New York, NY; July 20, 2026 — She Runs It today announced the 2026 Changing the Game Honorees, recognizing an extraordinary group of women whose leadership, vision, and impact are redefining what’s possible across marketing, media, and technology. Representing some of the industry’s most influential brands and organizations, these leaders not only excel in their own roles, they challenge conventions, drive innovation, and create new paths for the next generation.
One of She Runs It’s most prestigious annual recognitions, Changing the Game celebrates women who are moving the industry forward through bold thinking, transformative leadership, and a commitment to making a lasting difference.
Changing the Game recognizes trailblazers in four distinct categories:
Brainwave
Honoring innovators who are reimagining how brands are built and marketed.
- Kim Francella-Faver, Senior Vice President, Brand Partnerships, NBCUniversal Advertising & Partnerships, NBCUniversal
- Laurie Lam, Chief Brand Officer, e.l.f. Beauty
- Rachel Lockett, Vice President of Marketing & Consumer Engagement, MAC Cosmetics North America
- Jackie Lyons, Chief Planning Officer, Havas Media Network North America
- Breanne Medford, Managing Director, Initiative
- Burcu Sahin, Director, Global Marketing – Gum & Mints Portfolio Strategic Initiatives, Mars Snacking
- Puja Vohra, Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President, Fox Ad Sales
- Jennifer Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer, Lowe’s
No Apologies
Honoring leaders who create entirely new business models or marketplace opportunities.
- Lauren Beckstedt, Global CMO, Brunswick Corporation
- Lindsay Dougherty, Director of Brand Media, WHOOP
- Caitlin McGlynn, Head of Marketing, Drizzilicious
- Emily K. Thomas, Co-Owner & Head of Brand Growth, Gal Media Group; Founder & Host, The Lead
Paradigm Shift
Honoring leaders who arechanging the way a customer segment or target audience is approached.
- Amanda Glen Smith, Chief Client Officer, Innovid
- Jana Jakovljevic, SVP of Partnerships, Cognitiv
- Stefanie Rapp, Senior Vice President of Sports Strategy, Warner Bros. Discovery
- Sadie Schabdach, EVP, Influencer Marketing, Dentsu Creative
Quantum Leap
Honoring leaders who are changing the way an organization is aligned to pro-actively meet new challenges.
- Heather Conneely, SVP, Multimedia Agency Partnerships, TelevisaUnivision
- Rachael Donnelly, Chief Marketing Officer, Experian
- Joanna Hawkes, EVP, Strategy, Carat US
- Sherene Hilal, Chief Ads Product Officer, SiriusXM
- Jennifer Kattula, Chief Marketing Officer, Microsoft Advertising
- Morgan Pomish, Senior Vice President, Head of Innovative Experiences, Digitas
- Molly Visgilio, Vice President, Enterprise Sales, Magnite
- Lauren Wetzel, Global President, Data and Technology Solutions, WPP
“Every year, Changing the Game reminds us just how fortunate our we are to have leaders like these who refuse to accept the status quo,” said Lynn Branigan, President and CEO of She Runs It. “These honorees are redefining leadership, inspiring innovation, elevating the people around them, and influencing the future of industry. Their impact extends far beyond their own organizations, and we’re thrilled to celebrate the remarkable contributions each of them has made.”
This cohort will be honored at a luncheon event in New York City on November 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Details will be posted here.
About She Runs It
For more than 100 years, She Runs It has championed the advancement of women in marketing, media, and technology. Through leadership development, mentorship, education, networking, and community, the organization equips women at every stage of their careers with the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to lead, and helps the industry build stronger, more inclusive leadership for the future.
