Women in Media: A Legacy of Pioneering Voices

“Friends. Sisters. Mothers. Professors. When women affirm women, it unlocks our power. It gives us permission to shine brighter.”   Elaine Welteroth, American journalist, editor, author, and television host

Throughout March, the world celebrated women's achievements and contributions. March has been designated Women's History Month, so the spotlight shines on the stories of remarkable women who paved the way for future generations. In farewell to Women’s History Month, we delved into one industry deeply intertwined with shaping narratives and influencing public discourse—the media.

Once dominated by male voices, the media landscape has shifted radically in recent decades. This evolution didn't happen overnight. It's a tribute to the unwavering spirit and relentless efforts of countless women who defied the odds and carved their unique paths. For four centuries, journalism was sometimes the only means for women to gain a voice in a world run by men. Women often became the voice of the voiceless and centered their stories on reforming the issues of the day: abolition, suffrage, and education.

From Ida B. Wells, the investigative journalist who fearlessly exposed racial injustice, to Katharine Graham, the publisher who defied government pressure to publish the Pentagon Papers, these trailblazers challenged the status quo and made their voices heard. The witty, sharp-tongued satirist Dorothy Parker used her pen to skewer societal norms with social commentary. Barbara Walters, a pioneer in television journalism, shattered the glass ceiling and paved the way for future generations of female broadcasters. These are just a few names among many women who redefined what having a voice in the media meant. 

Their stories are not merely chronicles of individual triumphs but evidence of the collective power of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of truth and equality. They remind us that the media, the Fourth Estate, remains one of the most powerful tools for shaping public discourse, and as such, it should reflect the diversity of the voices it represents.

Nonetheless, there is still a great deal more work to do. In a 2020 study, the researchers at McKinseynoted that only 27 percent of C-suite positions in media and entertainment are held by women. Considering that women make up a whopping 49% of the workforce in media and entertainment and tend to get promoted at twice the rate of men, that number is telling. The number of women in C-suite positions remains lower than that of men; however, the media industry is unique in that women are much better represented overall than in other sectors.

At boostr, we understand the significance of inclusivity and amplifying diverse perspectives because we’ve lived it. This is why we are celebrating Women's History Month by introducing you to the remarkable women who are the backbone of our company. They are the storytellers, strategists, and innovators shaping the future of boostr and, by extension, the media landscape.

Here is what the women of boostr had to say about what it is to be a woman in media.

“Working in media has given me the opportunity to meet and collaborate with other women who are intelligent and confident and serve as a source of inspiration to me. From them, I’ve learned that compassion can be an asset in the workplace.”  Julie Henehan, Director of Account Management

“Being a woman in media (and technology!) is not without its challenges, but I am lucky to have worked with and for some amazing women who set examples of professionalism, grace, and strength. I've learned how to negotiate, balance a workload, say no, and be a force for change from some of the best in the business. I carry those examples with me in every role I take, including the example set by my own mother, also a woman in media.” Elizabeth Keaney, Head of Linear Solutions

“From early on, I have often been the only woman in the room working with Engineering and Operations teams. Through the years, I’ve seen more and more women in product management and engineering, which has been inspiring.  We all (men and women) have a role in mentoring and inspiring this new generation of women in media and tech.” Jennifer Karan, Director of Product Management

“Even with the stereotypical Mad Men vibe in the advertising world, I think the media industry has provided a space for strong female leaders to thrive and weave themselves into the fabric of the workplace. Seeing some key examples of this in the roles I have held over the years (notably my current one at boostr) gave me confidence in what I bring to the table as a woman professional – quality output with a mindset towards multitasking, efficiency, collaboration, and a no-quit attitude." Marta Tartar, Senior Director of Data Solutions

“Throughout my career in media, I've been inspired by exemplary women who have paved the way for others to succeed. I'm grateful to have crossed paths with these women, who've embodied kindness, dedication, and a passion for media. As a woman of color, I'm excited to see this industry continue to evolve into a more inclusive and diverse space where a new generation of women can thrive.” Suhayde Holquin-Marsilio, Director of Client Success

"I'm not surprised by the number of women in the media. You can feel the power of connectedness. I am honored to work with this industry's great minds and forward-thinkers every day." Katie Schuele, Co-founder and CCO

We celebrate the stories of the women of boostr and their invaluable contributions to the media industry. Their voices and those of the trailblazers who came before them inspire us to strive for progress, champion diverse narratives, and continue shaping the future of media.

‍

To learn more about how boostr is shaping the media landscape, reach out. We'd love to talk.

‍