Lessons from Top Women in Marketing
As we prepare to welcome a new class of inspiring leaders, a look at advice from past honorees.
Every year, Ragan Communications is honored to recognize the women shining most brightly in the field of marketing. These are the women who lead the way with confidence, strategy and an eye on results.
We’ll recognize the 2025 class of Top Women in Marketing at City Winery in New York City on Wednesday. Ahead of this luncheon, we caught up with a few winners from last year.
Here’s what they’ve been up to in the meantime – and their advice for other women climbing the ladder to the top.
Christina Cornell, director of internal communications for field associates at The Home Depot
“Being recognized as a Ragan Top Women in Communications honoree is very meaningful to me,” Cornell told Ragan. “It’s an acknowledgement of the impact communicators have. We are business leaders with a communications lens. To be included among such a talented and passionate group of women is an honor. It reminds me that our work matters, and that when women lead with clarity and conviction we help organizations move forward.”
“Know the kind of work that energizes you — whether it’s visual storytelling, technical writing or experiential campaigns,” Cornell told Ragan. “Seek out those moments. Roles and titles will come and go, but doing work that feels right is what sustains you.”
She also recommended that comms leaders create an environment around them that enables their success.
“Build your personal board of directors,” she said. “Not every opinion deserves your attention. Surround yourself with people who speak truth with love, challenge you to grow and cheer you on relentlessly.”
Maya Wasserman, head of marketing –brand marketing, personal entertainment and home entertainment, Sony Electronics
Since her recognition in 2024, Wasserman has been busy.
“I am most proud of launching Sony’s second season as an official partner of the NFL,” she said of the last year. “From announcing the new Sony Coach’s headset, to showcasing Sony’s Hawk-Eye being used for virtual measurement, to highlighting our roster of NFL athlete ambassadors, we have successfully promoted how Sony technology powers the NFL and have driven awareness for Sony products and the partnership.”
In the spirit of uplifting other women in the industry, Wasserman recognized a colleague and fellow Top Women honoree.
“I would like to shout out Mara Redican, another Top Women in Comms honoree, for being relentless in her pursuit of excellence in PR. She has 100% nailed Sony’s brand PR this past year and has secured so many incredible stories for the brand.”
And for those still rising in the industry, Wasserman advised: “Your career is a marathon not a sprint, and the detours along the way are often the most rewarding.”
Limited tickets are still available for the luncheon. Get yours now.
