorty Awards (also known as “The Shortys”) honor the most innovative work in digital and social media by brands, agencies and organizations.

Founded in 2008, the Shortys’ notable previous winners include Malala Yousafzai, Trevor Noah, Michelle Obama, Conan O’Brien, Lady Gaga, Lizzo, and brands such as Marvel Studios, HBO, Red Bull, Airbnb, Nestle, and BMW.

The Shortys’ mission is to celebrate, inspire and push the boundaries of excellence in digital storytelling. Entries are judged on the merits of creativity, strategy, and engagement by the Real Time Academy, a body of hand-selected industry experts and leaders. The public can also select their favorite Shorty Awards contenders during Audience Honor Voting.

Currently, the Shortys have two annual competitions, the flagship Shorty Awards and Shorty Impact Awards dedicated to honoring the best work with a positive social impact.

FIND THE SHORTY AWARDS ONLINE

Website: shortyawards.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shorty-awards
Twitter: @shortyawards
Instagram: @shortyawards
YouTube: www.youtube.com/shortyawards

CONTACT

Caitlin Hornshaw
Awards Manager, Shorty Awards
caitlin@shortyawards.com

Mary Fiance
Vice President, Strategic Communications, Muscular Dystrophy Association
press@mdausa.org