In media, we influence how brands show up, what narratives get elevated, and how audiences experience the brands around them. But behind the scenes, ownership doesn’t always reflect the people actually doing the work.
Women make up most of the media workforce, yet very few own or lead agencies. After more than 20 years in this industry — and eight years co-leading Media+, a 100% female-owned independent agency – I’ve seen firsthand why this gap matters. Because when women own and run agencies, the work, the culture, and the industry look different.
Media shapes culture and diverse leadership shapes better media
At Media+, we believe great media is part art and part science — using data to elevate creativity and create meaningful brand experiences. The decisions we make about investment, partnerships, and messaging shape how brands show up in the world.
Women bring a different lens — not better, just broader. We naturally think about context, nuance, and the real people behind the numbers. That perspective leads to stronger, more diverse, and more impactful media decisions.
Female leadership creates the kind of agency culture people want to work in
When Mary Ann and I stepped into ownership, we put intentional effort into shaping our culture. Our greatest asset is our people. At the end of the day, an agency is its people: those who collaborate, share ideas, and work as a team to drive growth for our clients. We’re deliberate — and yes, at times a little territorial — about protecting that culture. We want every person on our team to feel valued, supported, and part of something they’re actively helping build, not just a number inside a company.
Our culture is anchored in:
- Collaboration over ego
- Transparency, open communication, and team buy-in
- Long-term careers, not quick stops
These are the things that make Media+ who we are, and the foundation that allows us to do our best work. Female leadership naturally fosters this kind of environment.
Clients feel the difference
Some of the most consistent feedback we hear:
“You feel like a true partner.”
“You are an extension to our team.”
“You care like it’s your own business.”
This is not an accident — that’s culture.
Female-owned agencies often lead with collaboration, accountability, and resilience. It’s one of the reasons our client tenure is ten years. Our client relationships are long-standing and trusted.
Women fill the industry, but too few rise to ownership
Walk into any media agency and you’ll see women leading strategy, planning, and client relationships. But when you look at ownership, that representation drops off.
The path to ownership has often been:
- Less accessible
- Less encouraged
- Less visible
And that matters. Ownership shapes culture, values, opportunity, and what kind of agency gets built. When women own agencies, women stay and rise.
I feel fortunate to have “grown up” around strong women mentors who championed my journey from employee to owner — and in turn, I feel a responsibility to create an environment where more women can see a future for themselves in ownership, leadership, and beyond.
The industry needs more female-owned agencies
The industry needs more female-owned agencies because diverse leadership shapes better ideas, better work, and better outcomes.
Female ownership has shaped Media+ in ways I’m deeply proud of — our culture, our relationships, our decisions, our impact.
So if you’re a woman in media wondering if ownership is possible, take it from someone who once wondered the same thing: it is. And the industry will be stronger with you in it.
