Her Story
About Carla
Carla Taylor-Pla, MS.J., MBA, is the Founder of ⚪️ CARLA COLLECTIVE, a full-service marketing agency, and an Adjunct Faculty Member at Georgetown University, where she teaches Integrated Marketing Communications. With over 20 years of experience in marketing strategy, brand development, and stakeholder engagement, Carla has built a reputation for delivering research-driven, results-oriented solutions that help businesses grow. She is also a patent holder, author, bilingual communicator, and former on-air journalist, combining creativity, analytics, and strategic thinking to guide clients across industries.
Driven by a passion for empowering female business owners and leaders, Carla specializes in developing integrated marketing communications plans, brand strategies, and strategic partnerships tailored to each client’s goals. Her expertise spans market research, storytelling, product development, AI applications in marketing, and digital content creation. Carla’s approach emphasizes understanding social, economic, business, and technological trends to help brands become more nimble, empathetic, transparent, and creative. She also develops courses exploring the intersection of AI, pop culture, and marketing, preparing students and clients alike for the evolving marketing landscape.
Outside of her professional work, Carla is a devoted mother and an advocate for animals and environmental causes, including the ASPCA, Humane Society, and the Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, where she serves as Co-Chair of the Advancement Committee. She is also the author of the School is New to Me series—bilingual books designed to help children transition smoothly into school—earning her speaking engagements and recognition from educational institutions. A passionate lifelong learner, Carla balances her career with yoga, horseback riding, and active engagement in her community, reflecting her commitment to excellence, creativity, and service.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carla
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the incredible sacrifices and hard work of my ancestors, who came to this country as immigrants. They strove to provide education and opportunities for their children, laying a foundation that I am fortunate to benefit from today. Their resilience inspires me, and because of the groundwork they established, I am not afraid to take risks and pursue new opportunities.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the marketing industry is to develop a strong understanding of the qualitative aspects of the field. Learn how to design, execute, and apply research effectively, and combine it with secondary research to generate robust insights that help you—or your clients—achieve their goals. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something; they are often wrong. Surround yourself with people you can learn from, and continuously seek out mentors and role models who inspire growth.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · Virginia
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.