There’s a new creative group in DC, and they want to connect women. The DC chapter of She Says, an award-winning mentoring and networking organization for women in creative industries, held its kick-off event at Edelman DC on July 31.
Visionaries define creativity in many different ways, and how they motivate others to share their ideas often takes additional creativity. The panel, shown above, included, Caryn Alagno, SVP, Edelman; Rachel Cothran, director of public relations, Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art + Design; Laura McDaniel, director of strategy, AKQA; Amy Sherman, director of digital marketing, lifestyle brands, Marriott International; and Holly Thomas, editor of Refinery 29.
Most of the panel blog both professionally and personally, and they have found a creative community around blogging.
Thomas is a visual artist, found creativity through teaching herself to draw by watching tutorials on YouTube.
Visionary insights included:
• Creativity is subjective, but sometimes you need to self-define. Find a niche and fill it;
• Creativity is a moment of grace;
• There is a big difference between having a creative idea and having an idea with a plan;
• Not all creative ideas break through the politics of decision making, so you need to socialize ideas with the right people. Then, get buy-in from the decision maker;
• Not every pitch works on everyone, so sometimes you need to act differently with different stakeholders; and,
• Say what you think, not what you think you are supposed to say.
SheSaysDC plans to have regular free events to connect creative women from all areas, including writing, public relations, advertising, marketing, and design.
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Attending the event were (L to R) Debbie Friez, BurrellesLuce and author of this post; Rachael Seda, American Society of Appraisers; and Shonali Burke, MSL.