Meet The Generators: Big Buoy's International Women's Day Exhibition

It’s a well-known fact that 85% of purchasing decisions are made by women. Yet, less than 1/3 of those employed within the advertising industry are female. Women are rarely employed in leadership roles and the industry remains 70% white. 

It’s clear to see that still we have a long way to total equality, but it’s not all doom and gloom. The advertising industry is also accountable for nurturing a stream of incredible black female talent across the board. From creatives, to directors, to producers and so many more, these are hungry, inspiring women who, despite the stats, are making waves. They are doing good things and generating change. They deserve to be celebrated. They are the innovators. The reformers. The GENERATORS. 

And so, having drawn on her own experiences, Big Buoy’s Stacia Akaba set about a collaboration with award-winning director and photographer, Uzo Oleh, to create the perfect celebration, shining the limelight on these powerful women who continue to be a source of inspiration for so many. 

Stacia comments: “I’ve always championed celebrating women in the workplace and believe sharing our thoughts and experiences as women of colour is invaluable and will ultimately allow us to become more visible. When I first started in the industry back in 2006, I’d look around and didn’t see anyone that looked like me. I didn’t see black women in senior roles. We were few. Now I can proudly say there are many successful women of colour that we can look at, learn from and hope to encourage the next generation of advertising.”

Uzo adds: “GENERATORS is an important and necessary celebration of black female talent in the advertising industry and I’m proud to be a part of it. It was a complete honour to capture the strength and beauty of each and every one of these powerful and inspirational women.”

‘GENERATORS’ is on display at Big Buoy (1-5 Poland Street, London W1F 8PR) and will formally launch on March 11. For guest list contact: stacia@bigbuoytv.co.uk