Celebrating women inspiring and pioneering change in the industry, and beyond
Artwork by: Maïa Faddoul.
Every day, I’m inspired by the women who surround me. Their diversity of experiences and actions bring about change. When women come together, we make incredible things happen.
It’s important that we recognize women who are breaking barriers, giving back to their communities and making an impact by sharing their stories. When we amplify women’s voices and share their stories, we help forge the path for a more inclusive future, so the world can see, learn and benefit from diverse perspectives.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, I’ll have the honor of speaking with trailblazers and visionaries, joining some incredible women at the Female Quotient IWD event. Women whose active support for equality in their own communities is igniting change, advocacy and inclusivity for others in their industry, and beyond.
Each have shared tips and advice on how we can all tap into our own strengths and use our voice to create change.
Peggy Holmes — Director of Apple TV+ and Skydance Animation’s Luck
Artwork by: Maïa Faddoul.
Why is inclusivity more important than ever?
For me as a filmmaker and an audience member, it is exciting to see a new point of view, something I haven’t thought of before, a new way to experience a familiar subject. And the only way to do that is to include others — hear other points of view — see a familiar story told in a way that is unfamiliar to you.
How are you championing for women at varying stages in their careers?
By giving them encouragement and sharing a positive attitude. It is not always easy to get your point across if a room is predominantly male. Not because they aren’t open or don’t want to hear from you, but because their life experience is often very different than yours. So, finding the words that will convey your experience, your emotion, your idea in a way that is successful is sometimes difficult. But you must keep sharing, keep trying.
What piece of advice would you give your younger self starting out in her career?
Two things: be braver and network more.
Miciana Alise — 2022 Women at Sundance | Adobe Fellow and Co-Writer of Sundance Film, Fancy Dance
Artwork by: Maïa Faddoul.
How are you driving forward momentum for women in your industry?
"By shining light on women’s experiences that are true to life and not “polished” or “glossed over” for easier consumption. I believe it’s my job to share women’s truths in all their beauty and agony. I also believe it’s my job to bring other women with me when doors are opened — to hire women, seek counsel from women, to serve women in my art.”
Why is inclusivity more important than ever?
"We are at a point in history where we are part of a global community. In order for that global community to be equitable, we must make space for everyone’s truths, experiences and histories. I believe we are living in a time where we can heal a lot of historical wounds and bridge gaps that have existed for centuries if we harness one another’s strengths and take the time to really listen to folks whose walks of life differ from our own.”
What piece of advice would you give your younger self starting out in her career?
“Be patient with your process through the industry. You don’t have to be perfect right out of the gate — it's more important to be open to the experiences presented to you and the knowledge you’ll gain, even the hard experiences will be incredibly beneficial.”
Kaci Merriwether-Hawkins — Adobe AMPED Creative Cohort Member and Founder of Black Girls in Art Spaces
Artwork by: Maïa Faddoul.
How are you driving forward momentum for women in your industry?
“By connecting and cultivating ways to meet our needs. We’re all seeking different pieces to our puzzles and I don’t have all the answers. Through developing a community of people with common interests, I feel I create a greater chance for those seeking to find exactly what they need.”
How are you championing for women at varying stages in their careers?
"Through Black Girls in Art Spaces, I’m able to bring a multigenerational community to discuss their journeys in the Arts. We don’t always see a lot of “us” in these spaces, so no matter where you are in your career, you can gain some affirmation.”
What’s a piece of advice you would give your younger self starting out in her career?
“You do not have to be one thing. Come out of the box. You can be a visual storyteller, creator of liberatory spaces, and more. Your passions will meet and when they do, it will create a beautiful tapestry for communal care.”
Crystal Kayiza — 2018 Sundance Ignite Fellow and director of Rest Stop
Artwork by: Maïa Faddoul.
How are you driving forward momentum for women in your industry?
I’ve learned that transparency is one of the greatest gifts. There are so many women, particularly Black women, who have guided me and continue to give me honest feedback. Knowledge is power and this honesty has allowed me to sustain myself and my work. I try to mirror this as much as possible in my relationship to other filmmakers and prioritize being in community with people who value transparency and knowledge sharing.
Why is inclusivity more important than ever?
The conversation around representation and inclusivity is incredibly important. But in order to make inclusion sustainable, our vision for the future cannot operate with the same rules. Representation should also mean reimagining how we make the work and redefining what power looks like behind the camera and at the negotiating table. It’s so important for us to see ourselves reflected but taking up space is the first of many challenges. Being present doesn’t always guarantee that your voice is valued or heard. So inclusion is more important than ever because it also opens the conversations about how and where we seek affirmation and dismantles the idea that you need to be chosen to belong. It pushes us to ask, whose gaze is at the center of my dreams and aspirations and why?
What’s a piece of advice you would give your younger self starting out in her career?
The best advice I received was to name myself first. It sounds so simple but the act of calling myself a director, claiming that as part of my identity, was so important to my journey into this career. I had to learn that no one was going to claim that for me and sometimes the act of telling people who you are, being the one to decide the terms of how you’re seen and perceived, is so powerful.
Paving the way for diverse voices
Adobe’s mission has always been to elevate the stories of all creators and we are committed to bringing greater opportunities and access for all voices, especially the underrepresented. We are proud to partner with organizations like the USC School of Dramatic Arts’ (SDA) MFA Acting Program and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, the National Women’s Soccer League as the official ‘Creativity Partner,’ and the Sundance Institute with the Women at Sundance | Adobe Fellowship. Through our AMPED Creative Cohort, we’re also bringing together multi-hyphenate creators and giving underrepresented creatives the space to push the envelope through initiatives, projects, and masterclasses with exposure to digital literacy tools, networking opportunities and brand partnerships.
Women History Month is opportunity for all to champion the importance of sharing advice and supporting one another. I’m proud of the ways that Adobe continues to open pathways for women to share knowledge and be inspired for both their personal and business growth.