Her Story
About Emma
Emma Stokes is a Marketing Manager at Cambridge Consulting Services in Chicago, where she leads a wide range of digital marketing functions including SEO strategy, content creation, email marketing, website development, and brand communications. She has built her career as a versatile, hands-on marketer, currently serving as the sole marketing professional within her organization. In this role, she manages both internal and external communications while also shaping the company’s digital presence and creative direction.
Her career began after earning a degree in multimedia journalism during the pandemic, which led her to explore freelance copywriting opportunities. She worked with photographers and creative professionals across the United States, developing website content, blogs, and SEO-driven copy that helped establish her foundation in digital marketing. She later advanced into an SEO copywriting role at a Chicago-based company before joining Cambridge Consulting Services, where she has since been promoted twice—from Marketing Coordinator to Marketing Specialist, and most recently to Marketing Manager.
Emma is known for her adaptability, creativity, and willingness to continuously learn new technical and design skills, including web design and HTML coding. She recently led a company rebrand and is currently preparing for a full website redesign initiative. Alongside her professional work, she is actively involved in community-based volunteer initiatives supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual trauma. Her approach to marketing emphasizes connection, creativity, and authenticity in an evolving digital landscape.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Emma
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being open to opportunities even when I did not have a traditional path into marketing. Starting with freelance work allowed me to build practical experience in SEO, copywriting, and web content creation, which became the foundation of my career. I also value the importance of relationships, continuous learning, and being willing to take on new challenges as they come.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The most valuable career advice I’ve received is to put myself out there, apply for opportunities even when I do not meet every traditional requirement, and focus on building genuine professional connections. I’ve learned that career paths do not have to be linear, and growth often comes from being willing to try new things and learn through experience.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to embrace creativity, experiment with different skills, and not be discouraged by a non-traditional background. Marketing is constantly evolving, and there is no single path into the industry. It is important to apply broadly, build relationships, and be willing to learn through both success and mistakes.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in marketing right now is the rapid advancement of AI and the uncertainty it brings to the industry, including job displacement concerns. At the same time, this presents an opportunity to strengthen human creativity and learn how to use AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement. Adapting to these changes and integrating new technologies thoughtfully is essential for long-term success.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are creativity, continuous learning, and community engagement. I also value inclusivity, especially within LGBTQ+ communities, and I believe in using my skills to contribute positively to causes that support survivors of violence and vulnerable populations. Building meaningful connections and giving back are central to both my personal and professional life.
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