Who runs the world? Working Moms. Or at least that’s what we think. Each year, She Runs It honors women who have achieved out-of-this-world business results while also serving as strong role models or mentors at work, at home and within their communities. This year’s 24 winners are visions of dedication, sacrifice and hard work. Although they know that there’s no such thing as having it all, they come about as close as you can get and all with a smile.
Jennifer DaSilva
President, Berlin Cameron (WPP)
DaSilva is a seasoned integrated marketer with 20 years of experience working on Fortune 500 brands like Coca-Cola, Heineken and Lexus.
Boundaries matter: My style before kids was to work hard, long hours. When I became a mom, I had to set boundaries for the first time. I wish I learned this lesson at a younger age because boundaries are crucial for all of us.
How work helps her succeed at motherhood: Working as a client leader helps me to multitask and to listen to needs—whether it’s a client’s or my kids’. The needs at home are more incessant—they demand pizza at every turn—but I’m equipped to deal with them and have pizza on speed dial.
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Enshalla Anderson
Chief Strategy Officer, FutureBrand/IPG
Anderson partners with brands like Tupperware, Facebook and Hard Rock International to ensure brand strategy underpins business strategy.
How motherhood helps her succeed at work: I’ve learned that when juggling a lot of balls, it’s important to triage upfront and determine what’s rubber and what’s glass. Recognizing that the rubber balls bounce and glass ones break makes it easier to focus on preventing broken glass. And whether at home or the office, I focus on empowering others to keep the rubber balls bouncing.
Best piece of advice from her kids: Have fun. While I don’t always take this literally, I do strive to make sure that my work is fulfilling.
A family affair: My children teach me so much about new technologies, emergent consumer trends and even what matters to teen boys. I am a mother who is still a marketer and my job is to understand and connect with consumers regardless of gender or generation. I am fortunate to have my own focus group right at home.
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Andrea Cancro
EVP Client Managing Partner, UM J3
In addition to leading the Johnson & Johnson U.S. account, Cancro is also part of UM’s diversity and inclusion team and a champion for the UM Better World initiatives.
How motherhood helps her succeed at work: After adopting Isabella, I was highly focused and more productive during a shorter window of time so I could leave and spend time with my daughter.
The working parent misconception she’d like to go away: I want the phrase, “I can do it all” to go away. I can only make all of my different roles (mom, manager, sister, daughter, friend) work with significant emotional support. So while I may do it all in the literal sense, it doesn’t come to fruition without support.
The difference between being a manager at work and home: My management style at work and home is grounded in three principles: inspire for growth, collaborate for shared success and ensure team happiness and fulfillment. The same principles apply to parenting.
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Kelley Walton
Head of Global Brand Experience, Under Armour
In a highly competitive segment, Walton has increased innovation and creative excellence of Under Armour’s experiential marketing and corporate events.
Taking storytelling seriously: The stories we put in front of people are so powerful. Regulation has all but disappeared—as a marketer, I have to take the notion more seriously to “do no harm” and also do good with the messages I put into the world.
How work helps her succeed at motherhood: My professional success is the result of many tries, failures and subsequent tries. Through this, I’ve built a ton of resilience which has carried into my parenting approach. Learning this and being able to impart it to my kids is one of the things I think is most important as a parent.
Best piece of advice from her kids: “Chill out, Mom.” My kids often remind me not to take things so seriously and to have fun.
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Kellyn Smith Kenny
CMO, Hilton
Kenny leads marketing for Hilton’s 15 global brands where she is on a mission to innovate in service of the customer.
The most embarrassing thing she’s done as a working parent: I’ve discovered a real passion for elementary school art projects and math assignments. I’ve stayed up late—like 2 a.m. late—more than once to color or create my own version of one of my daughter’s art projects.
How work success helps her succeed at motherhood: Throughout my career, I’ve worked in dynamic and competitive industries focused on growth and transformation. The work I do requires vision, focus, resilience, authenticity and inspiration. I wouldn’t have been successful if I didn’t approach my work like a team sport. Parenting is similar. My husband, Jay and I are teammates with a shared objective to raise daughters that pursue their passions with relentless determination, contribute positively to the world and find love and happiness in their relationships.
The working parent app she can’t live without: Amazon Prime’s same-day delivery eliminates the need to trek around town for all those last-minute time-sucking errands that creep into the day-to-day. We’re also big fans of Spotify when we get ready in the morning or hop in the car for a family ski/road trip. KidsBop anyone?
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Christine Anderson
Sr. Managing Director, Global Public Affairs & Marketing, Blackstone
At Blackstone, Anderson oversees PR, branding, marketing, internal communications and ESG functions and advises on government affairs.
The difference between being a manager at work and home: With your career, you typically receive years of training and develop real expertise. Mothering throws you daily curveballs without any training.
The most embarrassing thing she’s done as a working parent: This fall I sent my newly minted middle schooler off to school on the wrong day.
The working parent misconception she’d like to go away: That it’s only hard on women. Most men I know try equally hard to manage difficult jobs and family life. I think we are finally seeing a movement to push male leaders to model the behaviors that will make the workforce more equitable for all working parents.
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Tracee Larocca
SVP of Advertising and Brand Engagement, Taco Bell
Managing the advertising, social, sports and music partnerships, PR and in-house creative agency teams, Larocca has helped the Taco Bell brand defy category norms since she led the Live Más repositioning.
How motherhood helps her succeed at work: Being a mom keeps you humble. Your kid doesn’t care if you’re an intern or a VP. You’re just mom when you’re at home. It helps keep perspective on what really matters in the office.
Best piece of work advice from her kids: “It’s just tacos, Mom.”
Generating positivity: Now more than ever, we have a responsibility to be good humans and generate positivity and confidence. There is so much negativity out there and our kids are seeing it at every turn. We have a lot of power to lift people up.
The difference between being a manager at work and home: My strategy isn’t all that different between the two. Both need vision, encouragement and some runway to be successful. But none of that matters without laughter and positive energy. If we’re not having fun, we’re doing it wrong.
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Audrey Melofchik (Bretherick)
President, DDB NY
Since Melofchik took charge as president of DDB NY, the agency has added Kroger and Lufthansa to its roster plus assignments from Novartis and Miller Coors.
The working parent misconception she’d like to go away: There’s still a misconception that kids with working parents suffer in some way and may not be as well-adjusted. It’s time to bury that forever.
How work has helped her succeed at motherhood: My work is one of the joys of my life, and it keeps me busy so I don’t suffocate the boys with attention and micromanagement. They will always come first but it’s great to have another important thing in my life so I don’t completely smother them…because I’m capable of that.
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Arianna Orpello Lewko
Head of Brand, Community, Channel, and Field Marketing, TD Bank
Arianna is responsible for driving brand strategy and advertising, covering traditional, digital, and social media channels via breakthrough creative ideas and storytelling.
How motherhood has helped her succeed at work: It’s taught me patience and positivity and helped me understand that this too shall pass which is so critical with the ups and downs we all face daily.
How being a manager at work differs from being a manager at home: At work there’s a performance review.
Advocating for a better future: We all need to be kinder and support one another. Our country and places of employment can do better for mothers, fathers and caregivers. Let’s never stop advocating for that. And let’s remember to leave it better off for those that come next.
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Montse Barrena
EVP Group Account Director, Deutsch
Using her multicultural experience, Barrena integrates Hispanic marketing into Deutsch’s approach to strategy and creative.
The working parent app she can’t live without: It’s technology. We discuss its negative impacts but I feel the opposite. I can have a conversation with my daughter after she’s had a hard day or keep track of hockey games via team tracking apps.
The difference between a manager at work and home: It requires the same level of honesty, communication, clarity, encouragement, trust and patience. There’s learning and growth for both roles, but at home you have to also be a caregiver, coach, driver and constant source of support and love.
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Courtney Cotrupe
CEO, Partners + Napier
Part of Partners+Napier’s leadership team for over 16 years, Cotrupe helped grow the agency to 165 people with a client list that includes Smashburger, Constellation Brands and Delta Vacations.
The working parent misconception she’d like to go away: That having kids sets you back. Don’t get me wrong, having a career and a family doesn’t come without sacrifice. Some days it means pumping in a LaGuardia bathroom before getting on a cross-country flight. Other days it means leaving to have lunch with the kindergartners.
How work success helps her succeed at motherhood: True success comes with a team, not just one person. To be a great team, every person needs to know their role, how to play to their strengths and when to ask for help. Parenting is the same. It’s a team sport and I’m so fortunate to have my husband in this with me, as well as my family, friends and an army of babysitters.
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Vivian Arestia
AVP Acquisition Marketing, MetLife
Arestia leads a team that develops and executes integrated, multichannel customer acquisition strategies to generate and nurture leads for MetLife Auto and Home.
How motherhood helps her succeed at work: Motherhood has taught me how to be a better manager because it has taught me to be a better human. I struggled with motherhood initially because I was completely unprepared. That struggle was a turning point in my life because it reminded me that we’re all naturally good at different things and we need to give ourselves and others the time and tools to learn new roles.
Best piece of work advice from her kids: My son keeps me tremendously grounded. As I’ve moved up in my career and expanded my responsibilities, he continues to question why people listen to me. It makes me stop to reconsider the service I provide to my team as their leader and what more I could do.
The difference between being a manager at work and home: I get a lot more positive feedback at work.
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Sue DeSilva
EVP, Executive Creative Director, Digitas Boston
In the two short years DeSilva has been in charge of its creative output, the agency’s flagship has been recognized by The One Show, D & AD, Cannes, Effies and Clios.
How motherhood helps her succeed at work: I can roll with the punches, think on my feet and accept that things rarely go according to plan—but that’s often when the magic happens.
The difference between being a manager at work and home: They are very similar. A team of creatives and my teenage boys have a lot in common.
The most embarrassing thing she’s done as a working parent: My 5-year old son came into the office on Halloween dressed as Jason Varitek from the Red Sox, and farted in the President’s office. Everyone heard it. It was my first week on the job.
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Kathleen Dundas
President of Data Strategy, Zenith
Dundas focuses on connecting mar tech, strategy, analytics and measurement to build smarter, more cohesive and comprehensive data solutions for clients.
How motherhood helps her succeed at work: Having children provides perspective that you don’t have otherwise. I’m more focused on the big picture and less focused on the whirlwind that comes my way every day. But no matter what I do at work, when I’m home I am a mom and a wiper of noses, snack waitress, cuddler, dog walker and homework helper.
The difference between being a manager at work and home: There’s no difference. Caring for humans and their feelings, motivating people to be their best, having hard conversations when you have to and all around being appreciative of who they are.
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Deidre Smalls-Landau
CMO, EVP of Global Culture, UM
Smalls-Landau ensures that influential and under-represented segments are at the core of how UM drives growth and determines long-term relationships.
Teamwork makes the dream work: Being a working mom is rewarding but tough—you will always feel like you are sacrificing something, whether it’s work or family. I couldn’t do what I do without the support of my husband, Jonathan. He is a silent force in our lives, constantly bringing the family back to the center and reminding us to hold true to our values and be available and present when we are together.
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Jennifer Catto
CMO, Telaria
Catto oversees all of Telaria’s global marketing, including PR, product marketing, sales development, branding, design, content, education, events and research.
How motherhood helps her succeed at work: Motherhood has made me more empathetic as a people manager. It sounds corny, but everyone is someone’s child, and everyone has something on which they need to work. Good days and bad days are amplified in children, and it’s a constant reminder that all of us experience them.
The working parent misconception she’d like to go away: That it gets easier.
Her advice to future working moms: I’ve been so fortunate to work for CEOs who are hands-on with their own kids. I didn’t seek out those situations, but if I had to give advice to women in our industry considering motherhood, I would suggest they be thoughtful about where they work and for whom. I don’t mean only work for people with children—work for people whose passions outside of work drive their work-life balance. Flexibility is invaluable as a working mother in our industry, so push on this to the extent you feel comfortable during the interview process.
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Kasha Cacy
CEO, Engine Group
With more than two decades under her belt, Cacy continually uncovers new ways to reach consumers and help clients make sense of an increasingly complicated data-driven ad business.
The most embarrassing thing she’s done as a working parent: I had promised my sons and my nieces that I would take them skiing, but my youngest wasn’t old enough to ski on his own so I skied with him. Somehow a conference call got scheduled during one of our ski days. I decided to try and take it on the way down (we were on very easy trails) but the wind whishing gave me away–I was mortified.
How motherhood helps her succeed at work: My youngest son, Felix, is on the autism spectrum. Since his diagnosis, we’ve spent many hours figuring out ways to adjust how we interact and behave to help him be more successful. Having a son like Felix has helped me tune into people’s potential and made me more active in helping them unlock it, which I believe makes me a better leader.
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Hulu
Outstanding Company for Working Mothers
The streaming service’s commitment begins with 20 weeks of parental leave for both moms and dads. But that’s just the start. Sleep an issue? New parents can rent a SNOO, a “smart sleeper” that automatically gently rocks a baby back to sleep, at no cost. Once they return to work, Hulugans can look forward to more support—like breast feeding/lactation rooms and services, emergency childcare services and a range of family-friendly perks. Working parents also can leverage professional development tools for further career growth.
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Syl Saller
Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer, Diageo
Saller oversees all global marketing, media, design, innovation and R&D for Diageo.
How motherhood helps her succeed at work: Putting my family first grounds me at work. I’m blessed with a happy, healthy family that loves each other’s company, so having that as a foundation allows me to take bigger risks at work and rock and roll with the ups and downs.
The working parent app she can’t live without: It’s not an app, it’s my husband Roger who keeps our lives on track. No app could even come close to him.
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Cara Lewis
EVP of Video Investment, Dentsu Aegis Network
Lewis oversees video strategy and investment across all screens and devices on behalf of all Dentsu Aegis Network clients.
Leading by example: It’s not easy to be a working mom, but I know that one day my kids will understand why I work so hard and what hard work means to them. They will understand that men and women are equal in the workforce and that too many women in a boardroom is a good thing.
How motherhood helps her succeed at work: Seeing my kids grow, smile, love, cry, fight and the little lightbulbs that go off in their heads when they realize something has really grounded me. It’s also helped me to see that we are a team at home, and I bring that team spirit with me throughout the day.
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Joelle Friedland
Cofounder, minds+assembly
With over two decades of experience in health advertising, Friedland works with her teammates to build bonds between brands and customers.
The best piece of work advice from her kids: Be the best me that I can be. My kids say this to me and to each other just about every day. It’s simple but incredibly important.
The difference between being a manager at work and home: People listen to me at work. I can’t recall one time at work where people rolled their eyes at me for offering my opinion.
How motherhood helps her succeed at work: In motherhood, I’m reminded every single day
that I can’t control everything. But I’m also reminded that I can and will manage what comes my way. A can-do attitude has been essential to my success at work and I know with full confidence that no challenge or obstacle is too great to overcome and I will manage it all with composure and command.
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Jennifer Kohl
SVP Executive Director-Integrated Media, VMLYR
Whether its pregnancy testers, chocolates or toothpaste, Kohl brings her innovative solutions to the most vexing marketing situations.
The most embarrassing thing she’s done as working parent: A lot of business lingo enters my mom life and I say things like, lets definitely have a playdate in 1Q.
Honoring the trailblazers: I am lucky that I had trailblazers like Ann Fudge, Shelly Diamond and Belle Frank to show me that you could be present for your kids and have not only a job but a career.
How work success helps her succeed at motherhood: Having a rewarding career has helped me feel fulfilled, given me confidence and helped me be a balanced mom. Work also keeps things in perspective for me. Family first but career is a close second. My success at work also allows me to really kick back with my family and enjoy our vacations and time together. I am lucky to have a supportive husband and kids who say, “Go to work Mom, it’s okay.”
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Laura Maness
CEO, Havas
Leading the North America Creative flagship agency of Havas Group, Maness drives a culture of creativity and innovation and creates deeper meaning for brands like TD Ameritrade, ADP, Barnes & Noble and IBM.
The difference between being a manager at work and home: Being a leader at work and at home are often more similar than they are different. Both require delegation, division of labor and a vast amount of teamwork.
The best piece of work advice from her kids: To put down my phone and be present wherever you are—be it the boardroom or the playroom. Hold eye contact and embrace the moment and then watch how undivided attention positively impacts your child’s and colleague’s behavior.
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Sara Saunders
Associate Brand Director, Procter & Gamble
Saunders is the driving force behind Secret Deodorant’s quest to close the gender pay gap and address equality challenges for women.
How motherhood helps her succeed at work: A career takes a lot of hard work and it’s very rewarding to see your brand flourish, but it doesn’t happen overnight. This has helped me have the patience to put in the hard work as a mother (labor, long nights, nursing, pumping, illness, discipline) and enjoy the amazingness of watching my children flourish.
The working parent app she can’t live without: Chatbooks, an app that is connected to my Instagram and automatically sends me small albums when I hit 60 pictures. It takes away the guilt that I don’t make photo albums and my kids absolutely love looking through the little albums I have of them growing up.
The best piece of work advice from her kids: My son refers to all of my direct reports, colleagues and boss as my friends. It’s a reminder to get to know my team as people and have fun in the office.
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Anne-Marie Schaffer
EVP, GM of Retail and Consumer Goods, Merkle
Working with clients in retail, CPG and automotive, Schaffer helps them navigate the forces of digital transformation and connect with audiences in new and different ways.
How motherhood helps her succeed at work: As a mother, I have to juggle the needs of my children, my husband and at times myself. As a leader at work, I need to juggle my client’s needs, my team and my bosses. This constant reprioritizing helps me identify the things that are most important and deprioritize the things that aren’t.
Best piece of work advice from her kids: Chill out. It’s easy to take work so seriously, but the reality is, we aren’t saving the environment or curing cancer, so it’s a good reminder to step back and take a breath.
The working parent misconception she’d like to go away: That a mom with young children can’t travel or that she isn’t ambitious. Mothers with young children are just as capable as working fathers to be ambitious and do what they need to do to strive in their careers.
