Influential Woman · Security
Theresa Van Den Eeden
Segment Marketing Manager, Axis Communications
Chicago, IL 60631
Her Story
About Theresa
Theresa van den Eeden serves as Segment Marketing Manager at Axis Communications, where she focuses on the security industry. She brings more than 11 years of marketing experience, including prior roles as a marketing coordinator at PLS Financial Services and a marketing specialist at Rittal North America. Her expertise centers on customer marketing, with key responsibilities in event management and logistics for trade shows and conferences, campaign management and launch, budget management, content creation, and market research. Theresa earned her education from Northern Illinois University and holds the Certified Trade Show Marketer and Axis Certified Professional certifications. She maintains professional memberships in ASIS (American Society for Industrial Security), SIA (Security Industry Association), and AFCOM (Association for Computer Operations Management). She attributes her success to role models including her mother and sister, along with Joan Petros, Ursula Sullivan, James Johnson - professors from her time at NIU and past colleagues such as Ruth Ramos, Craig Callison, and Sue Arnold who have all encouraged her to pursue an adventurous and varied career path.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Theresa
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from role models like my mom and sister who inspired me to try new things and stay adventurous, along with Joan Petros, Ursula Sullivan, James Johnson - professors from my time at NIU and past colleagues such as Ruth Ramos, Craig Callison, and Sue Arnold that pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me incredible support.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be fearless. Push yourself to take risks, go out to happy hours and build connections and never say no.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be the first one to respond in a room or take on admin tasks like note-taking or organizing meetings, especially in male-dominated industries. You don't always need to do those things to impress others. You have more authority than you think.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in marketing is overcoming the stereotype that we just make pretty graphics and buy tchotchkes. We have to stick to our guns and prove our credibility and the depth of work involved.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and being upfront and clear in communication, as well as reliability, accountability, and kindness. Integrity is key, meaning what you say and saying what you mean.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.