Let’s be honest, advertising hits different when women are in the room.

And not just because we know how to color-code a calendar, write a killer headline, and proofread while eating lunch. (We can do all that, sure.) But we also bring something else to the table: heart, style, and a whole lot of real-world insight.

Meet Chye Davis. She’s a marketing nerd, ad-lover, volleyball coach, and someone who can run a campaign just as well as she runs a practice drill. She’s worked with big-name agencies like  Leo Burnett, Publicis, and PXP. You’ve probably seen her work for Toyota, Crest, and Wingstop (yes, she’s had the wings…and yes, they’re worth it).

While building her creative career, Chye also earned her MBA, led college athletes, and kept projects moving on tight deadlines. She’s learned how to stay on her toes, both on the court and in the office.

And here’s the one thing she noticed on every team she’s been on: things just work better when women are involved.

Women in advertising aren’t just making ads, they’re rewriting the rules. They’re leading with empathy, bold ideas, and a whole lot of style. And They’re making space for the next generation to rise up.

Here’s a break down of why women in advertising matter, which brands are getting it right, what challenges women are still pushing past, and how Sky Society can help you build a standout career.

Why Women in Advertising Matter

Advertising has a lot of influence on how the world is perceived. It influences what we buy, how we act, and even what we think about ourselves.

For a long time, men were the ones making the ads; even the ones meant for women. That usually meant women were shown as background characters, stereotypes, or just pretty faces.

But now, things are changing.

More women in advertising are now making the ideas, directing the shoots, writing the scripts, and running the teams. And it's Statistics show that women make over 80% of U.S. purchasing decisions. So when women create ads, they naturally appeal to the buyers. 

It’s not just about vibes, it’s about data. Diverse ads have the power to drive:

🔅 5% short-term sales boost

🔅16% long-term brand growth

🔅 Shoppers are 62% more likely to choose that brand

It's not about feeling good. Representation is about trusting, loving, and achieving real results.

Ads That Got It Sooo Right

Let's talk about brands and campaigns that understand how fierce women can be:

Dove – Real Beauty Campaign

Dove's campaign presented women with every body type, hair style, and skin tone, no filters, no perfection, just truth. Their "Real Beauty Sketches" video revealed how women perceive themselves as much harsher than others do. It was real, emotional, and unforgettable.

Always – #LikeAGirl & #KeepGoing

Always did something different with the tired put-down: "You run like a girl." They turned it into something great. The message? Being a girl is strong. Their second ad, #KeepGoing, informed us that falling is not defeat. It's just a stepping stone.

Nike – Dream Crazier

This featured Serena Williams, a mother and tennis legend, reading an inspiring message of how women are called "crazy" for being emotional, driven, or strong. Nike showed that women who "dream crazy" are the ones who end up changing the world.

Billie – Project Body Hair

Billie was the first razor brand to show body hair. Sounds insane, but before that, women were even shown shaving already smooth limbs in shaving ads. Billie chose honesty over airbrushing and their followers loved it.

Western Union – The Race Is On

This ad campaign showed young girls racing toward their dreams, from being astronauts to CEOs. It celebrated education, confidence, and ambition. And it reminded us that the race to gender equality is still on.

These campaigns prove something big: when women lead the messaging, the message hits harder.

What’s Still Holding Women Back?

We’ve come a long way, but there’s still a lot of work to do.

As there are more women in advertising, however, there are still factors that prevent us from moving forward:

🧚‍♀️ Disparities in compensation: Women working in advertising receive 16% less pay than men doing the same job.

🧚‍♀️ Underrepresentation in leadership: Women occupy only about 3% of creative directors at leading agencies.

🧚‍♀️ Harassment and discrimination: Women report experiencing microaggressions, interruptions during meetings, or not being heard in meetings as typical occurrences.

🧚‍♀️ Work-life balance: Advertising is crazy, and the stress can be extreme, especially if you're a mom or a caregiver.

And let's face it: It's hard to stay motivated when you can't imagine people who look like you in positions of leadership.

But that's also exactly why this time is thrilling. Because women like us and you are ready to lead differently, to listen more, to lift other people, and to build creative teams that reflect real life.

Chye’s Journey Into Advertising

Chye didn’t always plan to work in advertising. She started by studying Digital Communications and Media, where she fell in love with storytelling and strategy. Later, she got her MBA in Marketing, blending creativity with business smarts.

Here’s a look at her path:

• Project Management Intern at Publicis
  
• Integrated Producer, Project Management Intern at PXP
  
• Business Leadership Intern at Leo Burnett

What she learned:

• How to keep campaigns running on time (hello, burn reports)
  
• How to mix brand messaging with bold ideas
  
• How to work across industries from banks to pet food
  
  

She also coaches college volleyball, helping young women lead, stay calm under pressure, and trust their voices. Turns out, those skills work just as well in a pitch meeting as they do in a timeout huddle.

So... How Can You Break Into Advertising?

Maybe you’re creative. Maybe you’re a planner. Maybe you can spot a typo from across the room. Whatever your superpower is, there’s a place for you in advertising. And no, you don’t need a fancy title or a giant portfolio to get started.

Here’s how to break in without breaking down:

1. Start Small (Like, Really Small)

You don’t need a client, an agency, or even a degree to start practicing.

• Love fashion? Create a mock campaign for your favorite brand using Canva or CapCut.
  
• Obsessed with iced coffee? Film a TikTok that could totally be a Dunkin’ ad.
  
• Into memes? Great. That’s content strategy in disguise.
  

Just make something. Post it. Learn from it. Every reel, post, or carousel you create counts as practice and proof of your skills.

2. Join a Creative Community

Advertising might feel like a secret club. But here’s the truth, it’s not. You just need to know where the door is.

Look for spaces where marketers and creatives hang out. Find your people in Slack groups, LinkedIn circles, or communities like Sky Society. These folks will:

• Share job leads
  
• Cheer you on
  
• Give feedback that actually helps
  

When you surround yourself with people who get it, your confidence grows and so does your network.

3. Find Your Mentors

Mentorship isn’t just for interns. Everyone benefits from having someone to guide them, especially when you're figuring things out.

• Reach out to someone you admire on LinkedIn or social media.
  
• Ask them how they got started, what helped them grow, or what they wish they knew earlier.
  
• Be curious, be respectful, and keep it real.
  

You’d be surprised how often people say yes. And one day, you’ll be that person for someone else.

4. Speak Up and Take Up Space

There’s no perfect moment to step up. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you raise your hand.

• Share your ideas in meetings, brainstorms, or group chats.
  
• Post your thoughts online, even if they’re not polished.
  
• Apply for roles, even if you don’t check every box. (Most people do it, so why not?)
  

The more you speak up, the more others will listen. The more you show up, the more doors you open.

5. Keep Learning (But Don’t Overthink It)

Yes, learning is important. But don’t get stuck in research mode forever. Balance the learning with action.

Here are some quick ideas:

• Take a free course like Google Ads certification
  
• Watch ads from major brands and break down what works
  
• Join a Sky Society challenge and create a quick portfolio project
  

You don’t need to know everything. You just need to get started.

Bottom line: You already have what it takes. What you need now is practice, a little courage, and the right people to back you up. Advertising isn’t just for the loudest voice in the room. It’s for the curious ones, the creative thinkers, and the brave souls willing to try.

And here's the best part: there's a community that's just for the women who have the curiosity.

Why Sky Society Should Be Your Next Move

If you're all about ad-ing and want some assistance along the way, Sky Society's your place.

If you’re all about ads, strategy, or storytelling, and want some guidance, this is the place for you.

It’s a community made for women in marketing, media, and creative careers. Whether you’re brand new or switching paths, Sky Society helps you build the confidence and the skills to grow.

 Here’s what you’ll find:

💻 The Marketing Accelerator, An 8-week live course packed with hands-on practice

🎒 The Experience Lab, Self-paced projects that help you build a real portfolio

💬 A 25,000+ Member Community, Full of women swapping advice, job leads, and support

📬 Weekly Job Boards & Resources, Get hired, stay sharp, and feel supported

Sky Society isn’t just a website. It’s a movement. It’s where women build the careers (and lives) they actually want.

👉 Join Sky Society now and start building a career that feels as good as it looks.

Final Thoughts

Women in advertising are leading a revolution, one idea, one ad, and one career at a time.

We’re flipping the script. We’re creating ads that reflect real stories. We’re mentoring the next generation. And we’re pushing for workplaces where creativity, kindness, and equality go hand in hand.

And with Sky Society in your corner, you don't have to do it alone.

If you're writing copy, navigating a shoot, or daydreaming about building your brand, this is where you belong.

Now go create something amazing! We're cheering for you every step of the way. 

✍️ Written by Chye Davis