Member Voices

Building a Career in Marketing with Passion and Persistence

From immigrant to Senior Media Planner: A story of resilience, growth, and making an impact in marketing.

Building a Career in Marketing with Passion and Persistence

By Escarlett Gac

I didn’t grow up in the U.S., and when I moved here, I didn’t even speak the language. Like many immigrants, I had to adapt quickly. Looking back, that experience shaped who I am today—someone who works hard, stays consistent, and doesn’t give up easily.

Today, I’m a Senior Media Planner at Horizon Media, with over five years of experience in marketing. I’ve worked across affiliate marketing, supported campaigns for major brands, and even had the opportunity to be part of the marketing team for the U.S. Open in New York. Each role has helped me grow, both professionally and personally.

What I’ve learned is that marketing is always evolving. There’s always something new to learn, and the people who succeed are the ones who stay open, curious, and adaptable. For me, that has meant learning from others, accepting feedback, and continuously pushing myself to improve.

Outside of my corporate role, I volunteer as a Marketing Manager for a nonprofit focused on STEM education. Giving back has been an important part of my journey—it reminds me that success isn’t just about career growth, but also about impact.

If I could give one piece of advice to women entering this field, it would be this: don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Start, learn, and grow along the way. Be open to feedback, stay curious, and most importantly, work on something you genuinely enjoy.

For me, everything comes down to passion and consistency. When you care about what you do, it shows—and that’s what truly makes a difference.

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About the Author Escarlett Gac Volunteer Marketing manager, JerseySTEM

Escarlett is a Senior Media Planner at Horizon Media with over 5 years of experience in marketing and digital media. She has been with Horizon Media for over 3 years, working across different clients to run various campaigns. Prior to this role, she served as a Marketing Coordinator for the U.S. Open for 7 months, where she was in charge of the marketing strategy. She also worked at two other media companies as a…

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