Valentino is on a mission to teach the industry that diversity is a business necessity. To that end, she is working closely with the Association of National Advertisers on its #SeeHer campaign to advocate for representation in media, marketing and advertising and to help eliminate gender bias in the industry. In her efforts for inclusivity and equality throughout the entire industry, Valentino also asserts that mentorship is an essential element of leadership. “I’ve had so many male colleagues who pushed me forward; they believed in me and gave me opportunities to grow in the male-dominated world of sports,” she says.
Do you have an example of male allyship that made a difference to you?
As an athlete from elementary school through college, my experience with male allyship started at a very young age on the soccer field. My male coaches encouraged me to pursue my goals, and because of their support, I never saw gender as a limitation to being successful in sports. This confidence propelled me forward in my career. I’ve had so many male colleagues who pushed me forward; they believed in me and gave me opportunities to grow in the male-dominated world of sports.
Best advice for someone looking to re-enter the workforce after a hiatus?
Recognize that you gained new and different skills during your hiatus that make you even more marketable. That could be managing a household, becoming more empathetic, discovering your passions, or learning more about a specific subject or industry; so much of what we do during a hiatus can make us better leaders.
What one female empowerment book do you think every woman should read?
“Her” by Pierre Alex Jeanty and “The Moment of Lift” by Melinda Gates. I’m currently reading “The Dressmakers of Auschwitz” by L.J. Adlington, and I’m so inspired by the unbelievable strength and resolve the women in the book exuded during horrific times.
