By: Christa Zambardino, SVP – Head of East Coast Partnerships
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to learn from some of the most accomplished and influential women in advertising. They challenged me to think bigger, encouraged me to take risks, advocated for my growth, and demonstrated what strong leadership looks like in practice. Their mentorship shaped not only the professional I became, but also the leader I continue to strive to be.
The lessons they shared extended far beyond business strategy or career advancement. They showed me the importance of lifting others up, creating opportunities for emerging talent, and leading with both confidence and empathy. As I continue to grow in my own career, I am committed to paying that forward – investing in the next generation of leaders and serving as the kind of mentor who made such a lasting impact on me.
As the creator marketing industry continues to evolve, one thing has become increasingly clear to me: women are not simply participating in the growth of this industry; they are helping define its future.
At Open Influence, I have the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary team in which women make up the majority of our organization. More importantly, they are empowered to do far more than execute campaigns. They are strategists, innovators, relationship builders, problem solvers, and leaders. They help shape brand strategy, guide creative direction, drive business outcomes, and influence decisions for some of the world’s most recognizable brands and respected agencies.
Their impact extends far beyond individual campaigns. When women are given opportunities to lead, organizations benefit from stronger collaboration, broader perspectives, and more innovative thinking. They help create workplaces where creativity thrives and where teams are empowered to challenge assumptions and think differently.
While I am proud of the work we do at Open Influence, I am equally proud of the culture we continue to build. It is a culture where talented women are encouraged to speak up, take ownership, develop expertise, and pursue leadership opportunities. A culture where advancement is based on contribution and capability, and where diverse voices are viewed not as a box to check, but as a competitive advantage.
The women who invested in me throughout my career understood something important: leadership is not measured solely by personal success. It is measured by how many others you help succeed along the way.
That lesson has stayed with me.
Today, one of my greatest responsibilities is to pay that investment forward. I strive to be the mentor, advocate, and champion that others were for me. Whether it’s helping a team member navigate a challenge, encouraging someone to pursue a leadership opportunity, or simply sharing lessons learned from years in the industry, I believe mentorship remains one of the most powerful tools we have for creating lasting impact.
The creator economy is still being written. As it continues to mature, our industry has both an opportunity and a responsibility to ensure that more women have access to leadership roles, strategic influence, and meaningful career growth. The future of creator marketing will be shaped by the voices and perspectives represented at the decision-making table. By investing in women as leaders and innovators, we can build a more inclusive, dynamic, and successful industry for everyone.
The women who mentored me helped open doors that changed the trajectory of my career. My goal is to hold those doors open for the next generation and empower them to walk through with confidence.