Celebrating the Best of the Best: Top Women in Marketing Awards 2024 in NYC
This past week, New York City came alive with the celebration of innovation and leadership in the marketing field at the Top Women in Marketing Awards 2024 Luncheon. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Hudson River and the majestic Statue of Liberty, the event took place at the charming City Winery in Manhattan. It was a perfect setting to honor extraordinary women making waves in the marketing world.
A Day of Inspiration
The festivities kicked off with a warm welcome from Mary C. Buhay, the chief growth officer and head of councils at the event’s organizing body. Buhay set the tone for the day with a heartfelt message that resonated with everyone in attendance. “We stand on her shoulders, and we stand on the shoulders of our ancestors, our allies here in the room, and all of our loved ones,” she said, lifting the spirits of the crowd. It was a powerful reminder of how community and collaboration can inspire individuals to create positive change.
Sharing Wisdom and Experience
After the awards were presented, the honorees took to the stage to share insights that shed light on their career journeys. Geri Berdak, CEO of The Dairy Alliance, had a moving message for her younger self, recalling the doubt she faced while pursuing her passion. “Don’t give up on your passions,” she encouraged the audience. Her persistence paid off, illustrating that following one’s dreams, despite the odds, can lead to fulfilling careers.
Elizabeth Paffenbarger, senior vice president of strategy at Klick Health, also took the time to reflect on leadership in her speech. “My autobiography would be titled ‘Lead Through Grace’,” she mentioned. Paffenbarger highlighted the importance of understanding not only oneself but also extending that grace to teams and colleagues. “One of the most key parts of being gracious is being gracious to yourself,” she added, a sentiment we can all appreciate as we navigate our own paths.
Making a Difference
The gathering also featured a thoughtful presentation by guest speaker Jodi Patkin, chief marketing and communications officer at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Patkin spoke about the significance of awareness campaigns, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “Awareness alone is not enough,” she stated emphatically, advocating for collaborative efforts to push forward lifesaving research that could eradicate breast cancer.
Empowering the Next Generation
In a heartfelt moment, Kristen Potter, digital marketing director at John Guilfoil Public Relations, spoke about her daughter and the importance of finding one’s voice. “I try to tell her to be sure people hear her voice,” Potter said. Her words resonated with many in the room, reminding us about the power of confidence and not holding back when it comes to expressing our ideas and opinions.
A Wonderful Conclusion
The event was not just about celebrating accomplishments; it served as an opportunity for connection among peers, a chance to share stories, and a moment to inspire future generations of female leaders in marketing. Each honoree left the stage with tangible accolades, but more importantly, they carried with them the acknowledgment of their impact in the industry.
As the luncheon came to a close, it was clear that the Top Women in Marketing Awards 2024 Luncheon was more than an event—it was a vibrant community of trailblazers, motivating and energizing one another. With such remarkable individuals leading the pack, the future of marketing looks very promising indeed!
For those who are curious about this year’s honorees, more details await on their impactful contributions to the marketing field. Here’s to celebrating more achievements and community connections in the future!
