SheSays Chicago

Chicago chapter of the only global, award-winning organization running free mentorship and events to women in the creative and marketing businesses. Why? Because we want to see more women at the top.

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SheSays Chicago & Leo Burnett 2020 International Women’s Day Celebration, #EachForEqual Recap

by Beckie O’Connor

We held our 5th Annual International Women’s Day Celebration, partnering with Leo Burnett for the 4th consecutive year. We had over 200 energized womxn and allies in attendance for the event.

Our objective for IWD2020 was to provide a platform for diverse thought leaders and advocates to speak of their experiences, points of view and efforts to challenge bias, engage in conversations and ultimately empower our community’s behavior.

This year’s theme for IWD was an equal world is an enabled world.

“Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day. We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women's achievements.

Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender equal world. Equality is not a women's issue, it's a business issue. Gender equality is essential for economies and communities to thrive. A gender equal world can be healthier, wealthier and more harmonious - so what's not great about that?

The race is on for the gender equal boardroom, a gender equal government, gender equal media coverage, gender equal workplaces, gender equal sports coverage, more gender equality in health and wealth ... so let's make it happen. Let's be #EachforEqual.”

-Quoted from the International Women’s Day Website

PALs Conversations

We started the evening with networking and socializing with our Panelists at Large (PALs), which included Erienne ‘E’ Byers, Dina Facklis, Odun Ishola, Ania Malus-Kitzmann, Katie Schlott, Karri Soukup, and Jani Westcott. They were positioned throughout the space to connect and initiate conversations around this year’s topic and how we can each take action for ourselves and others to move in the right direction for a better future for womxn in the creative fields.

Melissa Healy, our MC, kicked off the event with introductions and set the stage for our speakers. We are fortunate to have worked with her the last 5 IWD celebrations. She is a powerhouse at ARC Worldwide and an advocate for all of us here in the local SheSays Chapter. She has partnered with us continuously to bring this event to life in our community year after year, and we can’t thank her enough for her leadership and inspiration.

Worldview Warmup

Melissa then introduced our Worldview Warmup Guest Speakers, which included 2 mighty messages from individuals outside the advertising industry—as marketers, we all know the importance of listening to those unlike ourselves to understand. First we had Almira Yllana, a current leader at Accenture, a member of the Adler Planetarium Women’s Board, and an International Council of Purdue Women Executive Advisory Board member. Almira, having an identical twin sister, Giovanna, explained that all she has ever known from birth is how to support and be supported. Her overall positive outlook on life inspired the room as she shared advice on being empathetic to all, not discriminating against anyone no matter their background, and above all else, never being afraid to be yourself. Our second Worldview speaker was Anja, an 8th grade disability activist, who had the room engaged and on the edge of our seats as she spoke of her personal experiences and the realization that it was up to her to make a difference for all disabled individuals. Definitely keep your eye out for this powerful lady in the future!

Panel Perspectives

From there we brought our moderator ET Franklin and a diverse panel, which included Susan Betteridge, Naomi Cao, Tim Gonzalez-Smith, and École Weinstein, to the stage. They each shared their own perspectives to the room, and I have to say no one held back how they truly felt on the various questions ET Franklin asked of them regarding the impacts on womxn in the advertising industry and what action they have taken to stand for equality in the workplace.

To wrap up, we opened the conversation to the audience, uniting the large crowd in our discussion. The questions were relevant, deep, and passionately driven for many. Ageism was a big piece of the conversation and how to handle that on top of being a woman in the industry. Our goal is to enable our attendees to find answers and ways to feel confident in their careers through new connections—we hope we achieved that here.

It was quite an evening, where we all learned something. Hopefully we each took away new strategies to act on and were inspired to actively raise up other women in the workplace, to diffuse disparities and find our voice for our future success.

As We Look Forward

We all are experiencing uncertainty, anxiety and loss during this unsteady time since our event on March 5th. It is important now more than ever before to stay connected and empowered in our community. The leadership of SheSays have been exploring ways we can still support one another for as long as this self-distancing continues. Our team has been spending some time planning for upcoming virtual events which will be opened up to all who are engaged in our local chapter as well as the international community to bring us all closer together. Our goal is to continue to be able to share knowledge, find inspiration, and support each other during this time — COVID-19 is impacting us all and we hope we can be here for you when you need us. Stay connected through our Facebook Group, Twitter and Instagram and keep an eye out for our upcoming online events in the next few days. We plan to bring you the first online forum on April 2nd, with partners from SheSays Toronto on the topic “Wisdom, Health & Calm, In Turbulent Times.”

Let’s lift our spirits and each other. We’ll get through this together.

Jen Lemerand & Beckie O’Connor Co Directors, SheSays Chicago

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to get involved or just to say hello. Email us at [email protected]

Follow on Social Media: @SheSaysChicago, @WomanKind.Burnett

Thank you to Leo Burnett for hosting, in conjunction with two of their Employee Resource Groups: WomanKind and VivaWomen.

Special thanks to our collaborators who brought this event to life: Leigh Armstrong, Ginny Barrett, Rachel Blitz, Colleen Capola, Ella Delaney, Jillian Duma, Caitlin Fitzgibbons, Melissa Healy, Taylor Jennings, Dalia Jury, Devika Premsukh, Jaimie Thimmesh Rachie, Holly Springer, Monica Stahl, and Laura Stratford.

Photos taken by Andy Karol.

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RECAP: Celebrating Women in Innovation 2018 event. 

A celebration to recognize women in innovation and the various groups that support and empower them in Chicago. Our Chapter of SheSays was honored to be included in the many organizations who are all dedicated to this cause. 

Congrats to all the other groups who were celebrated!! And the panel of amazing and inspiring women! It was a great night — we met some great women, who we hope to see at our upcoming events!

Recap by Beckie O’Connor, Photos taken by Anna Olsztynska 

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Event recap: SheSays Chicago’s International Women's Day 2018: Press for Progress

by Lidia Varesco Racoma, Photography by Anna Olsztynska

On Thursday, March 8, 2018—International Women’s Day—over 200 women and men gathered at Leo Burnett in Chicago to discuss how we can collectively press forward and progress gender parity; how we can motivate and unite friends, colleagues and whole communities to think, act and be gender inclusive.

The event began with Melissa Healy (SVP Group Creative Director at ‎Leo Burnett) presenting a powerful new campaign called We Are Unstoppable. Developed here in Chicago, the campaign aims to eliminate sexual harassment in the advertising industry. (Learn more and add your name in solidarity here)

About the panel

The panel was made up of women working in the corporate, nonprofit and startup sectors, and was moderated by Jessica Papilla (Data Analyst at Leo Burnett). 

Monika Black, PhD, CPC | Chief Strategy Officer at DyMynd

Kayte Malik, CEO and Co-founder of Dresscode

Beth Sehgal, Global Director of Diversity & Inclusion for A.T. Kearney

Priya Shah, Founder and Executive Director of The Simple Good

Q1. What is the importance of gender-based leadership and gender parity?

Everyone has to be represented at the table. (Monika Black)

Women are designed to run the world and the time to do it is now. There is no “i” in “empowerment,” but there is one in “collective.” (Monika Black)

More women in boardrooms = more money for investors. (Monika Black)

There is a whole sea of people ready to jump with you—but we all have to be seen and recognized. (Monika Black)

Women need to invest in other women to drive the change we want. (Kayte Malik)

It’s up to us to financially invest in other women who can make that change. We need to recognize what we can do with (and for) each other. (Kayte Mailk)

Q2. What is the importance of having a female role model? Who is your role model and how do they influence you?  

Find people who look or think like you. Conversations like this [the one we are having at this event] make it easier to find female role models in business. (Kayte Malik)

The first female board member at my firm helped me see the path forward and expand my view of myself, what I’m capable of and what I can do. She demonstrated things she did that were trailblazing. (Beth Sehgal)

My mom—mothers embody much of your identity whether you like it or not. Her small acts of kindness makes up all of me, I carry it with me and in the work I do. A mother’s love is not shown in everyone’s upbringing, so I try to show it every day in my work and pass it on to the youth we serve. (Priya Shah)

I struggle with this due to my family upbringing and situation. In my late 20s, I found mentors and realized every woman’s story has something in it to move her forward (even someone you need in everyday life). These stories tell me I have a choice to pivot, stay or stand up for someone. I see mentoring becoming intergenerational and love being around millennials. (Monika Black)

Q3. How are you holding doors open to create an inclusive and empowered future for women?

Sponsorship—there is reciprocity in the relationship; if she wins, you win. Consider how you support and encourage women coming up behind or beside you. Create a safe space for them to take risks. Advocate for them when they are not there, to create the exposure they need. Help them build their networks. Expand their idea of why they are and what they are capable of. (Beth Sehgal)

My call to action is: Who are you going to sponsor? Who will you seek out to hold open the door for you? (Beth Sehgal)

Beth also mentioned the book, The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman.

I’m in the unique position of building a company from scratch. Don’t be afraid to say you messed up—create a safe space,. Take that risk, that’s what you’re here for. (Kayte Mailk)

We know what joy is and we have freedom in our expression of joy. You need joy to fuel this world. Capture joyful moments—help everyone know how to find their joy. Fuel the joy forward—it will move quicker than any deficits. Joy blows the door open! Be open to the diversity of expression of joy, respect it as the fullness of each person’s humanity. (Monika Black)

Q4. How will you press for progress?

It’s OK to be ambitious but you have to look and listen to what others are doing and their ambitions. You’re not right all the time. (Kayte Mailk)

If we go to an event featuring women (i.e. show, game, etc.) the men will follow. It starts with us. (Priya Shah)

Keep the gender parity mindset to create real transformation and lasting change. Think about how do we engage men to challenge privilege and unconscious/conscious bias? (Beth Sehgal)

Audience Q&A: How do you find your community?

Find a diverse community that offers different perspectives on decision-making (Priya Shah).

Use LinkedIn to see “who is connected to who” and who can make a soft introduction. (Kayte Malik)

Audience Q&A: What are challenges/biases for women of color and how can we overcome them?

Turn it into an asset. I have turned every adversity into an asset. Own your character and cultural strengths and they can’t use it against you. Take it back. Play your own game. Set your own rules. People will want to plat YOUR game. (Monika Black)

You have the ability to connect with different types of people and cultures, and this is an asset to be leveraged in the corporate world. You can drive more empathy in corporate culture. (Priya Shah)

Try to have conversations and understand people all throughout your career. (Kayte Mailk)

Sponsorship! (Beth Sehgal, see more of her thoughts about sponsorship above)

 Audience Q&A: How will you implement these larger goals on a daily basis?

Walk through the door together—or reach around and create another door. Be a part of bringing someone’s day UP. (Monika Black)

Ask yourself: What is the simple good you did today for another woman? (Compliment, help, offer backup) Make it a habit. (Priya Shah)

Share information (an article, post, etc) to someone who may benefit from it—knowledge is power. (Kayte Malik)

Model inclusive behavior for men and women. Amplify the voice of someone who may not be heard. Stack the deck to your aspiration—provide opportunity to all. (Beth Sehgal)

Speaker takeaways

The speakers were just as inspired as the attendees! Here are some of their takeaways from the evening’s discussion.

Women have what we need, in this moment and for these times! We are surrounded by so many incredible women with smart and brilliant souls. The panelists, the participants, the women shouting out from the back, everyone is ready to move and to press forward. It is simply time for each woman to lead from where she is at, to take count each step that she takes for herself as a step forward for the collective. –Monika Black

The evening felt so powerful. It made me feel that if we could bring that collective power where ever we go, we can really change this world for the better. I felt inspired that this was the direction of where we were going. —Priya Shah

Closing thoughts

SheSays Chicago leader Jennifer Lemerand had these inspiring closing thoughts: You never know how you’ll make an impact on someone.

This event truly was an example of how someone’s words can make an impact on you and your life. I know I walked away with so much positivity and inspiration, and have been reaching out to the speakers to thank them personally.

How will you make an impact in another woman’s life today?

Thank you to Leo Burnett and WomanKind for hosting, to Melissa Healy for working with SheSays Chicago for the third year in a row on IWD, to Ascend Training for their raffle donation of two classes, to The Daily Planet for their gift donations for our speakers, and to all of the women and men for joining the conversation. 

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EVENT RECAP - Designing Diversity: Insights for Building More Inclusive Teams

It was another packed house last Wednesday night for SheSays Chicago’s latest panel discussion, “Designing Diversity: Insights for Building More Inclusive Teams”. Our generous sponsor closerlook kicked off the evening with a mini happy hour of drinks, snacks and pizza as women (and yes - men!) arrived. The word’s getting around!

We were guided upstairs to meet and greet the evening’s panelists/creative leaders who make diversity a priority in their companies:

Moderator Elaine Lopez: AIGA Chicago board member and senior-level designer who leads diversity and inclusion efforts, and is pursuing an MFA at RISD in this fall.

Jonathan Sarmiento: creative director at closerlook who manages writers, designers and developers and shapes the creative vision for interactive projects. 

Sara Cantor Aye: design lead and co-founder of Greater Good Studio, which adapts the practice of human-centered design to the unique needs of the social sector.

Jewell Donaldson: rising copywriter at Leo Burnett. Columbia College graduate and distinguished alumna of The Marcus Graham Project.

Don Bora: partner and co-founder of Eight Bit Studios. He encourages developers to be as great as they can be, and is a powerful advocate for women and girls in tech.

Ms. Lopez opened the discussion with a survey she recently created and submitted to 17 small, privately owned design studios. Read her full presentation which showcases the anonymous responses and her insights drawn from the research.

Her findings supported the consistent challenges these small businesses face when assessing and potentially hiring designers of color:

Lopez: You can’t just recognize talent. You have to be active and respond to it. People are out there, improving their work every day.

Sarmiento: Of course we should be a diverse workforce. For me, it’s been homogenous. I learned you have to be better and rise above with good work to be noticed.

Cantor Aye: ‘Cultural fit’ is the term people use to justify hiring white men. At Greater Good, we’ve counteracted that thinking by asking what candidates are looking for that represent their culture. Things like resourcefulness and resilience.

Donaldson: I started looking at other portfolios as mostly white; it’s the general market. I thought, ‘If they can have a ‘super-white’ POV, why can’t I be ‘super black’? Voice and authenticity matter. Make sure you show up in the way you preview yourself. I can’t represent myself fully if I can’t show my passion.

Bora: “There’s educational diversity as well. People with science degrees and English degrees bring solutions to the table that I wouldn’t have thought about on my own.”

Q from an Audience Member: “How do people of color make connections in the creative field? When I get a job, how do I create a welcoming environment?”

Donaldson: Leo Burnett offers resource groups to recognize and accommodate people’s personalities and preferences. It’s a genuine effort, and while I appreciate their intentions, it can separate people even further.

Lopez: Consider design education first - it’s basically white. Ask yourself - is this what’s valued? Why? If you don’t know design is a career, how will you know who can help you find a job? Study everything around you: from publications to this city. Step up your portfolios. Raise the bar. Stay informed. And mentorship is key.

Bora: We’re focused on making sure our people are conversing about projects from start to finish. We don’t pay attention to diversity; we choose who brings the most to the product and structure teams around production and delivery.

Cantor Aye: If you hear ‘diversity’, but not ‘inclusion’, it’s not diversity. We work to have an equal say at our company. If it’s a decision, we all make it. We’ve even begun to limit times at meetings so everyone has equal time to share.

Sarmiento: When I started in this business, I was the only person of color. In college, I was one of five males in a 24-person graphic design program. I decided early on to be encouraging and get others to participate. I currently work on a pharmaceutical account. Disease doesn’t care what race you are, so it’s up to me and my team to help patients and health professionals understand better.

Q from an Audience Member: “How do you get people and employers to listen to us? I feel like the loud, angry minority who has to accept the scraps.”

Donaldson: With each graduating class from Marcus Graham, I have a chance to give back. I ask myself, “How are you going to stay? How are you going to be effective?” My work lets them know.

Bora: Keep talking about it and bring it up. The danger is in not bringing it up. The only thing that fades awkwardness is persistence.

Lopez: Make sure you take care of yourself in ways other than work. Recognize the work situation for what it is: is there potential for change? Can you contribute on a level that will sustain you for awhile? Remember, life is short - you can always quit. 

Cantor Aye: Can you find allies within your group or your team? Try to go sideways, not to the top. Seek out books and resources that address the lack of opportunity, and use that data to stay informed. Racism invalidates success.

To keep the momentum going, Elaine has gathered materials for the audience and those who could not attend. Feel free to review the incredible content Facebook has put together on Managing Unconscious Bias. Encourage your team to watch the videos and inspire a natural dialogue. She also referenced this worksheet of tips to manage bias, and incorporate them into your hiring practices.

Our events are driven by the community, are always free, and welcome all levels of experience and creativity. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr for more photos, quotes and insights from the event. If you have an idea for an upcoming topic, please get in touch with us.

Recap by Anne Hagerty. Photography by Julie Goldsberry. 

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EVENT RECAP: Who’s Your Momma Mentor UX Breakout Session

By Lidia Varesco Racoma

SheSays Chicago gathered for our annual Who’s Your Momma Mentor Session on June 19, 2017 at Ascend Training in Chicago, bringing together creative mentors and mentees to learn more about and collaborate on various topics. Our mentors led breakout sessions in LinkedIn, Creative Direction, Goal Setting and UX.

Get a sneak peek into what happened in the UX Workshop: 

The Small-Team UX Breakout Session was led by Kitty Singsuwan, Founder & UX Consultant of ksd. It was a fast-paced, interactive session focused on learning best practices and then solving an actual UX problem. Throughout the talk, we gathered in small groups and Kitty led us through useful exercises.

Kitty began by explaining how UX came about, why it’s important to companies, and what its goals are (determine features/functionalities; Influence look, feel and flow; improve usability; meet business goals; and make people happy).

She explained an agile UX loop that consists of: Strategy, Research, Design, Test, Prototype and Deploy.

In groups of two, we explored the Strategy and Research phases by working on an exercise to redesign the registration process for SheSays events in which we interviewed each other on the subject.

Then, she talked about Design and bringing data into visual form through personas, user stories, wireframing and site mapping. Our next exercise was to work together to create a persona for a SheSays event attendee.

Next, she spoke about Prototype, Testing and Deployment and how small organizations can use usability testing, help tickets and bug logs. We worked together to create wireframes for our new SheSays Chicago event page.

Lastly, she spoke about careers in UX design, how some companies are looking for a “UX Unicorn” as well as the different tracks that a UX designer can follow (Research, Design and Content). She also spoke about how to prepare your portfolio by using UX reasoning, case studies, and other examples of what you did (or would do) and why.

Stay connect through our social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

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SheSays Spotlight on the Chicago Committee: Our Final Feature

In our fourth and final April Q&A session with our committee, we talk about the past, present, and future of SheSays, along with what inspires us to lead this charge.

Jackie White: Who’s Your Momma Lead, Voice for Evolution (And new mom!!)

Director of Operations at Ascend Training

What brought you to the SheSays Committee?

I learned about SheSays from colleagues, and attended a "Who's Your Momma?" mentoring event 2 years ago... and I was hooked!  This was the first networking group that didn't feel like it was overrun with vendors or people trying to sell things. Rather, it's a group of like-minded professional women (and men!) that are striving to grow in their careers. I liken SheSays to mental candy, because it's always a treat to attend the events and learn from my fellow committee members, panelists, and attendees.

What do you love about being in the creative and marketing industry?

Though I've become a well-rounded marketing pro, I most identify with my roots in Event Marketing. That said, creating memorable experiences for people is something that I still find exhilarating. Whether the event is focused on continuing education, non-profit fundraising, or a social event for an association client, I love being a part of "light bulb" moments where connections are made that weren't there before.

How would you like to see SheSays evolve over the next year?

I would like to see more of everyone! As a committee, we often discuss how to hit the sweet spot of enough events to keep people engaged without crossing over to over-saturating the group with too much going on. Learning about different aspects of marketing from fellow SheSays-ers is the thing that keeps me wanting more. Evolution means we have to keep pushing ourselves to change and create new events with fresh topics. Do you have ideas on what we should be doing? Please reach out!

Kimberly Campbell, Marketing Innovator and Happiness Guide

Director of Planning and Marketing at a local university

What woman in history would you like to have a drink with? What would you ask? And of course, what would you drink?

Maya Angelou. I would ask about her life because she was just so fascinating. I’d especially focus on her thoughts about adversity and how she overcame it. We would drink a nice Bordeaux. 

What brought you to the SheSays Committee?

A friend introduced me to SheSays Chicago almost two years ago. From the first event I attended I was hooked. The entire committee is made up of dynamic, intelligent, unique women. They are all a positive force.

How has SheSays influenced your career?

It has influenced me in so many ways, but I would have to say my drive to be my own boss and to ask for what I deserve came from the support and information I have received from being a part of SheSays.

Justine Figueroa: Writer, Social Media Master, and Wannabe Beauty Guru

Senior Marketing Coordinator, Awards Programs at Ragan Communications and PR Daily, Freelance Beauty Writer

What brought you to the SheSays Committee?

I learned about SheSays through my friend (and everyone else's) Anuli! I ran a branch of an online women's magazine called Her Campus at my university and was looking for more opportunities to advance my skills in writing and social media. SheSays felt like a grown up version of that, with more opportunities for networking and professional development. I also wanted to meet new people in Chicago.  

How would you like to see SheSays evolve over the next year?

I'd love to see more discussions focused on intersectionality. As a group for women in the creative and marketing field, it's important that we advocate for the success of all women in the industry, not just those with our same backgrounds or experiences.

How has SheSays influenced your career?

SheSays helped me get the job I have now. Where I lacked social and marketing writing experience in my previous professional role, I was able to prove my skills through the work I've done with SheSays.

Interested in joining the SheSays Chicago committee? We are currently looking for members to join our team who can help lead the charge for Diversity and Inclusion. Reach out to [email protected] for more information!

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SheSays Spotlight on the Chicago Committee: Do it like a lady!

In part three of our April Q&A of our committee, we learn more about why we need strong female leaders in the Chicago community by speaking with these trailblazers: Lidia Varesco Racoma, Brittany Campbell, and Anna Olsztynska. 

Photo by TK Photography

Lidia Varesco Racoma, Writer and Voice for Working Moms

Art Director and Designer at Lidia Varesco Design, Founder and Editorial Director of the Biz Mamma Online Community

What brought you to the SheSays Committee?

After my kids were born, I took a break from being active in the creative industry so this was the perfect opportunity to get involved again. It has been a great way to meet fellow creatives (including fellow moms) and has inspired me to be more active in the local creative community.

What past SheSays speaker left the biggest impact on you? Why?

As a mom of two (5 YO and 18 MO), the Working Moms in Advertising panel really resonated with me. Being a working mom can sometimes feel isolating, so I loved hearing from other women who are dealing with some of the same challenges that I am.

What do you love about being in the creative and marketing industry?

I love coming up with ideas and making things, being able to take (a sometimes abstract) concept and bring it to life visually. And I love knowing that my design work makes a difference. I'm inspired by the people I work with, as well as the fellow creatives I meet (especially those who have lots of interesting projects going on, like myself!)

On March 8 we celebrated International Women's Day. How will you #BeBoldForChange in 2017?

This year, I plan to share my branding and marketing knowledge—as well as my 16+ years of small business experience—through speaking and mentoring. I would also love to plan a design event at my son’s school to encourage budding artists and designers.

Brittany Campbell, Designer and Voice for Mentors

Art Director and Designer at United Airlines

What woman in history would you like to have a drink with? What would u ask? And of course, what would you drink?

Julia Child. In addition to learning her cooking skills later in life, she created a movement with other women in a field that was predominately men. I would ask how she kept moving forward and what advice she has for competing in an industry where you are the underdog. I'm not sure what we'd drink but I'd hope there would be some French Nosh!

What brought you to the SheSays Committee/ why do you choose to volunteer for this?

SheSays was a networking group that I actually felt connected me to other professionals. Everyone in the group honestly looks out for each other and wants to help each other succeed. It's such a positive environment that I couldn't help but want to be a bigger part of it.

What experience did you have in your career that opened your eyes and began your search for a group like SheSays?

I started noticing that other networking groups in Chicago were using the same speakers who would give the same talks. A lot of these talks were done by men. I heard of SheSays' first event and how they would have a panel of amazing Chicago women I have always looked up to. The event was more organic and less rehearsed than other groups. Every event is one of a kind and I know I will learn something unique and meet new people.

How has SheSays influenced your career?

It has given me access to a whole community of mentors. I have gained jobs offers, career advice, and friends. I have been able to quit a job, recover from a layoff, and ask for a raise. All of these things were done with support from the SheSays community.

How will you #BeBoldForChange in 2017?

Truly listen to others and share their stories. Women, especially women of color, have so many empowering stories that have been left out of our history books. There are women today that have already left a legacy. My friends and I have started a blog called doitlikealady.com where we share stories of bravery and perseverance from trailblazing women.

Anna Olsztynska, Marketing Maven and Event Photographer

Senior Admissions and Marketing Coordinator for British International School of Chicago

How has SheSays influenced your career?

I feel stronger and empowered. I am more confident because I am part of the SheSays Chapter. Thanks to my work with SheSays, I had the courage to work as a project manager for an EPIC rally with a team of creatives, and I am currently co-mentoring a group project with the AIGA Chicago mentor program. 

What do you love about being in the creative and marketing industry?

I get to work with awesome people and share ideas. Those ideas are never bad ideas.

How would you like to see SheSays evolve over the next year?

I’d like to see more workshops with smaller audiences. It would be interesting to hear from someone who got a job because of SheSays, and how the group helped them become a better creative.

Looking to impact your community? We are currently looking for committee members to join our team who can help lead the charge for Diversity and Inclusion. Reach out to [email protected] for more information!

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Loving this project! #changetheratio #Repost @feministads ・・・ Day 6: Glass ceiling problems. #100DaysOfFeministAds #the100dayproject

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SheSays Spotlight on the Chicago Committee: Part 2

In part two of our April Q&A of our committee, we continue to discover what makes our community tick, why we need organizations like ours, and what we may be forecasting for 2017.

Anne Hagerty: Writer, and Badass Ad Woman

Freelance ACD/Copywriter, currently at 50,000ft

What woman in history is a 'modern day' you?

In recent history, Brene Brown. In far, far back history...Joan of Arc.

What woman in history would you like to have a drink with? What would you ask? And of course, what would you drink?

Two people - Angela Davis and Gloria Steinem. They captured the issues and camaraderie of the women's movement from the 70s and brought it to today's marches. I'd ask how they did it and how they do it today. We'd drink champagne, naturally, to celebrate the future.

What brought you to the SheSays Committee?

I wanted to extend my network beyond advertising and was grateful to be accepted to the committee and proud to know so many talented women who are creative, smart, focused and ready to help one another.

Julie Goldberry: WordPress Magician and Queen of Hugs

Marketing Manager at Bravo Restaurants

What woman in history is a 'modern day' you?

I think I'm a combination of Rosie the Riveter, Wonder Woman and my mom.

What brought you to the SheSays Committee?

I asked to be on the committee because I am a strong believer in being stronger together. As females, and as a community of creative people, we are stronger and can do more good together.

How has SheSays influenced your career?

It has opened me to more opportunities, new friends and connections. I have become better at networking helping others by connecting them to people in my network that can assist them.

On March 8 we celebrated International Women's Day. How will you #BeBoldForChange in 2017?

I will make my voice and the voice of the women I work with heard.

Jeannine Ringland-Zwirn: Panelist Sherpa and Newest Committee Member

Business Development Manager at the Daily Planet

What woman in history is a 'modern day' you?

All of the women who fought for the right to vote!

What woman in history would you like to have a drink with? What would you ask? And of course, what would you drink?

Elizabeth I.  I would ask her about her view on religious tolerance as she was relatively far ahead of her time in that regard and put an end (at least temporarily) to religious wars and murders in the name of religion in England. Drinks: champagne!

What experience did you have in your career that opened your eyes and began your search for a group like SheSays?

Being new to the industry and coming from a non-diverse industry, I was hungry for women's voices.  DIVERSITY rules!

What do you love about being in the creative and marketing industry?

I love the dynamics of change as well as the sheer volume of ideas in this industry.

How will you #BeBoldForChange in 2017?

Master confidence!

Interested in being a bigger part of SheSays Chicago? We are currently looking for committee members to join our team who can help lead the charge for Diversity and Inclusion. Reach out to [email protected] for more information!

[shesayschicago]

SheSays Spotlight on the Chicago Committee: Meet the Directors

Last month Women’s History Month was celebrated around the world, generating conversations around equality and empowerment. SheSays Chicago joined by creating a dynamic conversation and action plan to #BeBoldForChange on International Women’s Day. Now that March is behind us, we want to take that energy and continue to move the needle for women in creative and marketing. Each week in April, we will introduce you to the incredible women on our committee who make SheSays Chicago one of the most engaged chapters globally, starting with our co-directors Jen and Beckie.

Jen Lemerand: Co-Director, and Overall Goofball

Creative Director at Glantz Design

What inspired you to start a Chicago chapter of SheSays?

At the age of 32 I was promoted to Creative Director. I was excited and ready, with the desire to lead vs manage. It was then I found out that only 3% of women in 2011 were at the Creative Director level. That inspired me to look for a mentor program to surround myself with leaders who inspire. A Google search helped me find SheSays, predominantly in London, New York and Los Angeles. When asked about a Chicago presence, the SheSays founder said "start it!" So I did. Here we are almost six years later, with 40+ free events under our belt, over 100+ incredible speakers, and over 2,000 members. And that 3% is now at 11%.

What woman in history would you like to have a drink with? What would you ask? And of course, what would you drink?

This is not history. This is my future. One day I'll have a lady date with Tina Fey where we eat comfort food, drink arnie palmies, laugh non-stop and basically become besties. Even if I turn back into Cinderella at midnight. I’d ask her top tips on commanding a room, and if she can magically rub off some of her humor on me for all eternity.

On March 8 we celebrated International Women's Day. How will you #BeBoldForChange in 2017?

Talking about diversity and inclusion can be difficult, unsure of the right language to use or the approach. That’s why this is a top priority for our chapter, with a goal to guide people and companies to openly discuss hiring goals and practices. As our chapter grows, I am openly looking for new voices on our committee to help guide this conversation. As we look for more women of color to join our team, we want to understand what the entire creative community is looking for in a group like ours, and what they need to succeed. It is too much to put this need one one or two member’s shoulders. By growing our team to reach more voices, we will all become more versed in being an advocate for this movement.

Beckie O’Connor: Co-Director, Designer, and Entrepreneur

Principal & Creative Director of Convier Collective, Creative Marketing Director of Banging Gavel Brews

What woman in history is a 'modern day' you?

Audrey Hepburn

What experience did you have in your career that opened your eyes and began your search for a group like SheSays?

After having a few women leaders ahead of me at a few small agencies in town, I started working at a bigger agency, but I didn't really see anyone at my new job that I could turn to for career advice. I also really wanted to give back to others in the field by sharing my experiences and how I got to where I was. I wanted to pass it on. For anyone young and starting out in their career, you have a lot of questions and can't always turn to your boss for the answers, this is a great group to provide that insight and support.

Why do you choose to volunteer for SheSays Chicago?

The energy, the knowledge, the positivity, the beautiful faces and the networking.

How has SheSays influenced your career?

Feeling empowered to keep doing it, and knowing I have "people" to support me when I freak out.

On March 8 we celebrated International Women's Day. How will you #BeBoldForChange in 2017?

I will stand up for myself and others when they are interrupted, no matter who they are and who interrupted them.

Interested in joining the SheSays Chicago committee? We are currently looking for members to join our team who can help lead the charge for Diversity and Inclusion. Reach out to [email protected] for more information!

[levoleague]

#EqualPayDay or not, The Confidence Gap is stopping you from negotiating the salary you deserve. We asked, you answered. Our question is: How do we educate you so when you go into that room you’re prepared? You’ve done you’re work, you understand the value for that job title, and you understand how to have that conversation in an appropriate and collaborative way. Here’s the one resource you’ll need: www.levo.com/ask4more https://www.instagram.com/p/BSeVbKsF0bh/www.levo.com/ask4more https://www.instagram.com/p/BSeVbKsF0bh/

[shesayschicago]

Excellent night @digitaslbi Chicago introducing #shesayschi to incredible women. A wonderful way to wrap up #womenshistorymonth (at DigitasLBi Chicago)

[shesayschicago]

Leo Burnett & SheSays Chicago Make the Pledge to #BeBoldForChange in 2017

by Anne Hagerty

International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrates the opportunities we all have to help women everywhere to realize their potential, improve their economies and succeed at every level. Another well-attended, lively panel discussion took place on Wednesday, March 8 and yes, men were in attendance and are always welcome! Special thanks to generous event sponsor Leo Burnett for facilitating such an inspiring evening and feeding us so well.

Leo Burnett EVP/Creative Innovation and guest moderator Suzanne Michaels kept the panelists on their toes with challenging questions, and they didn’t disappoint: Design Strategist Pooja Merai from Salesforce, Sandee Kastrul, president and co-founder of i.c. stars, Leo Burnett Chief Creative Officer Britt Nolan and Karen Gordon, founder and chief design facilitator of WE Design Think/50 ACTION 50 Initiative.

Suzanne: How did you spend IWD? Is it possible to have a day without women in it?

Sandee: This is my third talk today. I’m so glad to be here and what a way to spend the day! That said, it’s hard to have a day without women because women can’t not show up.

Pooja: I planned to take the day off, but an event showed up on today’s calendar: a big pitch for my boss’s boss. Obviously, it was important, but when I returned from the meeting, our offices created breakout sessions around IWD. I could join any of them. My male co-workers were interested, so that was even better.

Karen: I’m not convinced there’s a “right” way to celebrate a day without women. I want to get to the point where we aren’t criticized for what we do - or don’t do.

Britt: Today was a strong reminder of how much women contribute to and lead projects, and how much they help others and me.

Suzanne: Have you noticed any changes in the workplace, say, in the past few years?

Pooja: There is more awareness of women in the room, which wasn’t always the case. Today’s politics could be responsible for that; it’s definitely affecting conversations.

Karen: I spent two years doing ethnographic research before I launched my business. I couldn’t find a pattern between men’s and women’s conversations until I realized no pattern was the pattern. I discovered men were basically scared of really talking to women, and women waited too long to have authentic discussions with men. This is important information and challenges us to reshape our conversational approaches.

Sandee: I know we have to be open to each other’s experiences, so why don’t we let men explore roles that are typically assigned to women? Because it forces us to step into a place of extreme trust, that’s why. For example, in our office, men are now included on the kitchen cleanup schedule. At first, we all checked our coffee mugs to make sure they were really clean. Then we realized every minute we spent assuming or cleaning, we weren’t building. We weren’t making things. We were just “arriving late” to every conversation.

Britt: Yes, I’ve become more conscious of my surroundings and my daily interactions with everyone here. It’s made a real difference when I adapt my thinking and listen to where a person is coming from.

Suzanne: Speaking of where you’re coming from, what does diversity mean to each of you?

Karen: I’ve discovered a company’s returns are better, so why aren’t teams automatically built this way? Diversity needs to be recognized. Far more ideas get going. Change begins at “a ha”.

Sandee: Diversity is really hard. It signals change. People, experiences and conditions we’ve encountered shape us, but we tend to gravitate to what’s “normal”, and that means “the same”. Finding and hiring people with different backgrounds? That’s hard. You can say, “It’s hard,” but try ending that sentence with, “but I want to know you.”

Pooja: Just like Sandee said, diversity means change, but in my case, change means knowing financial equality. Salesforce has had a series of acquisitions, including the company where I worked (Gravitytank). Lots of new people bring new ways of thinking and working. Our CEO (Mark Benioff) spent $3 million in research to establish equal pay for everyone. I now know I work for a company where I’m paid exactly as someone with a similar role.  

Suzanne: That’s a great segue to ask if the phrase “the future is female” resonates with you?

Sandee: Yes! It means we’re stepping into our light and our power. It means we’re not just fighting for our own needs and wants; we’re fighting for everyone, and that includes men. We really need to show up for the countless people who came before us.

Karen: Yes - I’ve even experimented with “owning the street”. I simply walk down the street and don’t move when someone coming toward me is in my path. I actually get smashed more often by men than those who step aside. I’ve started to transfer this “street” stance to daily life. Now I stand in the boardroom like I own it, show up at the table and stand my ground. Literally.

Britt: Definitely. Our business is all about finding insights and resonating with a particular audience. Women are a major force, so if we don’t authentically connect with them, they don’t hesitate to tell us. We most certainly listen.

[At this point, the discussion opened to the audience to answer the question: “What’s your #boldmove?”]

“I learn something new every day. I’m encouraging everyone I know to get hooked on ambition.”

“I’m going to tell stories that aren’t being told.”

“I’m creating a monthly meet-up to discuss women’s issues.”

“I formed a mom-and-kids’ group that creates service projects that focus on empathy.”

“I’ve established an identity outside of work to be a better mom, person and worker.”

“I’m working to balance my IQ and EQ and live in loving kindness.”

Another question to the audience – When are communication messages authentic?”

“When they don’t put their money where their mouth is.”

Example: Super Bowl spot for Audi featured gender parity, but in reality, the Audi board of directors is all male.

“When they misuse an important day for commerce.”

Example: Advertisers featured “International Women’s Day specials” – wrong approach, wrong message, bad decision.

[shesayschicago]

Beth Facette-Dent of Dept 11 talks about your #designportfolio - have that "graveyard" on your site, password protected, to showcase work you may not show up front. #careercamp @generalassemblychi (at General Assembly)

[shesayschicago]

SheSays Chicago Spotlight: Alma Klein

by Lidia Varesco Racoma

Alma Klein is a Creative Director at Arc Worldwide | Leo Burnett Group in Chicago, Illinois. A mom of two, she is passionate about supporting working women—especially moms—and helping them advance in the agency setting. She believes every woman needs a champion in the workplace and this inspires the work she does. She is co-president of ParentKind, an employee resource group at Leo Burnett and in June 2016, hosted a SheSays Chicago panel discussion for moms in advertising called “Advertising Motherhood: 99% Guilt Free!”

A major goal of mine is changing the ratio in the advertising industry...I’m asking our recruiters for more female candidates.

What were you surprised to learn about the advertising agency business?

I’m surprised that women are still so far behind in creative leadership. Women are entering the creative departments of agencies in equal numbers. And because women make over 80% of purchase decisions, you’d think we would have an edge when it comes to marketing to them. Yet the 3% Conference reports that women are just 11% of creative directors. Even at the Leo Burnett Group, where the numbers are better for female creative leadership, there’s still a lot of room for improvement.

Women are just 11% of creative directors...there’s still a lot of room for improvement.

What are your goals for the future?

A major goal of mine is changing the ratio in the advertising industry. Within my team, I’m asking our recruiters for more female candidates. I’m co-president of ParentKind, an employee resource group designed to make Leo Burnett an agency of choice for working parents through advocacy and community-building. I’m also co-leading a Treehouse project called “Equal Ranks” within Leo Burnett.

We dove deep to uncover a number of reasons women aren’t advancing to the level of CD and above, and we’re now working to implement agency-wide changes designed to battle specific pain points. Because female creatives suffer from a lack of visibility, our CCOs will be meeting one-on-one with women in the Arc and Leo Burnett creative departments to learn what's working for them and what's holding them back.

We're also hoping to match female talent up with champions who can help find them opportunities and visibility within the agency. It also happens that many women start families right around the time they reach the ACD or CD level. Agency culture that values grueling hours and face time over coming in and getting it all done between 9 and 5 can be difficult to stomach when you’ve got a colicky new baby who needs to be picked up from day care by 6 pm. I’m excited to say that the leadership team at Leo Burnett is dedicated promoting flexible work options and to making life a priority for all employees. They’ve also given us the go-ahead to tap our own internal retail design team and re-imagine our Mothers Rooms to better serve the 40+ women who return from maternity leave each year.

The leadership team at Leo Burnett is dedicated to promoting flexible work options and to making life a priority for all employees.

What are you passionate about outside of your job?

I’m a wife and mother to two girls, 12 and 9. In addition to parenting them, which is both rewarding and exhausting (often at the same time), I read a book a week and dabble in a variety of different hobbies, pursuing passions from recreational roller derby (my derby name is Almageddon) to Hebrew Torah cantillation to knitting. Right now I’m obsessed with travel, running, yoga and making things in my Vitamix.

How do you stay inspired to create?

I’m lucky in that I can find inspiration anywhere and everywhere—at the movies, in an art museum and at a Walgreens in Omaha. A big part of my job is putting myself in the shoes of a shopper—getting out of my bubble and immersing myself in his or her world. What’s she pinning on Pinterest as her kids get ready to go back to school? What does he see at the convenience store when he’s picking up a beer? I also find inspiration in the great marketing that’s out there. If a brand activation makes me jealous, I think through what about it is great and how might I apply that kind of thinking to one of my projects. Judging award shows and even just reviewing award-winning case studies can also do wonders when it comes to getting those creative juices flowing.

I find inspiration in the great marketing that’s out there. 

How has mentorship played a role in your career?

The Creative Director who hired me for my first agency job referred me to Arc and ended up being my boss two more times before he left the agency world to consult full-time. He championed me, and I think that everyone—particularly every woman—needs a champion if they’re going to be successful in this business. This individual took mentorship very seriously, and I aim to be the kind of boss for others that he was for me—engaged and caring, but always ready to offer constructive feedback.

What would you tell your younger self?

I couldn’t wait to get to work, but looking back, I’d invest more of my early twenties in volunteerism, travel and personal growth. I got my first job at age 13 and never looked back, staying gainfully employed throughout my high school and college years. In fact, I was hired as a full time assistant to the publishers at Newcity before I’d even graduated from the U of C.  I wish I’d spent more time doing work unrelated to my career—joining the Peace Corps, backpacking through Vietnam or working as a boat hand on a yacht. A wide range of experiences makes you an interesting person and a better creative, so do your best to collect all you can before you settle down and have kids.

A wide range of experiences makes you an interesting person and a better creative.

What projects are you currently working on?

Arc was recently awarded all of the MillerCoors retail business, and I’m thrilled to be leading a team dedicated to channel-specific marketing across all their brands.

Connect with Alma on Twitter @almalklein or Instagram @almaklein

[shesayschicago]

@elina_vanyukhina of @creativegroup on how to pave a path to success in your career. "I'm involved with connecting communities and people together with the Chicago Virtual Reality group, which pushes my love for making those connections real." on how her #sidehustle impacts her role in our community. #careercamp #newyearnewyou @generalassemblychi (at General Assembly)

[shesayschicago]

We are ready for #CareerCamp next week at General Assembly. Free panels, $15 workshops. Save 20% on all access pass with code SHESAYSGA. Link in bio! ----- #Repost @generalassemblychi ・・・ Mark your calendars for 2/2! You are invited to our Talent Showcase: Web Developers, Data Scientists & UX Designers event! Meet our super talented grads in person while enjoying free snacks and drinks! We can't wait to share our talent pool with you 👏💻🍺#lifeatga #learnatga #careergoals (at General Assembly)