Denise Reid MBA
Denise Reid, MBA, is a dynamic marketing and brand strategy leader and the founder of Purple Mango Co., a boutique marketing studio that helps purpose-driven brands grow through storytelling, strategy, and leadership. With over a decade of professional experience, Denise has built a reputation for creating human-centered, performance-driven brand ecosystems. Her work spans higher education, wellness, and mission-driven organizations, where she has led campaigns that strengthen visibility, deepen engagement, and foster authentic connections with audiences. She blends strategic clarity, creative direction, and cultural insight to guide organizations from ideas to measurable impact.
Throughout her career, Denise has held key leadership roles in social media and brand management, including Associate Director of Social Media and Brand at Northeastern University, where she boosted social media engagement and led creative teams to execute impactful campaigns. Through Purple Mango Co., she balances CEO and operations responsibilities while actively scaling the business and mentoring a small team, helping clients align their vision with strategies that deliver long-term results. Denise’s approach emphasizes curiosity, creativity, and continuous learning, which she considers central to both personal and professional growth.
Denise’s educational background includes a BS in Organizational Communications with a minor in Sociology and an MBA with a concentration in Marketing and Corporate Innovation from Northeastern University. She has been recognized for her innovative work and leadership, including being selected for the 2026 cohort of Influential Women. To the next generation, Denise advises embracing curiosity, taking creative risks, and trusting your instincts, encouraging others to lead with purpose and authenticity in the evolving landscape of marketing and communications.
• The Partnership, Inc. Fellow Alum
• Social Media Marketing Certification Course
• Transitioning to Product Management
• Social Media Marketing with Facebook and Twitter
• Northeastern University- M.B.A.
• Northeastern University- B.S.
• Boston While Black
• NUDREAM
• College of Professional Studies Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the support of my family, my personal drive, and my active involvement in the community.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay curious and always be a student.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to stay curious and keep learning, embrace unconventional roles, take creative risks, and trust their instincts—often, your first thought is your best.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is the economy, as many companies are hesitant to invest in marketing, but the opportunity lies in finding new and creative ways to make an impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are family and a strong, supportive community, while professionally I prioritize curiosity, lifelong learning, and fostering meaningful connections.