Evelyn Olson
Evelyn Olson is a dynamic Digital Marketing Professional and AMA PCM® Certified specialist with expertise in performance marketing and optimization. Based in Mundelein, Illinois, she currently serves as Assistant Marketing Manager for North America and Europe at Shibaura Machine Company, America, where she oversees digital marketing, social media campaigns, email marketing, content creation, and global brand development. Evelyn’s ability to build and scale marketing departments from the ground up has positioned her as a key driver of the company’s U.S. and European marketing presence.
Before transitioning into marketing, Evelyn built a strong foundation in human resources and talent acquisition, holding positions from sourcing specialist to HR generalist. This diverse background equipped her with skills in project management, communication, and leadership, which she seamlessly applies to marketing strategy and campaign execution. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Services from North Park University, where she also held leadership roles as President of the Student Commuter Association and a Threshold Leader, reflecting her early commitment to leadership and professional growth.
A highlight of Evelyn’s marketing career includes leading all marketing efforts at a major international plastics exhibition in Germany, where she managed press conferences, digital campaigns, and creative content, generating over 30,000 global impressions. Beyond trade shows, she moderates webinars to educate customers and consistently pursues new certifications to stay at the forefront of digital marketing trends. Outside of work, Evelyn enjoys spending time with her four pets and renovating her new suburban home near Chicago, balancing her professional drive with a vibrant personal life.
• Canva Essential Training
• Certified Digital Marketing Professional
• Strategic Content Marketing: Attract, Engage, and Retain
• Marketing Analytics: Presenting Digital Marketing Data
• Social Media Marketing: Strategy and Optimization
• Marketing Analytics Foundations
• Human Resources: Building a Performance Management System
• Human Resources: Payroll
• Human Resources Foundations
• Understanding and Supporting LGBTQ+ Employees
• Human Resources: Understanding HR Systems Features and Benefits
• HR as a Business Partner
• Organizational Learning and Development
• Well-Being in the Workplace
• Human Resources: Compensation and Benefits
• North Park University - B.S.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my curiosity and drive to learn. I’m always seeking new opportunities to grow, whether through research, certifications, or hands-on experience. From mastering digital media from scratch to exploring new areas like home design, I approach every challenge by learning deeply and executing thoughtfully. I’ve always been motivated by the next step—identifying gaps, expanding my skills, and investing in my education—which has shaped my career path and continues to inspire me to grow and encourage others to do the same.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received comes from watching my father, Kevin Olson, build a construction business from the ground up. His work ethic and dedication taught me the value of persistence and building something meaningful from scratch. What’s even more rewarding today is that our roles have shifted—he now seeks my input on marketing, digital strategy, and branding, trusting my guidance to bring his business into the digital age. This exchange has strengthened both our relationship and my appreciation for mentorship, support, and lifelong learning.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women to follow their passions and trust themselves to pursue what truly fulfills them. Ask yourself what’s missing in your career and what step will bring you closer to your goals. Invest in your education, explore new opportunities, and don’t be afraid to make bold career changes if they feel right. My own journey—from health sciences to HR to digital marketing—taught me that every step offers valuable lessons. The key is to keep learning, growing, and pushing toward what excites you.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field include building a marketing function from the ground up and managing a wide range of responsibilities, especially as a small or one-person department. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities to expand marketing efforts globally—as demonstrated by recent trade-show successes—and to leverage digital platforms such as webinars and online thought leadership to reach broader audiences.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my personal life, I value quality time with loved ones, both human and animal, and staying active—whether hiking with my dogs, playing with my cats, or working on home projects with my husband in our fixer-upper. Professionally, I prioritize continuous learning, growth, and sharing knowledge with others. I enjoy expanding my expertise, earning new certifications, and mentoring family or colleagues, with the goal of inspiring others to keep learning and pursuing their passions.
Locations
Shibaura Machine Company - America
Mundelein, IL 60060