With International Women’s Day approaching, and recognizing that a single day is never enough to celebrate the contributions of women, we are dedicating the entire month of March to spotlighting voices from across the industry as part of our IWD Voices series. Throughout the month, leaders will share their journeys, experiences, and the lessons that have shaped them.
Next up, we speak with Mirella Wattimena, Group Head Account Director at LUP Agency – THAT HAUS (Activation Division).
In our conversation, Mirella talks about what this year’s International Women’s Day theme means to her professionally and personally. She reflects on what first drew her to the industry and the defining moments that set her career in motion.
She also discusses how conversations around women and work have evolved, what she believes has genuinely improved, and where more attention and action are still needed, including a change she would like to see in workplaces for the next generation of women.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” What does this mean to you professionally and personally?
Since there are increments of great women holding great positions in any kind of industry, we should be able to always have the same rights as men in similar positions, we should always be appreciated for our important decisions and not be underestimated to do our tasks. Personally, Thank God, I have had the chance to prove myself as a woman with important roles in my company and being appreciated to decide, manage also set the standard for our tasks.
What first drew you to your industry, and was there a defining moment that set your career in motion? Was there a role model who influenced you early on?
Turns out, I already arranged an elementary school farewell party at my house for my class before we entered the junior high school. I arrange the transportation, create a rundown, act as an emcee, develop fun games, and also provide the gimmicks. That moment led to my current job in an activation agency. I do not have a particular role model, but I was blessed to have great bosses/superiors and also my honored clients, from whom I can learn a lot.
How has your understanding of fairness changed as you’ve gained experience and seniority?
I am blessed to experience my job from a very low position and have been given opportunities to be fairly challenged to step into a higher position in a short duration. I got that because of my performances in work, although I do not have specific skills in doing it. That is why I always give room and opportunities for my team to shine and step up as long as they are passionate and serious in doing it.
As conversations around women and work have evolved, what do you think has genuinely improved—and where do you think more attention and action are still needed?
There are a lot of opportunities for women to have high positions in almost any kind of industries which were dominated by men previously. But sometimes we still hear society rumors about those women in their great positions in terms of personality, behavior or point of interests. Society still compares women and men in the same job position or questions the decisions, especially comparing whether women rely more on their emotions than men on their logic.
I always give room and opportunities for my team to shine and step up as long as they are passionate and serious in doing it.
I hope that the rumors/thoughts are decreasing more and more because I know those great women in their jobs are really capable, and people should put trust in them. We surely can weigh our decision based on emotion and logic fairly.
Is there a project or initiative you’ve worked on related to women’s empowerment that you’re particularly proud of? What made it meaningful to you?
I have several experiences related to women’s empowerment from milk’s brand, marketplace and also banking. One project was to show how powerful Mom’s decision to prepare their children to be the great next generation with simple things such as choosing the right products. The other project was to show how women can manage their multitasking ability to support the family economy (supporting their husband) by emphasizing their talents in cooking, sewing, baking, art, and crafting to be sold in the local market or online market. It was amazing to see how enthusiastic and how creative they are in their super crowded house schedules.
What responsibility do senior leaders have in shaping more equitable workplaces, beyond statements or policies?
We should trust our team in doing their job, give more opportunities for them to lead the projects, and be mindful / empathy of their problems or issues. We should be able to be a respected leader rather than an intimidated one.
What is one change you would like to see in workplaces for the next generation of women?
Believe it or not, a pampering corner is a must-have in workplaces. We, women, need to be soothed and comforted even in our working hours. We are multitasking players and we need a quick moment to release the stress just to stay sane.
Quick Hits:
A trend you are excited about, or not excited about
I adore an inspirational person, Edward Suhadi (@edwardsuhadi) who has an advertising agency called Ceritera. He also writes motivational/inspirational book based on simple stories or daily activities in personal or work life. He really can open our eyes and think deeply about what we have to do or feel or experience. He also directs TV ad or digital ad based on every day’s stories that related to the brand.
His output always makes me cry hard or think hard. Since last year, he started to give something to think every Monday before we all got busy with our schedules in his Instagram with a hashtag #Seninsebelumsibuk. A casual way of educating us, mostly about leadership. I never miss one single Monday without watching him and always post in my Instagram stories.
A creative campaign or representation of women that inspired you or made you feel seen
This NIKE ad represents sport-athlete women showing the hope that someday we won’t need International Women’s Day because there will be no need to prove they are just as fast, strong, or skilled.
A piece of advice that stayed with you longer than expected
Be a Leader who never gives, teaches, or does with an ulterior motive. You are just a facilitator and God’s extended hand to give opportunities for your team.
