Chicago – December Member of the Month, Andrea Patsalides

Hometown? Owensboro, Kentucky

Current job title and company? Account Supervisor at Leo Burnett

 Describe your career journey.  After graduating from the University of Kentucky (Go CATS!) and a year of media planning at an agency in Lexington, I packed up and headed to the Windy City. I joined the Chicago agency scene as an AAE at Two by Four, a small full-service shop. I was on the Account Management Team, wearing many different hats and working across a range of clients. I learned A LOT about client service and business leadership, among other things. After a five-year stint, I decided to give the big agency life a try by joining the team at Leo Burnett. I’ve always admired the work coming out of Leo and its storied history, so I was excited to jump on the amazing opportunity. I’ve spent the last year and a half working as an Account Supervisor on the Oracle business. Overall, my journey has been a wild ride filled with a ton of laughs, a few tears (I’m a Pisces), work I’m proud of and many lifelong friendships made along the way.

Which three words would you use to describe your personality? Passionate, Genuine, Fun

 What committees/programs are you involved in with She Runs It? I’m a member of the Leadership Development Committee and a mentee in the Mentor Program.

 How has participating in the leadership development committee helped with your own personal and career development? Joining the Leadership Development Committee has allowed me to meet and collaborate with amazing women to put on events that provide inspiring content. I’ve learned so much and have enjoyed being part of the team that helps keep the women of She Runs It informed and on top of their game. Each meeting, event, and connection keeps me energized and engaged in the industry and I’m thankful for the opportunity to work with this group of talented women.

Name a woman who inspires you and why.  It’s hard to choose just one, so many obvious choices come to mind– my Mom, the Notorious RBG, Oprah, Whitney Wolfe-Herd and so on. But, to be honest, the women who inspire me most are the women of She Runs It who I interact with from week to week. It’s these women who are paving the way to make this industry better for the rest of us. They’ve offered their advice, shared their personal journeys and they inspire me to stay curious and to be confident.

 What do the words “She Runs It” mean to you? These are badass women who know what they want and are willing to work hard to get it. Oh, and they’ll also help other badass women along the way.

 Your social handles:  Instagram- @AndreaPats