MUMBAI: DDB Mudra Group chairman & CCO Sonal Dabral has been chosen by the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity as one of the 12 mentors of the ‘See It Be It’ initiative.

The initiative, a first-of-its-kind, invites 12 women, who have been chosen from nominations sent in by agency leaders across the globe, to Cannes Lions for a unique programme and filmmaking project.

Dabral said, “See It Be It is great initiative by the Cannes Lions Festival, which focuses on one of the fundamental problems our industry is facing the world over. I am honoured and excited to be invited as one of the mentors and I look forward to interacting and sharing my experiences with the future stars of our industry. I wish this truly commendable programme long life and great success."

The programme aims to further women’s careers in the creative industry, encouraging them to stay in the industry. Across three days, 12 women will be part of an inspirational and educational programme which will take place during Cannes Lions. The agenda will include guided access to the jury rooms, meet and greets with VIP speakers, dedicated sessions by industry leaders and by the Berlin School of Creative Leadership, and a mentorship event supported by SheSays.

Commenting on the initiative, Lions Festival’s director of Brand Strategy Senta Slingerland said, “We know a more gender-balanced creative industry will result in better work. This programme identifies the next set of female creative heavyweights - they exist, but need an extra push into the spotlight. Mentorship is an important part of this programme. Sonal has always supported what we were trying to achieve which he’s one of only two male mentors this year! The others are very successful and inspirational women from around the world.”

The programme will run from 15 to 17 June in Cannes, France, home to Cannes Lions.