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Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate and reflect on the invaluable contributions women have made to society. For centuries, women have been trailblazers in everything from the arts to politics, science, culture, and so much more.

Here at Liquified, we work alongside powerful, inspiring, influential women every day– both clients and team members. We can’t help but be inspired by the countless women throughout history who have opened doors for future generations.

That’s why we’re spotlighting three brave female pioneers who broke through in a once male-dominated industry to make their voices heard.

Helen Lansdowne Resor

As one of the true leaders of female empowerment in advertising, Helen Lansdowne Resor boasts an impressive resume with lots of firsts. She was the first female copywriter to create advertisements for a national brand and eventually became the first female head of an ad agency in the United States, J. Walter Thompson (currently known as Wunderman Thompson). She created iconic ads for national brands, including Crisco, the YMCA, and the Red Cross. She is credited with mentoring many up-and-coming writers in advertising and helped jumpstart the career of famed illustrator Norman Rockwell. She was inducted into the American Advertising Federation Hall of Fame in 1967.

Barbara Gardner Proctor

Barbara Gardner Proctor was a barrier-breaking pioneer in advertising. She began her career in 1965 as a copywriter at Post-Keyes-Gardner, an advertising agency based out of Chicago. Just five years later, she made history by becoming the first Black woman to start and lead an ad agency, Proctor & Gardner Advertising, Inc. Despite having no clients for the first six months of the agency’s existence, she eventually landed national brands such as Sears and Kraft Foods. Before her career in advertising began, she was credited for playing a key role in bringing the Beatles’ music to the United States.

Muriel Fox

Muriel Fox’s career in the public relations industry began as a copywriter for political campaigns. A profound feminist, she co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW), dedicated to leading societal change and eliminating discrimination. She led numerous campaigns for NOW, including one that convinced President Lyndon B. Johnson to add women to Executive Order 11246. This act established non-discriminatory practices in hiring and employment, creating millions of jobs for women through affirmative action.

The world of advertising and public relations has undoubtedly become a better place due to the relentless work of these brave women. We are proud to champion the work and legacy of these industry trailblazers.