Have you faced any challenges as a woman in the industry, and how did you overcome them?
One of the most common misconceptions across industries is that women are “too emotional,” as if emotion leads to irrational decision-making rather than strategic insight. But here’s the truth: emotion is a strength, and it should be unapologetically exercised as such.
Early in my career, I learned that my ability to feel deeply and connect emotionally isn’t a weakness—it’s an asset. Storytelling is at the heart of marketing, and women often excel at it because we intuitively understand the emotional nuances that make a narrative compelling. Once I recognized the competitive advantage, I leaned into it.
What advice would you give to young women looking to enter this field?
The idea that we should never take "no" for an answer sounds empowering, but in practice, it’s actually terrible advice. Sometimes, hearing "no" forces you to refine your approach, consider alternatives, and ultimately deliver something better. You will be told no, and if you don’t learn when to accept it and pivot, you’ll burn out fast.
Marketing is a long game. ROI isn’t always immediate or clear-cut; success often comes from patience, persistence, and adaptability. This is especially true if you’re cutting your teeth in an agency setting, juggling multiple clients, personalities, and expectations. Learning when to fight and when to yield comes with practice.
And just as important as advocating for yourself is respecting the time and needs of your colleagues. Nothing worth celebrating happens from one solo effort. If you need something from someone, ask and give of yourself when you can. You never know when you will need to call in a favor.
Be confident in your ideas, stand your ground when it matters, and surround yourself with mentors and peers who challenge and uplift you. If you can’t get up every day and look forward to what you are being paid to do, then it's time to make a move, because nothing fruitful grows in stagnant water.
Who is a woman—historical or modern—who has inspired you and why?
My precious gem of a mother is everything you read about in stories of selfless heroines. She immigrated to this country with no family, no money, and limited English, yet she built a life for herself and our family through sheer determination. She worked three jobs while she and my father built their business. I remember going to work with her and begging her to come home and play with me instead of cleaning the bathrooms at her employer’s house. She was so crushed by my words, but she told me it wouldn’t be forever.
I didn’t fully understand the weight of her sacrifices until I became a mother myself—the guilt, the exhaustion, the relentless pursuit of something better. Her hardships were - and still are - what continue to fuel her. When you witness someone build something out of absolutely nothing, it stays with you, down to your moral fiber.
Today, she continues to be a resource and pillar for the immigrant communities she serves. She is equal parts strength and grace, magnetic in more ways than one, kind, and impressively resourceful. I already see so much of her in my daughter; watching their bond is one of my greatest joys.
What’s one piece of career advice you wish you had received earlier?
Listen more, talk less.
This is honestly still tough for me- it depends on the day (and my mood).
There’s a balance between contributing and absorbing. Sometimes, being the quietest person in the room gives you the strongest perspective.
If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be, and how would you use it?
The ability to hear only unfiltered truth from everyone—free from pleasantries, self-preservation, or fear of contempt. Mostly because I think it would make for a FANTASTIC dinner party, but also because I’d love to understand people in a way they rarely allow. We have moments of connection with those closest to us because of a foundation of love and trust, but learning more about the familiar strangers in our lives can be more valuable than we realize.
