While International Women’s Day has already come to pass, the entire month of March is dedicated to celebrating women nation-wide.
How are we celebrating? By introducing our readership, friends and family to some of the most influential femmes in advertising and media history.
“What’s the importance?” You ask? Women and AFABs (assigned female at birth), everywhere, are underappreciated, underpaid, and undervalued. At least until they do something cool, right?
Check out these baddies breaking barriers and smashing ceilings.
Baddies Through History
In 1888, Mathilde C Weil founded the first female-run advertising agency – M.C. Weil Agency, in New York.
1889 brought Anna Bissel to light – the first female corporate CEO. Name sound familiar? She marketed the first carpet sweeper.
Indy natives (where 4621 Creative is based) may know this next name – Madam CJ Walker. The first female self-made millionaire, Walker launched a line of black hair care products in 1904.
In 1908, Helen Landsowne Resor became the first female copywriter at J Walter Thompson Agency. Resor is credited as the first female to plan and write for a major marketing campaign outside of retail. In 1967, she joined the advertising hall of fame.
1912 brought equality to women in advertising and media. Cristine and J George Frederick founded the league of Advertising Women (rebranded as She Runs It). The club was to encourage women to pursue careers in the ad industry. Today, all media and marketing is covered within the group.
In 1939, Therma Prescott broke yet another barrier. Becoming the first female television producer and director, NBC hired her.
Come here often? You might know the next name – Barbara Proctor. In February we covered Black History Month and a few people that broke barriers in their time. Barbara Proctor was the first African-American woman to own an ad agency in 1970. Proctor and Gardner Advertising changed the way marketing was seen and executed.
Fast forward to 2008 – Jacqueline Parkes became the first female chief marketing officer in sports for Major League Baseball.
Only The Beginning
These are just a few of the women that have made a difference in marketing, advertising, and media. However, there are millions more women out there making a difference each day, no matter how big or small.
Who’s your favorite AFAB superhero?
