Her Story
About Jackeline
Jackeline Allen is a Growth Director at AI Digital, where she partners with clients to identify audience viewing locations and optimize commercial placement for strong return on investment through audience buying strategies. With 11 years in media and advertising, she has built expertise in media planning and has been recognized as a top business performer, leading her team to the highest billing status. She took a non-traditional path into the industry after working in hospitality and staffing coordination for events in the Atlanta area. She is a member of the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce and was previously part of the She Runs It group. She attributes her success to the resilience modeled by her immigrant parents from Colombia and values integrity, honesty, peace, and family above all.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jackeline
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents. They are immigrants from Colombia who came to the United States in the 70s, raised 3 kids as a working class family. I was born and raised in Queens, New York. Seeing them work like a mule day in and day out while never losing sight of family importance, with family dinners every night, taught me resilience. My mom created space for the family while my father was a blue-collar worker providing for us. I grew up with privileges like playing tennis at the U.S. Open and attending private Catholic school. This reminds me to keep my head up through challenges in the evolving media industry, as it could always be worse.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to stop saying sorry and always ask questions. It's okay to make mistakes without constantly apologizing in a professional role. Always asking questions creates engagement, clarifies information, builds confidence, and helps both the learner and the teacher. I encourage raising your hand even if everyone looks at you, as it shows you are paying attention and fosters a better professional environment.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
One piece of advice I would give women entering my industry is to find yourself a mentor, someone already in the role you aspire to, reach out and follow their path while building your own. Number two is always be humble, accept feedback, and understand that corrections are not personal attacks in a professional environment. I didn't have a mentor initially and felt lost, so having that guidance would have eased the transition significantly.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge right now is AI, which is why I joined an AI-focused company. The hurdle is getting clients to understand the industry change and follow along because results change with it. Many are scared of AI and focus on negatives, but the opportunity lies in integrating AI, shifting from traditional TV and legacy buying to digital spaces, and educating clients as both a media consultant and educator.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work, my top core values are integrity and honesty, which work hand-in-hand. I will never budge on them as they are what people can count on, and they help me not lose myself in my professional role. Personally, I value my peace and my family. My family is the reason I do what I do, raise my hand for conversations, explore, dominate, and grow, because I want the best for them.
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