Celebrated trailblazers include e.l.f.’s Ekta Chopra, Spark Foundry’s Sarah Kramer, and Meta’s Nicola Mendelsohn
NEW YORK, February 2, 2026 – In pursuit of its mission to pave the way for more women to lead at all levels of marketing, media and tech, She Runs It© routinely shines a spotlight on transformational leaders who set the pace for the industry, including an annual salute to three executives who best embody the fearless spirit of the organization: Women of the Year, now in its 63rd year. The 2026 award recipients are: Ekta Chopra, Chief Digital Officer, e.l.f. Beauty; Sarah Kramer, US and Global Chief Executive Officer, Spark Foundry and Connect at Publicis Media; and Nicola Mendelsohn, Head of Global Business Group, Meta.
Winners are selected from dozens of nominations and are chosen because they lift and champion others while driving growth and innovation for their companies.
“She Runs It exists to open doors and accelerate opportunities for women to lead at every stage of their careers,” said Lynn Branigan, President and CEO of She Runs It. “These honorees truly embody that mission. They’ve driven meaningful impact for their companies while lifting up their teams, communities, and the industry as a whole, leading with empathy, challenging convention, and demonstrating what purposeful leadership looks like. This awards event is more than a celebration; it’s a powerful masterclass in leadership, where attendees gain real insights from women who are shaping the future of our industry.”
Ekta Chopra
Ekta Chopra leads the company’s digital, data, and technology strategy to fuel innovation, growth, and consumer-first experiences. A pioneering leader in digital transformation and AI-driven marketing, Ekta has helped position e.l.f. as one of the most digitally savvy and culturally relevant beauty brands. She oversees e-commerce, CRM, media, analytics, and enterprise technology, driving both brand engagement and business performance. Prior to joining e.l.f., Ekta held senior leadership roles at Sephora and leading global retailers, where she built modern digital ecosystems and customer-centric platforms. Known for blending creativity with technology, Ekta champions inclusive, purpose-driven innovation that connects brands with consumers in meaningful ways.
Sarah Kramer
Sarah Kramer is reinventing the agency model by positioning media as a catalyst for business transformation. She leads global client strategy, growth, and partnerships for some of the world’s most iconic brands. Under her leadership, Spark has achieved five consecutive years of double‑digit growth and earned RECMA’s #1 ranking for best‑performing media agency network in North America. A collaborative, high‑impact leader, Sarah has held senior roles across Publicis Groupe, helping global advertisers modernize their media strategies and accelerate growth. She also serves on the boards of the Ad Council, Safe Haven, and Lighthouse Guild, championing equity and access while mentoring the next generation of industry leaders.
Nicola Mendelsohn
Nicola Mendelsohn leads Meta’s relationships with the world’s top marketers and agencies across its family of apps, partnerships, and engineering teams. Previously, she served as Vice President for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, a role she held since 2013. In 2019, Nicola founded the Follicular Lymphoma Foundation to support those living with the disease. She serves on the boards of the MMA and the Ad Council and has held leadership roles across advertising, government, and nonprofit organizations. A former executive at BBH, Grey, and Karmarama, she was awarded a CBE for services to the creative industries.
She Runs It will honor the three Women of the Year recipients at an awards celebration on May 7, 2026 at The Edison Ballroom in New York City from 6-9pm.
About She Runs It
Founded in 1912 as Advertising Women of New York, She Runs It exists to pave the way for women of all backgrounds, identities, and ethnicities to lead at every level of marketing, media, and tech. Through a vibrant community, development programs, and corporate alliances, the organization empowers its members to thrive and lead. For more information, visit www.sherunsit.org.
