Amazing Parker Women: Part 1

By Danielle Woodruffe

With August 26^th being National Women’s Equality Day, we sat down with some amazing Parker women. We’re celebrating their career and personal achievements, some of them were pioneers in their fields.

Michelle Brown, Parker at Somerset Resident

Tell us about your education and career?

“I received both my Bachelor’s in Advertising and my MBA from Rutgers University. I ended up working for one of the largest advertising agencies in the world, and after that the first African American advertising agency.”

What are some of the highlights of your career?

“I was part of the original team of advertisers for McDonald’s that targeted the African American population, and did the same for Burger King. At the time there were not many women, even fewer black people. I also got to ride in a blimp over the Indianapolis 500 parade and rode in a horse and carriage with Ronald McDonald through the Amish Country.”

So you were a pioneer in your field?

“Yes, I guess you could say that.”

How would you describe your career?

“It was fun because a lot of the ads were channeled to black people and that was exciting for me.”

What advice would you give women today?

“There’s a bigger struggle nowadays in the advertising field and it’s harder to get your foot in the door. I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. Today, there’s a bigger crowd looking [for advertising jobs]. You must be twice as smart. I tell them to go for what you want and make a career out of it.”

Michelle Brown is a pioneer in women’s equality and #WithIt.