In this monthly series, Built In Chicago highlights some of the most important players in our digital ecosystem: the women. From entrepreneurs to technologists, investors to academic leaders, and corporate innovators to developers, women play important and diverse roles in dozens of local organizations. Every month, we'll introduce you to five women worth knowing. Through these exclusive interviews, get to know these women through their likes, experiences, and maybe even their secrets.
Know a female leader worth profiling? Send your nomination to Amina Elahi ([email protected]). Include her name, title, organization and a 140-character description of why she deserves to be featured.
carol fowler
[ibimage==20277==Small==none==self==ibimage_align-left]WHAT DO YOU DO?
I direct editorial and social media strategies for the consumer review site Viewpoints.com. Real-world feedback on 35k products. No spin.
WHY DID YOU BECOME AN ENTREPRENEUR?
I left TV news after 25 years and wanted to throw my energy into digital. Viewpoints wanted to build content, so it was a great fit.
THE BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?
When I got my first management job overseeing a newsroom, my boss told me, “Never forget. You work for them.”
ellen rudnick
[ibimage==20278==Small==none==self==ibimage_align-left]WHAT DO YOU DO?
I manage the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago. We create an environment that fosters innovation and new venture creation.
WHY DID YOU BECOME AN ENTREPRENEUR?
Early on, I was an ‘intrapreneur’ at a Fortune 100 corporation. That built my confidence and industry knowledge to later lead an entrepreneurial venture.
YOUR SECRET WEAPON?
The great people who are part of my team.
julia vander ploeg
[ibimage==20279==Small==none==self==ibimage_align-left]WHAT DO YOU DO?
At TicketsNow, I inspire a talented group of people to stay synchronized and focused on the strategy and goals that will move our business ahead.
THE BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?
Keeping a positive attitude and having resilience are everything.
YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE ON A DAILY BASIS?
Communication–everywhere, for everyone. It’s amazing how simple yet critical communication is in making everything work.
leigh segall
[ibimage==20280==Small==none==self==ibimage_align-left]WHAT DO YOU DO?
I lead Marketing for Leapfrog Online, one of the largest digital marketing companies in the country.
THE BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?
Know what you know (and what you don’t) so you can deliver information confidently and credibly, regardless of who you’re presenting to.
YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE ON A DAILY BASIS?
Taking time to focus not only on the day-to-day items that drive progress, but also on those that have the potential to drive transformation.
marcy capron
[ibimage==20281==Small==none==self==ibimage_align-left]WHAT DO YOU DO?
These days I primarily build startups (internally or clients') through my production team here at Polymathic and our community toolbox Junto.
YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE ON A DAILY BASIS?
I work with awesome partners and staff who are located all over the Midwest, but maintaining focus from afar and working from home can be tough.
YOUR SECRET WEAPON?
I suppose it's uncommon to be both technical and creative. Creatives are surprised I write code and devs can't imagine me as a photographer.
nominate someone
Nominate your favorite woman for future installments of The Women Driving Chicago's Digital Renaissance by emailing Amina Elahi ([email protected]). Include her name, title, organization and a 140-character description of why she deserves to be featured.
The Women Driving Chicago's Digital Renaissance:
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