Liz DiGennaro, MBA, Senior Strategist on Influential Women
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Influential Woman · Public Relations and Communications Services

Liz DiGennaro, MBA

Senior Strategist, VML

Chicago, IL 60642

4Years experience
6Awards received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree University of Dayton - MBA Cert Julian Cole's Strategy Finishing School Cert Creative Problem Solving Cert Marketing Foundations Cert Become a Marketing Manager Cert Setting Business Unit Goals Cert Building Your Marketing Technology Stack Cert Designing Growth Strategies Cert Growth Hacking Foundations Cert Unlock Your Team's Creativity Cert Managing for Results Cert Writing a Marketing Plan Cert Ideation for Marketers Cert Building Creative Organizations Cert Marketing Communications Cert Leading a Marketing Team Cert Brand and Marketing Integration Cert Neil Blumenthal on Branding Cert Create A Brand Strategy Cert Advanced Branding Cert Branding Foundations Cert Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 Cert Learning Excel 2019 Member American Marketing Association Member Women in Business

Her Story

About Liz

Liz DiGennaro, MBA, is a brand and commerce strategist, marketing professional, and insights specialist with nearly a decade of experience helping global organizations build stronger brands through data-driven strategy and consumer-centric thinking. Her career spans leading agencies, where she has developed integrated brand, commerce, and communications strategies for some of the world's most recognized companies, including Mondelēz, SC Johnson, Molson Coors, Coca-Cola, Abbott, Bank of America, Purina, Walgreens, Volkswagen, ALDI, and American Greetings. Known for translating complex consumer insights into innovative business solutions, Liz has consistently delivered strategies that strengthen brand positioning, uncover new market opportunities, and drive measurable business growth.

Most recently, Liz served as a Senior Strategist at VML, leading brand and commerce initiatives for global consumer packaged goods, automotive, and retail clients. Prior to VML, she held strategy and communications roles at BCW Global, Edelman, and Weber Shandwick, building expertise in brand reputation, integrated marketing, strategic planning, consumer insights, and digital communications. She earned her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the University of Dayton after completing a Bachelor of Science in Marketing at Ball State University, where she co-founded the Women in Business organization. Throughout her career, she has continued expanding her expertise through professional certifications in branding, strategy, and digital marketing while also serving as a judge for the Effie Collegiate US competition.

Beyond her professional work, Liz is passionate about creativity, leadership, and community engagement. She channels her entrepreneurial spirit through Sweet Ending Dessert Lounge, a creative passion project where she designs and shares original desserts. She believes exceptional strategy begins with curiosity, honest collaboration, and a deep understanding of people, combining analytical thinking with storytelling to create meaningful brand experiences. As she transitions toward an in-house brand leadership role, Liz remains committed to helping organizations build enduring brands that connect with consumers, inspire innovation, and achieve lasting business success.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Liz

01What do you attribute your success to?

I would say the community of people that I have built my network. I would not be where I am if without building a network of professionals that a lot of them I would consider friends, where I was able to go to them with professional questions situations meaning advice, and they were able to help me walk through that advice, ask me bigger questions. The only reason I got my MBA was because a manager, my manager at my PR agency at the time, we had a really Frank and transparent conversation about, is PR, and is this role the right role for me?

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I’ve ever received is, “It’s PR, not ER.” It reminds me that while my work is important and clients’ needs matter, it’s not life or death. Keeping that perspective helps me manage stress, maintain healthy boundaries, and prioritize my family and personal well-being when it matters most.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My advice to young women entering this industry is to be a “girl’s girl.” Support other women instead of competing with them. There is more than enough opportunity for everyone, and when we choose kindness, encouragement, and collaboration, we create stronger communities and help each other become better leaders.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

One of the greatest challenges she faces is navigating today’s complex political climate while working in government communications. She strives to tell meaningful stories that serve the public while remaining focused on facts and community rather than political division.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Curiosity, community, and balance are the values that matter most to me. I believe in staying curious, building genuine relationships, and remembering that while work is important, it’s only one part of a fulfilling life.

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