FEMMES FORWARD To address the issue, Havas launched “Frida was a once in a lifetime Femmes Forward Frida in 2020, its experience. Now I’m able to see myself name inspired by artist Frida Kahlo, as the creative leader I aspire to be… was launched with a specific audi- capable of networking with executives, ence in mind: women in creative. capable of speaking with authority at Enlisting the insights and advice of industry events, and representing my women who’ve risen to senior cre- agency globally,” says Michelle Un- ative leadership roles, along with derwood, SVP, Group Creative support of Havas’ Global Creative Director at Havas Chicago, and a Council, the program ensures that 2023 participant. change is driven from the top. “I grew my confidence and was con- Considering women in your hiring nected to a network of inspiring wom- and promotion decisions is key. en. I have renewed aspirations toward Havas New York Co-CEO and CCO becoming a creative leader, and I feel my Dan Lucey has had a keen focus future is very bright,” said Rucha Raikar, on growing more women to senior Creative Copy Lead at Havas Life creative roles with nine of his recent Medicom UK, and a 2022 participant. creative hires being women. Two years into the focus of increas- ing the total number of women senior “We need more women creative roles and creative positions ingeneral, there is improvement. Global getting promoted, moreChief PeoPatti Clarke shared, “Since 2021,ple Experience Officer women getting a chancewe’ve seen the number of women increative roles increase from 42% to to prove themselves, and46% and the number of women increative leadership roles increase more understanding from 5.7% to 24.8%. We are pleased with the progress and know with a and flexibility around continued focus and the engagement of the creative community; we will schedules for moms andcontinue to improve by providing an enriching and supportive career path for others with caregiving women in our creative organizations.” responsibilities.” While there is more work to be done to reach our goals for women in creative, we are making progress. DAN LUCEY Frida Kahlo put it best, With about ten participants percohort, the selective 6-month experi-“I don’t paint dreams ence offers leadership development,expert-led skills workshops, accessor nightmares, I paint to CCOs from around the world andthe opportunity to attend themy own reality.” prestigious Cannes Lions Festival. Participants gain a clearer view of their goals and put together an action plan to guide them moving forward with support from CCOs from around WOMEN IN CREATIVE ROLES the globe and a community of women creative peers. 42% 46% Includes creative and production roles, 2021 - 2023.