Chicks in Advertising (CIA) founder Karla Henwood, believes it’s important for women to shape the future of an industry they are privileged to call their own.

Henwood implores industry professionals to get involved in the CIA community today as it hosts ‘Pink Ribbon Day’ – a charity event that raises funds and awareness of women-related cancers.

“It can be tough for everyone – men and women – to succeed in this business,” explained Henwood.

In 2010, Chicks in Advertising was born with the aim of becoming a constructive group of like-minded women who support one another while navigating the changing landscape of Adland.

According to Henwood, over the past two years the calling for CIA has become greater due to the fragmented nature of the industry, fueled on by the rising trend of freelance-based professionals who more than ever, savour the opportunity to connect with colleagues on a more face to face basis.

CIA has held various gatherings including industry luncheons, art gallery tours, fundraisers and Melbourne Cup Day celebrations.

“Our local advertising industry if full of amazingly talented and driven women, yet for some reason, historically there has been few opportunities for us to get together, network and put a face to the name,” Henwood said.

“The idea for CIA is to provide a forum for us to connect in a way where we can discuss ideas and download about work and industry trends in a social setting” she added.

Henwood believes the supportive response to CIA has validated the idea of the need for a group in the first place.

“I know we’re all incredibly time poor and sometimes frustrated by the pressures of our work, but at the end of the day, we are all very lucky to be working in such a great industry. So, beyond the core idea of getting together and networking, we wanted the CIA to be an opportunity to also give back. We are always looking to structure our events around issues and causes that affect women in the broader community.”