THE Women of cannes
In 2016 I was selected as one of 15 women for Cannes Lions' See It Be It program.
During the program, I created a portrait series to capture these fierce creative women and help tell the story of women in advertising.
“Girls, you don’t have to be a man to be successful. Be authentic. Be you.”
"Being a woman in advertising can be overwhelming at times, like being caught in a whirlwind. It took me a while to realize I don't need to work within the storm, I can be my own force of nature."
– Scarlett Montanaro | UK | Art Director
"Advertising allows me to develop the traits that I value most in a woman: intelligence, irony, passion, sensitivity and elegance."
– Marina Cuesta | Spain | Associate Creative Director
“All I want is for creative women to be able to focus on the work, and making the best work possible. Let’s make all the other concerns and barriers just get out of the way.”
"Since the origins of the advertising industry in Latvia, you can count the number of female creative directors on the fingers of one hand. Indeed, I believe I’m the only one right now, and that is not a feeling of being at the top of the game; instead it is something like being all alone in the jungle."
– Ulrika Plotniece | Latvia | Creative Director
"I used to think that being a woman in advertising meant that I have to prove that I have a voice, I have something to say. And I'm learning that that isn't quite right. It's more something like we have each have a voice, we have many things to say."
– Lauren Smith | USA | Associate Creative Director
“Be fearless. Never let them dull your vibrant spirit. Never apologize for your differences or your successes.”
"Being a woman in advertising has made me who I am today. The struggles made me fearless. The naysayers unleashed my voice. And the community of support, from both women and men, has given me a deeply generous spirit."
– Carrie Dunn | USA | Writer
"We saw it. We saw women who own their space in the world, and in our industry, so entirely and unapologetically. And what we realized, most importantly, is that we are these women too."
– Krystle Mullin | Canada | Senior Writer
“To the female creatives: Be brave. Take risks.”
"There’s no one way to work towards gender equality. There are so many things we can all be doing everyday to help solve this problem. I’m inspired and excited about the future of our industry."
– Katherine O'Brien | USA | Associate Creative Director
"Being a part of a minority in the creative industry, I never considered my work as minor."
– Marta Frączek | Poland | Senior Copywriter
"Seeing powerful women in action and having the opportunity to hear their stories has changed me in two specific ways. It's made me rethink my path and it's made me more aware of all the creative women who might benefit from what I've learned."
– Knox Balbastro | Singapore | Associate Creative Director
“I’m so proud to be a card carrying, flag waving, secret handshake knowing See It Be It alumna. I will champion it and the next wave of women always.”