My visit to Joan Creative today energized and inspired me to continue to work to bring about the change that I want to see in the ad world. To make the advertising industry more inclusive and progressive.

As Lisa Clunie and Jamie Robinson said: innovation in the industry is so much better when it can come from a place of positivity and a true belief that you can make something better.

So many things this week have given me the positive energy that I need to take that advice and move forward: the amazing support system provided by Flock, all the incredible women who have taken time out of their day to speak with us at panels, my talented classmates. There’s so much good in the world and so much support. This doesn’t mean that everything is fixed. As it has been said before: there’s still much work to be done. 

The world is changing fast, and we need to take action if we want a hand in shaping that direction. Inspiration can come from many places, not simply anger or frustration with what is going wrong (although this is a force that cannot be denied) but also a desire to create a new and better future. 

Jordan Blackburn 5/11/18