A Woman’s View Highlights the Importance of Diversity and Honors Visionary Women in Promo

iPROMOTEu’s A Woman’s View recently hosted more than 300 women from across the promotional products industry for their annual networking reception during PPAI EXPO. This year’s Diversity. Diamonds. Dessert. themed reception was a festive evening of connection, recognition, and education as part of the organization’s commitment to supporting women within the promotional products industry.

Among the evening’s highlights was a keynote address from best-selling author Kelly McDonald. McDonald is considered one of the nation’s top experts in leadership, marketing, customer experience, and consumer trends. Her presentation, “How to Work with and Lead People Not Like You”, shared information from her latest title, It’s Time to Talk About Race at Work: Every Leader’s Guide to Making Progress on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, which is currently one of the best-selling business books in the United States.

“I was thrilled to do the keynote for the A Woman’s View event at PPAI EXPO,” said McDonald. “The audience was amazing: fun, engaged, and so happy to be there! Kudos to iPROMOTEu for hosting such a spectacular women’s networking reception each year.”

A Woman’s View also recognized two women for their extraordinary accomplishments in 2023. The Affiliate Visionary Award was presented to Michelle Robello, owner of Red Zone Promos in Kailua, Hawaii. In addition to helping clients with imaginative and creative marketing programs as the leader of Red Zone Promos over the last eight years, Michelle is consistently a positive influence on her peers and her community. When the Hawaii Firestorm wildfires ravaged the island last August, Michelle and her husband Cliff organized a donation effort to help impacted families. They raised $58,000 in monetary donations from iPROMOTEu Affiliates and clients of Cliff’s financial advisory firm. Additionally, Red Zone Promos and CMR Financial Advisors matched $15,000, using those funds to support individuals providing meals and services to local families in Hawaii.

The 2023 Supplier Visionary Award was presented Lori Bolton, Director of Business Development with Totally Bamboo. Lori is an industry veteran who has dedicated many years to the industry, demonstrating extraordinary business success and achievements in her professional and personal life. Lori has been named one of the Top 25 Most-Mentioned Promo People, is the Past President of SAAC, and is a co-host of The Rundown podcast. In addition to being an industry influencer, Lori mentors kids at the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation and is an ambassador to help raise funds for the Boys and Girls Club. She is a strong advocate for women as a supporter of the PPAI Women’s Leadership Conference and is always happy to volunteer her time for A Woman’s View events and webinars.

In keeping with the night’s theme and new for 2024, A Woman’s View held a raffle for a stunning pair of diamond hoop earrings from event sponsor, Antwerp Diamonds. Sharon Scofield, Koozie Group Director of Customer Care Operations, won the earrings which were presented by Debbie Bertram, President of Continental Premium Corporation.

The 2024 Women’s Advisory Council was also announced. The council will coordinate ongoing educational and networking opportunities including the A Woman’s View 2024 Webinar Series:

Lori Bauer, CEO, iPROMOTEu
Emily Codner, Director of Affiliate Services, iPROMOTEu
Dawn Miller, Virtual Assistant and Sales Support Program Manager, iPROMOTEu
Michele Cochran, Six Twenty Six
Michelle Kaufman, Blue Monkey Promo
Christy Muckey, Lucas Promotional Products
Kathleen Nassi, Promos & Beyond
Margie Nelson, ID Marketing
Roxanne Rogers, ORION Promotional Group
Brenda Treuhaft, B*true Promotions
Karly Ziniuk, Swagz Promo

“The diverse group of women who joined us for the annual A Woman’s View networking reception represent the outstanding imagination, camaraderie, and passion that are driving our industry forward,” said Lori Bauer, iPROMOTEu CEO. “A Woman’s View is proud to support and empower such an outstanding group of women and recognize their hard work.”