Her Success 2026

Celebrating our 5th year of Her Success!

Her Success continues to bring together women from across the advertising, marketing, media, communications, and technology industries to share honest conversations about career growth, leadership, and defining success on their own terms.

The event features accomplished women sharing the experiences, lessons, and decisions that have shaped their careers, offering attendees practical insights and fresh perspectives. We learn from women who have navigated challenges, embraced opportunities, and forged paths that reflect their unique goals and values.

More than an event, Her Success is a celebration of the many ways women build meaningful careers, support one another, and continue to shape the future of our industry while reminding us that there is no single path to success.

Path to Success – A VIP Her Success Experience

Start your Her Success experience before the main event begins!

Path to Success is an exclusive add-on VIP event designed for attendees who want a more personal Her Success experience.

Before the first panel takes the stage, you’ll join a small group of attendees for an intimate session with past and present Her Success speakers. This is your opportunity to ask questions, gain career insight, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections in a relaxed setting.

Whether you’re navigating your next career move, looking to expand your network, or simply hoping for a more interactive experience, the VIP Pre-Event offers access and conversation that simply isn’t possible during the larger event.

Your VIP Experience Includes

• Exclusive access to Path to Success
• Small-group conversations with past and present Her Success speakers
• Time to ask questions and gain career insights
• Meaningful networking with fellow attendees
• Early access to the Her Success community before the main event begins

The Path to Success VIP Pre-Event is available as an add-on to your Her Success registration. Space is limited.

Meet Our First 2026 Her Success Panelists

Christine Bensen – Owner/Principal,  Ben-Her Marketing

Christine founded Ben-Her Marketing in 2018 to serve the needs of marketers neglected by traditional holding company models. Knowing the future was digital media, Christine bought her first banner placement on Hotwired in 1995. Today, she leads a team of senior marketing professionals who love solving both traditional and digital media challenges for clients ready to take their planning and buying to the next level. 

Carolyn Parodi – Managing Director, Client Business Lead, PHD

Carolyn oversees the Integrated Agency team for Grupo Bimbo, leading holistic account management, strategic planning, and data-driven innovation across media and marketing. Her career spans retail, CPG, technology, and QSR brands, including Gap Inc., Clorox, Philips, Ancestry, Taco Bell, and Grupo Bimbo. She is passionate about building curious, collaborative teams and developing the next generation of industry talent. As a Board member of BAARC, Carolyn leads education and mentorship programs designed to help rising professionals build lasting careers in advertising.

Dianne Hayashi – SVP Group Partner – UM global

Dianne has spent nearly three decades leading media strategy for some of the industry's most respected agencies. As SVP, Group Partner at UM Worldwide, she brings deep expertise in media planning, integrated marketing, and client leadership. Her career includes leadership roles at AKQA, Saatchi & Saatchi, PHD, and Mediasmith, along with consulting work that has helped brands navigate an ever-evolving media landscape. She is passionate about building smart strategies, fostering collaboration, and helping teams deliver meaningful results.

Her Success Alumni Returning to the Stage This Year:

Welcome Sponsor: