The organisers of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity have announced Swati Bhattacharya, chief creative officer, FCB Ulka as the 'See It Be It' ambassador.
She will be guiding the participants through the programme and leading the discussion around the theme 'invite yourself'.
The 'See It Be It' initiative fully funds women to attend the festival. Since 2014, it has funded 70 women.
Bhattacharya will work towards the goal of gender parity in the industry and act as an advisor and role model for the women involved.
She said, “I’m so honoured to be named a 'See It Be It' ambassador. Sisterhood is the most powerful catalyst I have had in my life, and it has not only changed my career, but it has changed my life. In seeing these young, bright women from around the globe, I will unlock parts of myself and parts of them.”
She added, "As women, we don’t often feel deserving of the place we occupy. Our voices don’t always cooperate. I want us to leave Cannes believing that not only must we invite ourselves, but also leave the door open for our sisters.”
Bhattacharya will work with 'See It Be It' chair Madonna Badger, CCO and founder, Badger & Winters in steering the course of the programme.
Badger said, "I can’t imagine someone better to represent all that 'See It Be It' stands for. Throughout her career, Swati has shown us that creative excellence and fighting the stereotyping of women do not have to be mutually exclusive. She truly exemplifies the power of what happens when you “invite yourself" - both in her work and as a leader in the industry. I am thrilled to be partnering with her and look forward to seeing her impact on the programme.”
Last year’s ambassador was Chloe Gottlieb, director of product design at Google.
Louise Benson,VP, Festivals, Cannes Lions, said, “We know that investing in these women works. We’ve seen the power of 'See It Be It', in the access and the exposure it provides, the achievements of our alumna and the strength of the community that forms as a result. We’re absolutely delighted to have Swati as our 'See It Be It' ambassador. She’s a great example of the spirit of the programme, breaking barriers as one of the first female CCOs in India, creating phenomenal work and space for others to thrive.”
