A note from the writer: This piece is dedicated to women across all industries and positions of different levels, creativities, and accomplishments. To the ones who are self-taught and keep asking questions and exploring because they want to master it all. To the women who battle imposter syndrome but keep pushing through and those who jump over hurdles and don’t give up because their talents shine too bright to ignore. To those who hit their goals (or surpass them) on their own or with others in their corner and those who are relentlessly themselves on their path to finding happiness in and out of the workplace. To the women of the world, we are smart, tenacious, bold, and impactful. Cheers to us this upcoming International Women’s Day and the other 364 days of the year.
To celebrate today’s expansive digital advertising space, we can’t ignore those who helped it get here. While the digital marketing industry is historically skewed towards male figures, it’s vital we remember and honor the pivotal roles many females have played in trailblazing the way for the modern digital advertising industry. With International Women’s Day approaching, we’re scrolling backward to spotlight a few female pioneers of the ad world who have significantly impacted the industry we know today.
Trailblazing Women in Advertising
Helen Lansdowne Resor: Creative advertising pioneer
The story of women in advertising takes us back to the early 20th century. Known as the best copywriter of her generation, Helen Lansdowne Resor started as a copywriter at J. Walter Thompson Co. in 1908. She wasn’t just a pioneer in creative advertising but also a champion for women’s rights and an inspiration and mentor to young female writers. Under her leadership, JWT became the first agency to hire female copywriters and create ads specifically targeting women, a groundbreaking move at that time.
Mary Wells Lawrence: Iconic advertising industry mogul
“I think my particular strength is my belief in passion – caring obviously and emotionally about how important what I am selling is.” Mary Well Lawrence, the founder of former creative advertising agency Wells Rich Greene, became the first female CEO of a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Her innovative approach to advertising, which included creating legendary campaigns for brands like Alka-Seltzer and Ford, left an unforgettable mark on the industry. She was not one to shy away from the emotional connection at the core of the creative spaces, and as an advertiser, marketer, and creative genius, some have known her to be one of the brightest women ever in the advertising industry.
Susan Wojcicki: The visionary behind digital engagement
Source: Pamela Littky for Variety
While the story of YouTube’s rise is often associated with its acquisition by Google, Susan Wojcicki, the company’s former CEO, played a pivotal role in shaping its advertising ecosystem. Under her leadership, YouTube transformed into a dynamic platform for brands and advertisers, capitalizing on the visual appeal of video content. Wojcicki’s strategic vision and emphasis on user experience have considerably shifted how advertising businesses engage audiences in the digital age.
Sheryl Sandberg: Influential tech leader
As a prominent business executive known for her leadership roles at major tech companies, including Google and Facebook, Sandberg greatly influenced the modern advertising landscape. During her time at Facebook, she played a pivotal role in monetization efforts by overseeing the development of advertising strategies that took Facebook from a social networking platform to a major player in the advertising world. Under her leadership, Facebook introduced data-driven, targeted advertising solutions, popularizing and advancing the concept of social advertising. This innovation has become a defining feature of today’s digital marketing landscape. Sanberg is also known for her book “Lean In,” which addresses women in the workplace and communicates a broader message of encouraging individuals across various industries to be proactive and assertive in their careers.
Bozoma Saint John: Powerhouse marketer shaping the direction of the digital world
As a marketing executive at companies like Apple Music, Uber, and Netflix, Bozoma Saint John’s culturally resonant campaigns have defined how brands meaningfully connect with diverse audiences. Throughout her career, she has built and repositioned brands, demonstrating the importance of a strong and authentic brand presence in the digital age. Beyond her extraordinary work in marketing, she has also been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, an important subject recognized as critical for effective marketing in diverse markets. As a philanthropist, advocate, and speaker, Bozoma Saint John uses her platform to inspire and empower the future generation of leaders.
While these women may not have exclusively focused on digital marketing, their contributions have had a broader impact on advertising, technology, and the digital landscape. In a diverse, growing sector like the digital ad industry, more and more women continue contributing to its growth and innovation. As we celebrate and honor these female pioneers, we pull inspiration and motivation to continue fostering a culture of curiosity and creativity for our female digital marketing leaders of tomorrow.
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