An Inspiring Day at AWNY’s Women to Watch Luncheon

A special thank you to our own Taylor Hall, Marketing Associate, for the contribution.

The 2011 AWNY Women to Watch Luncheon was held on, Aug. 10, 2011 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.  The sold-out event packed the breathtaking hallways of the historic hotel with honorees, AWNY members and guests who were all eager to hear from some of the most accomplished women in the advertising and marketing industry today. Joining me, Taylor Hall, Marketing Associate, was Sales Associate, Jessica Calyer, at the event.

AWNY's Womeon to Watch Luncheon was held at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City

As I sat with my colleague in the rear of the theatre hall, I looked around the room at all of the talented and successful women in my industry. We shook hands and met with some very interesting people, most of which, to my surprise, were all involved in the digital and online realm of advertising and marketing.  In the back of my mind, as I was introducing myself, I couldn’t help but think, “I’m so glad I got my degree in the right field.”

Jessica Calyer, Sales Associate and Taylor Hall, Marketing Associate

As the event began, 23 women took their seats on stage.  Each honoree was from a different company and being honored for a different achievement.  Dressed in savvy yet formal business attire, they didn’t forget to address the presence of their families before they addressed their respective questions.  Below are some of my favorite and inspiring quotes from the event’s honorees.

Maryam Banikarim, Senior VP-CMO at Gannett, responded to a question about the power of learning with, “It’s about listening, but also about knowing who you are.”

Lauren Crampsie, CMO at Ogilvy, answered a question about self promotion with, “We are brands just as our clients are brands.  As an agency we are at our best when we are learning and teaching.  Self promotion adds value to the industry and our clients.”

Beth Ann Kaminkow, first CEO at TracyLocke, on creativity said, “It’s creativity with consequence.  Taking responsibility for our creativity is how to create a meaningful experience.”

Katie Ford, exec VP-managing director at Starcom Mediavest, on what makes a good campaign said, “A campaign is like a marriage.  It’s knowing when to apply the art and when to apply the science.  It’s getting the right people in the room on both sides to make it work.”

Lisa Price, Founder of Carol’s Daughter, responding to a question about success in entrepreneurship said, “Nobody is going to treat your baby the way you do.  Keeping the DNA of your brand intact means you have to sit at the table and share those ideas with your team and learn with your team as well.”

Desiree Rogers, CEO of Johnson Publishing Co. talked about lessons learned saying, “Spend less time talking about what didn’t work and more time about the solution.  Look into the future and the road that is right in front of you.”

The event was as inspiring as it was memorable.  Learning where the honorees came from and seeing the career path that they have created is a driving force of determination to create a similar path for ourselves. These women are creating success through their roles and continue to prove that women in advertising are not only equal to men, but that they may soon be gaining the lead in the industry altogether.

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