Celebrating National Women’s Month: Voices of Leadership in AMA

March is National Women’s Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions, resilience, and leadership of women across all industries. UMD’s AMA takes this month to not only acknowledge the achievements of women in marketing but also to amplify the voices of our very own AMA women leaders. This month, we had the privilege of hearing from two of our AMA leaders, Nina Brown, our Vice President of Marketing Consulting, and Gianna Colonna, our Vice president of Events.

When asked how AMA has helped her grow as a leader and what advice she would give to women looking to step into leadership roles, Nina Brown highlighted the power of connection and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone.

“The American Marketing Association has helped me grow as a leader by allowing me to build AMAzing connections and step outside my comfort zone. Through the different workshops at GBMs, I’ve gained valuable insights into various companies and how to make an impact in the marketing world. These experiences have strengthened my confidence, communication skills, and ability to collaborate with others.”

Her advice to aspiring women leaders is clear: build relationships and take initiative.

“For women looking to take on leadership roles, my biggest piece of advice is to talk to people and build relationships. Everyone in AMA joined for a reason, and it’s empowering to connect with those who share similar goals and interests. Don’t be afraid to step up, ask questions, and put yourself in spaces where you can learn and grow—you never know what opportunities will come from the connections you make!”

Both Nina and Gianna shared their perspectives on what being a woman in leadership means to them and how it has shaped their journeys. Nina spoke about breaking barriers and defying expectations.

“Being a woman in leadership means defying expectations and proving that I belong at the table, no matter how many people may doubt my capabilities. As a Black woman in business, the challenges are even greater because of the stereotypes that people already have in their minds. I constantly have to work harder to break those preconceived notions and show that I am more than capable of leading, innovating, and excelling.”

She emphasized that leadership is about setting an example and lifting others up along the way.

“Leadership, to me, is about setting an example—not just for myself but for those who look like me and aspire to reach similar heights. It means always putting my best foot forward, giving 110% in everything I do, and ensuring that my work speaks for itself. It also requires strong communication skills, the ability to listen to others, and a willingness to give and receive constructive criticism.”

Similarly, Gianna shared that her inspiration comes from her mother, a leader in her own right who fosters both excellence and compassion.

“A woman that has inspired me is my mom. She has always been a leader in her work and inspires so many people every day to do their best while also making them feel loved. I aspire to be like her and create a positive environment where all women feel they can work and know they can achieve anything if they put in the effort.”

As we celebrate National Women’s Month, it’s important to recognize the impact of women in leadership and support each other in our professional and personal growth. At AMA, we are proud to cultivate an inclusive space where women can develop leadership skills, build confidence, and inspire others.

To all the women in AMA and beyond– your voice matters, your leadership is valuable, and your impact is immeasurable.