January Member of the Month, Kelly Diedrich, Yield Manager, Freestar

Hometown & Current City: Born in the suburbs of Chicago I fell in love with the city at an early age. I currently reside in the Lakeview neighborhood.

Current job title and company? Yield Manager at Freestar

Describe your career journey. Enamored with the ever changing technology of programmatic advertising, I started my career working as a digital campaign manager as my first job out of college. I made the switch over to the publisher side of the Ad Tech business where I spent three years at Tribune Media continuing to hone my analytical and operational skills. I currently work at Freestar which helps publishers monetize their platforms so that they can focus on the things that matter most to them, content.

Which three words would you use to describe your personality? Empathetic, Honest, Curious

Name a woman who inspires you and why. I’m truly blessed to know many courageous and inspiring women who continually push the boundary of what women can achieve. My life is full of co-workers that challenge me, friends who support me and my mother who has always encouraged me to go after my dreams. And then there’s Lindsey Davis. When I joined the She Runs It mentoring program as a mentee, I was lucky enough to have Lindsey as my mentor. Her support and advice throughout my career journey has been invaluable.

However, if I had to pick just one woman, it would be Salle Krawchek. Sallie is the CEO/Co-Founder at women led financial institute, Ellevest. She saw a way to use her talents to help all women by promoting, empowering and educating women to take charge of their financial situations. I’m also really impressed with her career journey and how she had the courage to go out on her own and found her company.

What committees/programs are you involved in with She Runs It? I started as a mentee in the mentoring program and quickly joined the Mentoring Committee to help others experience the same impactful program that I did.

What advice would you give to fellow new members in making the most of their membership?
Be present and engage with the community. There is a wealth of knowledge at your disposal with an amazing group of women willing to share their experiences. This summer I started helping coordinate the Chicago bi-monthly virtual mentoring program meet-ups. Each meet-up has given me the opportunity to learn and connect with other members.

What do the words “She Runs It” mean to you? To me, “She Runs It” is all about owning who you are and what you’re capable of doing. Whether we’re running a business or a household (or both!), we do so in a way that lifts others up with a positive impact on our community. All women should have the opportunity to learn, grow and lead, and they should know there’s a group of women out there that will help them through their journey. Have the courage to stand up and speak up. Be bold. Be you.