Tusker Microbrewery in Nairobi came alive as Tusker partnered with Cannes Lions to host See It Be It (SIBI) Connect, a bold initiative aimed at empowering women in the creative industry.
The venue buzzed with energy as women donned vibrant Ankara dresses, tailored trousers, playful shorts, and Afro-chic accessories, an outward celebration of identity and creativity.
The event was hosted by the charismatic Tracy Gachie, whose poise set the perfect tone for the day.
Guests started with a lively breakfast before Emuron Alemu, Cannes Lions Representative for Kenya, welcomed attendees, urging them to show up as “the new version” of themselves. He emphasised the East African reach of the movement, with participants joining from neighbouring Uganda.
Keynotes and panels throughout the morning reinforced the day’s purpose. Denise Boateng, Global Cannes Lions Representative, outlined how women could apply for SIBI 2026, a fully funded four-day immersion at Cannes designed to accelerate leadership, sharpen creative vision, and expand global networks.
Attendees were guided through application questions exploring career growth, creativity, proudest work, community impact, and leadership aspirations.
The mid-morning panel featured Megha Dutta, Svetlana Polikarpova, and Natasha Karungi, who shared candid stories of resilience and ambition. Megha urged participants to “fail early, fail bigly” while leaning into their strengths.
“Lean into your strengths,” she said, adding, “People want you to succeed and with enthusiasm, integrity, and intelligence will always open doors.”
Svetlana recounted surviving a tsunami in Japan, which shaped her path to founding the Tandem Network. Natasha delivered a heartfelt “letter to her younger self,” reminding women to extend grace while daring to dream bigger.
After lunch, Maureen Rutabingwa, Head of Spirits Innovation, Africa at Diageo, delivered the final keynote, followed by an afternoon panel with Nyambura, Zizwe, Monali, Waithera, and Nelly Wainaina, discussing leadership, resilience, and regional impact.
As the sun set, Denise Boateng closed the day with inspiring words before guests transitioned into an evening of networking with Keza Mpyisi, forming connections anchored in ambition and possibility.
See It Be It Connect was more than an event; it was a statement.
African women in creativity are not waiting to be invited to the table; they are building their own, decorating it in Ankara, and pulling up chairs for the next generation.