Her Story
About Amanda
Amanda Acerra is an accomplished Executive Assistant with more than two decades of experience supporting senior leaders across the beauty, fashion, executive search, and corporate sectors. Known for her exceptional organizational skills, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and proactive approach, she has built a reputation as a trusted executive partner who anticipates needs, manages complex priorities, and ensures seamless business operations. Her career reflects a strong commitment to professionalism, discretion, and creating efficient, collaborative work environments. Currently serving as an Executive Assistant at Coty, Amanda provides high-level support to senior executives while also assisting the company’s global president during key engagements. She specializes in executive calendar management, international travel coordination, cross-time-zone logistics, communications, event planning, and operational support. Beyond traditional administrative responsibilities, she acts as a strategic partner by removing obstacles, improving processes, and enabling leaders to focus on critical business objectives. Her previous experience includes executive support roles at DHR Global, management experience at Nordstrom, and early career experience in the fashion industry. Amanda’s educational background combines business and fashion expertise, having studied Marketing at the University of Miami Herbert Business School before earning both Associate in Applied Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Fashion Merchandising Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology, graduating with honors. She was also recognized through Nordstrom’s Future Leaders Program, reflecting her leadership potential and dedication to professional growth. Outside of her career, Amanda is passionate about writing, poetry, and community service, including her involvement with the North Shore Land Alliance, where she contributes to efforts focused on preserving land for future generations.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amanda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the diverse and cumulative experiences I have gained across the fashion, retail, executive search, and beauty industries. Each role has strengthened my ability to adapt, innovate, and understand different business environments. I have also remained committed to continuous learning and developing mastery in executive support, which has allowed me to provide strategic value, anticipate needs, and contribute meaningfully to the success of the leaders and organizations I support.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Believe in yourself.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to trust their instincts, believe in their abilities, and have confidence in the value they bring. Stay curious and commit to continuous learning—seek out knowledge, develop new skills, and always look for ways to improve processes and make an overall positive impact. Over time, dedication, growth, and a commitment to excellence will help you build credibility, earn respect, and become someone others recognize as a trusted and reliable resource.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Biggest challenges are managing intense time pressures, balancing competing priorities and navigating complex workplace dynamics.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, transparency, trust, high moral character, continuous learning, positivity and adaptability. I believe long-term success is built on trusting my instincts, staying open to new ideas, and continually expanding my knowledge to grow both personally and professionally. These principles have guided my career and helped me navigate an ever-changing business environment with confidence and resilience. Beyond my professional commitments, I value the importance of giving back and making a positive impact in my community. Through my involvement with the North Shore Land Alliance, I remain dedicated to environmental stewardship and supporting initiatives that help preserve and strengthen the communities around me. I believe healthy living is a key foundation to life, incorporating exercise, movement and nutrition. I am also a proud mother of two beautiful daughters, whom I hope to influence to become smart, strong, confident and capable forces in this world.
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