e29 Marketing | Extensions Blog | Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Celebrating Women Who Redefine Marketing

Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Celebrating Women Who Redefine Marketing

Women have shaped marketing’s most impactful moments. At E29, we celebrate their influence daily—honoring pioneers, highlighting today’s leaders, and recognizing the powerhouse women we’ve worked with.
Women are the storytellers and leaders shaping marketing’s future.

March is International Women’s Month—a time to honor the visionaries, the rule-breakers, and the relentless forces of creativity and strategy who have shaped the marketing and advertising world.

At E29 Marketing, we don’t just celebrate women this month—we celebrate them every day. Why? Because marketing isn’t just about campaigns and conversions; it’s about connection. And time and time again, women have proven to be the masterminds behind some of the most impactful and culture-shifting brand narratives in history.

Today, we’re diving into the evolution of women in marketing, spotlighting the pioneers who paved the way, the modern leaders redefining the industry, and how we can all continue to empower the next generation of women in marketing.

From Underdogs to Industry Icons

Once upon a time, women in advertising were confined to secretarial roles while men made the creative decisions. That all changed when trailblazers like Helen Lansdowne Resor became the first female copywriter, bringing emotional intelligence and storytelling to advertising in the early 1900s. Fast-forward to Mary Wells Lawrence, the first woman to run a publicly traded ad agency, who redefined branding with bold, fearless campaigns.

The rise of female leadership didn’t just make space for women—it made marketing more effective. Women bring a unique perspective to the table, crafting messages that resonate deeply, forge authentic connections, and push culture forward.

Women Who Are Shaping the Future of Marketing

Today, the marketing world is filled with powerhouse women leading transformative campaigns, redefining brand strategy, and proving that creativity and business acumen go hand in hand.

  • Bozoma Saint John – A marketing maverick who has led groundbreaking brand transformations at Apple, Uber, and Netflix, known for her bold, unapologetic approach to brand storytelling.
  • Kim Culmone – Senior Vice President, Global Head of Design at Mattel, an LGBTQ+ leader in marketing who spearheaded the Gender-Neutral Creatable World Dolls and continues to push for inclusivity and diversity in consumer products.
  • Ann Mukherjee – The first woman of color to become CEO of Pernod Ricard North America, redefining purpose-driven marketing with campaigns that tackle social issues head-on.
  • Lorraine Twohill – Chief Marketing Officer at Google, one of the most influential marketers in the world, leading Google’s global brand and marketing efforts with a focus on storytelling, inclusivity, and making technology accessible to all.

These women—and countless others—aren’t just breaking barriers; they’re redefining what success looks like in marketing.

Celebrating E29's Powerhouse Women Clients

At E29 Marketing, we've had the privilege of collaborating with exceptional women who have not only excelled in their fields but have also inspired us with their leadership and vision. Here are some of the remarkable women we've worked with over the years:

  • Christie Fleming – A transformational leader who guides companies and brands to achieve unrealized potential. Currently the CEO of Nutriba, Christie was previously the CEO of ISH Food Company and a strategic marketing powerhouse at companies such Del Monte, Infinite Health and Chicken of the Sea.
  • Katryn Syverson – As the Head of Marketing for Prince of Peace Enterprises, Katryn has led many brands to double-digit growth. A CPG veteran and trailblazer in digital transformation, Katryn has delivered break-through results for leading companies such as Colgate-Palmolive and The Coca Cola Company.
  • Melissa MacKay – Currently the SVP of Marketing & Insights at Westrock Coffee Company. Melissa is marketing visionary. She’s elevated the role of marketing and implemented award-winning campaigns to drive growth at companies such as Fresh Del Monte and F&S Fresh Foods.
  • Maureen McDonnell –  A CPG marketing veteran, Maureen is currently the VP of Trade Marketing at Bumble Bee. Maureen’s extensive expertise in both Consumer and Trade Marketing has made her a change maker throughout her career, driving impactful sales growth for major brands such as Chiquita, Del Monte and Chicken of the Sea.
  • Kristin Daly – The founder of KD Consulting, Kristin is a strategic powerhouse in the food and consumer products industry. She currently serves as a board member for several companies, including Blue Diamond, McCain Foods and Tanimura & Antle, in addition to VP of Corporate Development for Musco Family Olive Co. 
  • Rachel Ferrer – Currently the Senior Director, Integrated Marketing & Communications at Foster Farms. Rachel is a marketing maverick. She’s driven growth through effective marketing & communications for global brands at companies such as Nestle’ and Skye. 

These women have significantly shaped the success of their organizations and have driven impactful business initiatives.

Final Thoughts: Marketing is Better Because of Women

Women aren’t just participants in marketing—they are leaders, innovators, and the architects of brand stories that shape culture. At E29 Marketing, we believe in the power of women to drive real change in our industry. This International Women’s Month, let’s celebrate the women who have paved the way, uplift those who are making waves today, and invest in the future of women in marketing.

Who are the women in marketing who inspire you? Share their stories and keep the conversation going!

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