AKA partners with I Can Be, with the aim of inspiring the advertising industry’s next generation of female talent.
I Can Be, a non-profit organisation, gives seven and eight-year-old girls exposure to a wide variety of women in the workplace.
AKA’s partnership with I Can Be demonstrates the agency’s ongoing commitment to driving social change, championing diversity and inspiring the next generation of creative talent.
I Can Be brings Year Three girls into the world of work to help broaden their horizons and discover the breadth of opportunity available to them. Targeting inner-city primary schools, the programme enables girls to explore jobs they otherwise may never be exposed to, building their curiosity and confidence along the way.
The partnership will see the agency host three groups in their London office between March and May for a series of interactive workshops. Led by Catherine Warwick, account director at AKA, each session will include a Q&A, an introduction to Catherine’s job and a fun activity where the girls will learn first-hand what it’s like to work in advertising.
Speaking of the partnership, Warwick expressed her excitement to be hosting the children, “We’re thrilled to be working with I Can Be and collaborating with them on their mission to challenge the low expectations these girls may set for themselves at a young age.”
“To play a role in inspiring these girls, opening their eyes to new careers and showing them what’s achievable is a real privilege.”
Amanda Lewis, group business development director at AKA added, “At AKA, our commitment to championing diversity across the industry stems from our unique position in having a workforce that has strong female leadership.”
“It’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”
“Our partnership with I Can Be enables us to continue making a valuable difference to both London and the advertising industry’s diversity issue and ensure young girls are inspired to be anything they want to be, and not faced with any limitations in the pursuit of their future career.”
Speaking of the new partnership with AKA, Lamorna Byford, project director at I Can Be, said, “We’re delighted to join forces with a leading advertising agency in London which shares our passion in championing women and girls.”
“Together, we can counter the reality that girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly in areas of high unemployment, are much less likely to be exposed to opportunities outside their neighbourhood and have access to an informal network of career-minded women.”
“AKA’s female leadership will act as role models for the girls and encourage them to keep their eyes open to all the possibilities around and ahead of them.”
