Candice Guiste also known as Candi G curated and hosted Women in Creative Industries Summit at The MAC Birmingham December 2023 as part of Evolve Nation Academy. She has 15+ years’ experience in events and the music entertainment industry, working with both corporate and private clients. The summit addressed the topics of diversity, equity, culture and inclusion in the industry, an important ongoing focus for an evolving society.

The under-representation of females in the creative industries, especially in senior roles, has been a persistent issue and social conversation, but these events are a catalyst for improvement through networking and awareness. Panel speakers included notable figures in the creative industries: Entrepreneur Lisa Maffia infamously from So Solid Crew, Video Creative Director Gabriella Kingsley, Unique Monique the founder of the Creative Industries Awards and Melzy J, Radio DJ & Voice Over Artist.

The event covered many strands of the creative industries- art by Natural Mystic, fashion show featured Panache by Elvira, Kiannara Fashion and Guia London. Music performances were featured by model and social activist Sophie Alexandra and upcoming talent Nina Rose, who is fast gaining traction internationally with her live performances.

The interactive panel of industry leaders and visionaries delivered heartfelt keynote speeches, sharing their personal journeys, insights, and strategies for success. These leading females in the creative industry covered topics ranging from representation, the illusion and causes of impostor syndrome, creating a brand that resonates with you, investing in yourself and your creativity and how to monetize from your creativity and the importance of support and allyship just to summarize some of the brilliant conversations. Attendees related to the struggles, challenges and obstacles, especially around the intersections of gender and race, but also to the accounts of triumph, persistence and pivoting shared by the panel.

Events are a beacon of motivation and education for musicians and creatives at any stage of their career, opening well needed conversations and building solidarity towards positive change. The next Evolve Nation Academy summit is due to take place April 2024 in London so for those in industry, keep a look out for further details and updates.