4 Women of Colour Open Up on Their Cannes Lions Experience

“I was super excited when I had the opportunity to attend Cannes with lollipop. I was definitely a little anxious about heading out too as it was my first time attending, and in all honesty, it’s not somewhere I ever envisaged myself being as a working-class, disabled woman of colour. In fact, it was so far off my radar that, despite seven years in marketing, I didn’t even know it was a thing until last year.

My experience was honestly amazing! I had the time of my life. I felt more comfortable there than I might have expected and I didn't get that "this isn't my place" vibe at all. If anything, it was a big reminder of the power of networking. It hit me that I've got just as much to bring to the table in terms of skills, experience and wisdom as anyone else. 

Being a woman of colour I spent decades not feeling seen this is why organisations like lollipop are super important. Also having a disability, the weight of invisibility is real. We exist and not in small numbers. Including diverse voices in decision-making is vital for working towards a truly equitable society. At Cannes, the absence of disabled women of colour highlights the work ahead. Lack of diverse perspectives creates inaccessible spaces. There’s a lot of work to do. But it begins with conversations like these. When we see people like us represented it also helps show others what’s possible for them too. Ultimately, it's not just about being inclusive, it's about building a stronger, more representative industry that truly reflects the world we live in.

I came away from the experience feeling super empowered. It's not just about what you bring to the table, but who you know is a huge part of growing your career and connecting to opportunities.”

“I was elated when I was approached about heading to Cannes. I hadn't envisioned myself attending such a prestigious event, and it truly broadened my perspective on the opportunities available. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I love marketing so absorbing all that knowledge from the various talks was overwhelming in the best way. The opportunity to mingle with industry figures I previously didn’t have access to was transformative. It felt as if an entirely new world of possibilities opened up before me. I even stepped out of my comfort zone to network - something I've found challenging in the past.

I’m so grateful for organisations like lollipop for making this a reality. Shattering the glass ceiling is long overdue and a lack of diverse representation stagnates innovation because when everyone shares similar backgrounds, fresh ideas become rare. A thriving creative industry like ours thrives on diversity of thought. 

To stay at the cutting edge, we need myriad perspectives and voices. I aspire to see greater diversity, especially in senior roles. I'm optimistic, though, so I believe we're on the cusp of a transformative era. Being at Cannes has given me a great reminder about the importance of dreaming BIG!”

“I’d heard so many good things about Cannes but always felt it was so out of reach. So much so, I almost didn’t apply to go but I’m so glad I did – it was such an amazing experience!

I was quite surprised by the representation I saw. Whilst it still isn’t enough, I didn’t realise I’d have a space for people like myself to feel at home. I absolutely loved the events and talks that were being hosted at LBB Beach and Group Black on Inkwell Beach. I looked forward to spending the day hearing people I absolutely admired speak and inspire a generation of creatives. 

I really don’t think I would have ever made it to Cannes without the encouragement of lollipop Mentoring. I want to see not only Black people and Black women in particular, being invited to the table, but creating a space of their own. I’ve seen the grassroots of that at Cannes, and would love to see that continue. Cannes is still inaccessible for many – including myself – without the help of organisations who band together to make opportunities like #CannesForAll possible.”

“My experience at Cannes was nothing short of stimulating. The atmosphere was bustling with activity and there was so much happening all around. The insights I gained were invaluable - I attended a lot of thought-provoking talks, especially the engaging panel discussions at CC: DC's Inkwell Beach. I came away with a renewed sense of inspiration especially after meeting and hearing Issa Rae  - I've adored her and her work for a long time!

One of the significant insights I took away was the realisation that diversity, while essential, isn't always driven by altruistic motives. Many discussions underscored that the real driver is often the impact on business and revenue. This insight made me recognise the importance of framing the conversation in business terms to resonate with decision-makers. It's about showing that diversity isn't just a moral imperative, but a strategy for growth.

What surprised me the most during my time at Cannes was actually myself. At certain points, like during the Campaign event, I found myself less confident than usual when engaging with new people - something that doesn't typically happen in my daily life. This experience revealed to me that the surroundings were most likely impacting my confidence. Stepping out of my comfort zone was a crucial step, leading me to realise the importance of being in these spaces. It's a personal growth journey that I'm excited to continue.

It shouldn't be so exceptional for Black women to be in these spaces. It should be the norm. The fact that I wasn't even aware of Cannes before speaks to the underlying issue. It's not only about being physically present but also about having the confidence to truly inhabit these spaces. Feeling unsure about my place and abilities in these situations makes me consider the broader impact, particularly for other women who might be facing similar doubts.

I genuinely hope that my journey and sharing my experience serves as a gateway to more opportunities for Black women to not only attend but excel in such spaces.”