Print+Promo Marketing 2022: From Deal Makers to Change Makers, Meet 14 Women Leaving Their Mark On the Print and Promo Sector
In recent years, women have made enormous strides in the workplace, bringing their own unique skills and perspectives to the job. We are seeing more of them in the C-suite. There is also growing awareness around pay disparities (especially pertaining to women of color). But the pandemic exposed systemic weaknesses that still exist. Lack of childcare, for example. According to a report from the Center for American Progress, women lost a net of 5.4 million jobs during COVID, in comparison to the 4.4 million lost by men.
These issues are an important part of our history — and our present, for that matter. Today, though, we want to celebrate. There are plenty reasons to do so right here in our own industry. Please join us in honoring the contributions of the 14 women showcased in our ninth annual “Women in Print and Promo” feature.
As readers will note, the 2022 list highlights women of varying professional backgrounds — from sales representatives to CEOs. Their passion for empowering others, including the next generation of women, is just one of many things that unite them. We asked each of them to tell us about their experiences, what they’ve learned and where they find inspiration. Read on for their introspective takes.

Deborah Gaspar
NC Custom (Chocolate Inn, Lanco, Ace)
Hicksville, New York
Director of Marketing
Her job advice to women: Be confident and have an edge. My dad repeatedly told me growing up to never lose my edge or soften yourself because you don’t want to seem too overpowering or demanding.

Heather Comerford
1338Tryon
Portland, Oregon
Owner/CEO/President
Her proudest career achievement: Taking the leap was big! In 2014, I started 1338Tryon out of my garage with money I earned in my previous role as a commissioned salesperson.

Shelley Hart
Meridian
Loves Park, Illinois
Branded Merchandise Manager
What She Wants People to Know About Her: I’m easy to approach, easy to talk to and easy to relate to. This helps in so many ways in the business world with my co-workers, clients and vendors.

Pam Smith
RRD
Chicago
Vice President of Inside Sales
Her biggest lesson learned: People are the most important. … If you’re not there to help with training, recognizing and empowering your people, then you are not being a successful leader.

Andrea Sanders
Cap America
Fredericktown, Missouri
Director of Embroidery Operations
Her biggest lesson learned: Take constructive criticism seriously, but not personally. Learn from your mistakes and never stop learning.

Tracy Flanagan
GO2 Partners
Kansas City, Missouri
Partner
Her job advice to women: I think a large part of my success is because I spoke up and asked questions. So many women wait to be invited to the conversation. An invite is nice, but not necessary.

Nenette Gray
Lemonade Creative Marketing LLC
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Chief Lemonade Maker
What she wants people to know about her: I am in it to win it! I am very determined to succeed. Success to me is measured by how many people I’ve helped along the way.

Sarah Goshgarian Unruh
OrderMyGear
Dallas
Vice President of Business Development
Her job advice to women: One-hundred percent go for it. There are so many supportive women and men in this industry that truly want you to be successful — lean into those relationships.

Chris Kumfer
Wise
Fort Wayne, Indiana
General Manager
Her proudest career achievement: I achieved CFC status in April 1996. I worked very hard studying all areas of the industry to achieve this status.

Heather Rausch and Carrie Tysdahl
American Solutions for Business
Glenwood, Minnesota
Senior Sales Associates
Their upcoming goals: I think professionally our sales team’s goals would consist of continuing to build relationships with our clients and really trying to seek out more A-type clients that we can start with and then build on.

Michele Adams
Proforma Global Sourcing, Levy Recognition
Tampa, Florida
President and Owner
Her biggest lesson learned: Always listen to what the client is telling you and always put their needs first. Be authentic. You can’t fake it to make it.

Bobbie Miranda
Control Printing Group
Independence, Missouri
Office Manager/E-Commerce Services
Who inspires her: Sandra Day O’Connor. [She went] from a rough-riding cowgirl to becoming the first female [associate] justice in the more-than-190-year history of the Supreme Court.

Traci Tarquinio
Hit Promotional Products
Largo, Florida
Vice President of Product Development
What she wants people to know about her: I am passionate and loyal; people and strong relationships are the most important to me.