COMMUNITY
For generations, women have been trailblazers, innovators and leaders, shaping the promotional products industry and leaving a lasting impact on our community and marketplace.
We are proud to honor their contributions and recognize the important role promotional products have played for brands and organizations working to amplify women's voices, champion change and advance equality.
Like the products our members source, we seek to forge connections that create joy. We embrace belonging while encouraging teamwork and collaboration.
Attendees will join women from diverse professional backgrounds as they exchange empowering business insights and celebrate successes. Early Bird Registration closes May 1.
As the 20th PPAI Women’s Leadership Conference approached in 2024, PPAI Media took a look back at how the event came to be and the women who made it all possible.
These icons have led the way in the advancement of women in promotional products, exhibited outstanding leadership and made significant contributions to the industry and their communities. Nominations are open Feb. 14 - March 28, 2025.
In 2019, PPAI Magazine (formerly PPB) spent time getting to know the founder of MARCO Ideas Unlimited, who shattered promo's glass ceiling when she founded her distributorship in 1959.
When women are empowered to lead, everyone benefits. Appointing more women to leadership roles can lead to greater productivity, creativity and overall performance. Decades of psychological research confirm this. So, what can organizations do to get more women leaders at the helm?
Although diversity, equity and inclusivity efforts have been targeted at both the federal level and in the private sector, industry pros counter that the data shows having a diverse workforce only strengthens businesses.
In 2023, for the first time ever, two women were inducted into the same PPAI Hall of Fame class: Mary Ellen Sokalski, MAS, and Carol Aastad, MAS.
A strong advocate for education within the industry, Sokalski (left) has been a frequent and passionate speaker at PPAI events. She has led numerous volunteer committees and served on the PPAI board in 2001-2005.
She joined the promotional products community in 1981 as a copywriter at ASI, and by the end of her 16-year tenure served as its director of marketing and advertising. She then spent another 16 years with Bodek & Rhodes as director of marketing communications. After Bodek & Rhodes’ acquisition in 2014, she founded the Scarlett Marketeer agency to offer creative services to distributors, suppliers and other businesses without an in-house marketing department.
Aastad (right) began her 29-year career in the promotional products industry at Ben Davis Advertising in Delaware as a salesperson. She founded her own company, Harlan & Davis, in 1982. She retired from Geiger in 2008 after three years, previously serving as president and general manager of Forrester-Smith.
A frequent volunteer in the industry and her community, Aastad joined the PPAI Board of Directors in 2001 and served as its chair in 2004. While chair, she was part of the original group of women who conceived and championed the creation of the PPAI Women’s Leadership Conference.
PPAI technology partner SAGE allows Association members to source products from thousands of industry suppliers. Users can filter the product search engine for ESG and diversity certifications, including:
The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Action Group increases the visibility of underrepresented groups within the promotional products workforce and inspires industry business leaders to embrace inclusive, unbiased business practices.
Nicole Rhooms serves as PPAI’s Human Resources Director, bringing over 20 years of experience in driving organizational success through strategic human capital management. She holds a master’s degree in Human Resources and Employment Law from Arizona State University, with a specialization in Human Resources. With deep expertise in all aspects of HR, Nicole has consistently demonstrated a proven track record in talent acquisition, employee development, leadership coaching, and organizational development.
Throughout her career, Nicole has partnered with senior leadership to align HR strategies with business goals, fostering a positive and productive work environment while optimizing workforce performance and engagement. Known for her ability to navigate complex challenges and build strong relationships across all levels of the organization, she is passionate about creating innovative HR solutions that drive sustainable business growth.
Serving as the chief technology officer of Sonline since 2014, Suri Anantharama is a PPAI volunteer. He began his term on PPAI’s DEI Action Group in 2024.
PPAI volunteer Derrick Hamilton is a member of the executive team at distributor LeaderPromos. Originally joining the firm in 2020, he currently serves as its vice-president of business development, inclusion & sustainability.
An ecommerce operations expert, Tricia Johnson is the director of enterprise programs at distributor Myron. A PPAI volunteer, she first joined the promotional products industry in 2017.
Pennsylvania-based Lauren LaMantia is a human resources manager at promotional products distributor Gordon Sinclair.
The vice-president of people & culture at Canada-based distributor Genumark, Jean Steffanazi first joined the promotional products industry in 2018.
Originally beginning her career with SanMar in 2002, PPAI volunteer Natalie Tenner is currently a credit manager at the industry supplier, and its Diversity & Inclusion Council Chair.
In coordination with the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Action Group, PPAI is working to make the promotional marketplace welcoming to all. How can we best celebrate the unique cultures who make our industry strong? Email us.
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The Association is driven by members like you. Industry volunteers play an essential role in defining our strategy and shaping the industry.