Designed to accelerate the careers of women and non-binary talent, the 2026 cohort selected for this learning and development programme includes 20 creatives from 15 global markets.

Taking place at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, between Monday, 22 June and Friday, 26 June, the programme includes mentorship opportunities and private masterclasses with industry leaders, as well as backstage access and sessions tailored to each participant's career goals, says Ster-Kinekor.

As the gateway to the world's most prestigious celebration of creative excellence, the Cannes Lions Festival aims to sit at the heart of the 'See It Be It' initiative. Ster-Kinekor, the Cannes Lions Festival Representative for South Africa, is committed to the nurturing of creativity across all brand communication platforms.

"Ster-Kinekor has always been passionate about storytelling, creativity and the power of ideas to move audiences. We are very excited that Liesl Lategan has been selected as part of the 2026 See It Be It cohort, and we are sure she will share her learnings and experiences from the programme far and wide across the industry on her return from Cannes," says Lynne Wylie, Chief Marketing Officer of Ster-Kinekor Theatres.

Lategan says that being chosen as the representative from South Africa for the SIBI Cohort of 2026 is a huge honour. "Creativity and being creative are completely natural for me. They are the fabric of my life and my purpose, which is inextricably linked to my business and its people. I look forward to learning at Cannes and becoming a better leader to continue growing Spitfire as a business that embodies transformation, purpose and passion in all that we do."

The 'See It Be It' programme is a cornerstone initiative at Cannes Lions, aimed at embodying an unwavering commitment to elevating underrepresented talent in the creative industry. This year, the programme welcomes a cohort representing a broad range of creative disciplines and global markets.

Their unique perspectives and experiences will aim to enrich the SIBI community — a network dedicated to fostering career development and paving the way forward for women and non-binary talent in the industry, says Ster-Kinekor.

Since its inception in 2014, more than 150 women and non-binary talent from 44 markets have participated in the programme that is designed to combat the gender imbalance of creative directors in the industry. 'See It Be It' is open to all women and non-binary people.

At Cannes this year, the cohort will be supported by Alumni Tutors Leena Gupta, Creative and Founding Member of Talented Agency, India, and Natasha Lashly, Founder and ECD of Piña Colada, Venezuela, says Ster-Kinekor.

The 2026 cohort comprises of:

  • Aidovhioghie Anani: Deputy Creative Director, X3M Ideas, Nigeria.
  • Alba Abelló Balmes: Senior Creative, Twitch, United Kingdom.
  • Beatriz Fiori: Senior Copywriter, GUT São Paulo, Brazil.
  • Dana Buckhorn: Creative Director, Copywriter, Mischief @ No Fixed Address, United States.
  • Eugene Park: Creative Excellence Lead, CJ Cheiljedang, South Korea.
  • Farah El Beaini: Group Account Director, Burson, Lebanon / United Arab Emirates.
  • Haylie Craig: Global Associate Creative Director, LEGO Group, Denmark (they / them).
  • Hilary Ngan Kee: Head of Strategy, Motion Sickness, Aotearoa New Zealand.
  • Holly Attrill: Senior Creative, Wieden+Kennedy London, United Kingdom.
  • Kristen Gaerlan: Creative Director, Weber Shandwick, United States.
  • Liesl Lategan — Kyriakou: Founder/Executive Producer, Spitfire Films, South Africa.
  • Liyana Hidhir: Copywriter, Independent, Singapore.
  • Micaelle Lages: Creative Director and Co-Founder, thecode, Brazil.
  • Natalie Narh: Co-Founder and CEO, NewComma, Ghana.
  • Padcha Tanviruch: Independent Creative Director, Thailand.
  • Priscila Ramos de Sousa: Associate Creative Director, Area 23, United States.
  • Shreya Arora: Creative Strategy, Ultrahuman, India.
  • Shyaire Ganglani: Associate Creative Director (Copywriter), Leo Australia, Australia.
  • Svetlana Copic: Founder and Creative Director, No Agency, Serbia.
  • Valentina Bezzolo Briceño: Senior Creative Copywriter, DDB Chile, Chile.

For more information, visit www.sterkinekor.com. You can also follow Ster-Kinekor on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor