Cannes Lions has announced the cohort for the 2025 See It Be It talent programme, designed to accelerate the careers of women and non-binary talent. The 2025 cohort selected for this unique learning and development programme includes 20 creatives from 14 markets, with Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela being represented for the first time.
Taking place at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, between 16 and 20 June 2025, the programme includes mentorship opportunities and private masterclasses with industry leaders, as well as backstage access and session invitations tailored to each participant’s career goals.
Since its launch in 2014, See It Be It has brought together over 100 women and non-binary people from 35 markets, with 75% of the programme’s alumni having been promoted and 63% now operating at a Creative Director level or above. More information on the programme is available here, and guidance on how to accelerate gender equity efforts can be found in The Progress Check: Gender report, exclusively on The Work.
The 2025 cohort will be supported by Mentor Atiya Zaidi, CEO & Chief Creative Officer, BBDO Pakistan, Pakistan, and Alumni Tutors Estefanía López, Strategy Director, Connections, TBWA\Chiat\Day New York, USA, and Nicky Lorenzo, Founder & Executive Creative Director, Twice on Sunday, USA.
Commenting on her appointment, Lorenzo said: “The ability to act as steward for this incredible cohort of immensely talented individuals is truly a privilege. See It Be It was – and continues to be – a driving force of inspiration, learning, and growth for me, and I hope to facilitate the same for this year’s cohort as they embark on this incredible journey. Now, more than ever, is the time to uplift women who deserve recognition and sponsorship.”
López added: “This cohort of incredible creatives honours the legacy of See It Be It and marks the first year of a new decade for the programme. It doesn’t get more iconic than this. Their voices will be pivotal in reshaping the future of our industry. As their tutor and friend, I look forward to helping them unlock their potential and realize that leadership isn’t about justification – it’s about owning your strengths and helping others do the same.”
The 2025 cohort are named as follows:
Aidovhioghie Anani, Deputy Creative Director, X3M Ideas, Nigeria
Archana Mahadevan, SVP, Strategy Director, Arnold Worldwide, USA
Charlotte Berry, Senior Creative, Howatson+Company, Australia
Connie Chweh, Senior Art Director & Co-founder, Peloton Interactive & AZN AMERICANA, USA
Daniela Cabezas Narbona, Senior Copywriter, VML Santiago, Chile
Érika Moreira, Copywriter, Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Giulia Ferrarezi, Associate Creative Director, DAVID Madrid, Spain
Irina – Andreea Blanșek, Group Creative Director, Tribal Worldwide Romania, Romania
Jawahira Javed, Creative Director, BBDO Pakistan, Pakistan
Jess Lilley, Creative Partner, The Open Arms, Australia
Karen Lopes, Senior Copywriter, DM9, Brazil
Katie Dean, SVP Creative Director, 21GRAMS, USA
Kelly M. Garcia, Copywriter, Apple, USA
Kyra Matthews, Associate Creative Director (Copy), UAE & India
Leena Gupta, Creative & Founding Member, Talented Agency, India
Mahima Kukreja, Independent Senior Creative Director, India
Natasha Lashly, Chief Creative Officer, Piña Colada, Venezuela
Pooja Ambulkar, Creative Director, Accenture GN Song, India
Renata Muratova, Creative Group Head, Progression CA, Kazakhstan
Tuere Kareem, Creative Director, Lonsdale Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising Ltd, Trinidad and Tobago