“Leading with kindness, giving back with intention, and building genuine connections that leave a positive mark.”
Elizabeth DiGennaro is a distinguished brand and commerce strategist whose career reflects a remarkable fusion of analytical rigor, empathetic leadership, and visionary thinking. With over seven years of progressive experience in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, she has led transformative initiatives for globally recognized brands and burgeoning businesses alike. Elizabeth’s journey began with a clear intent: to harness creativity and strategy in ways that connect people to products, brands to purpose, and data to meaningful action. Today, she is widely regarded not just for her expertise, but for the passion and integrity she brings to every endeavor.
Raised with a strong sense of service and curiosity, Elizabeth’s early interests in marketing and entrepreneurship were nurtured through education and leadership roles. As a co-founder of Ball State University’s Women in Business organization, she spearheaded programs designed to empower female students, laying a foundation for her lifelong commitment to equity, purpose, and impact. This formative experience catalyzed a belief that strategic thinking is most powerful when paired with authentic human connection.
Her academic career, marked by distinction at Ball State University and later the University of Dayton, gave her both the theoretical and practical knowledge to thrive in a competitive marketplace. Elizabeth’s participation in the Miller Business Honors Program and her international studies in Limerick, Ireland, further broadened her worldview and business acumen. These experiences strengthened her cross-cultural competencies and instilled a deep appreciation for the diverse narratives that shape global consumer behavior.
Elizabeth’s professional trajectory began with high-impact internships at premier agencies such as Weber Shandwick and Edelman, where she quickly distinguished herself for her aptitude in brand strategy, consumer insights, and integrated marketing. At BCW Global, she transitioned into full-time roles, culminating in an Account Executive position where she partnered with clients like Bank of America, Purina, and Walgreens. Her work was instrumental in defining long-term brand visions and crafting initiatives that resonated with millions of consumers.
Her rise continued at VML, where she now serves as a Senior Strategist leading multi-million-dollar CPG accounts. Here, she has developed and implemented integrated global brand and commerce strategies, generating over $6 million in new business and reshaping category leadership for household-name clients. Whether mentoring junior talent, optimizing strategic processes, or uncovering market white space through data, Elizabeth brings a nuanced perspective that consistently translates into growth, innovation, and relevance.
At the core of her work lies a profound respect for consumer behavior. Elizabeth excels at distilling cultural and behavioral insights into actionable strategy. From discovering untapped market opportunities to steering cross-functional teams through complex brand transformations, she approaches challenges with a rare blend of logic and empathy. Her strategic lens is sharp, but it is her understanding of people that truly sets her apart.
Beyond her technical expertise, Elizabeth has demonstrated a deep personal commitment to causes aligned with her values. She is a passionate advocate for women’s health, environmental sustainability, and social equity, and has contributed to organizations like the YWCA to help underserved women reclaim agency and opportunity. Elizabeth also volunteers with Erie House, a social services nonprofit organization providing critical support to immigrant and low-income families in Chicago. As a mentor in the TEAM program, she plays a pivotal role throughout the school year in the life of a local teen—encouraging their academic growth and celebrating their personal development as they build a foundation for long-term success. Her belief in “leading with kindness” is not just a personal mantra, but a professional practice she carries into every boardroom, brainstorm, and brand plan.
Her entrepreneurial flair is reflected in her creative side project, Sweet Ending Dessert Lounge, where she designs and shares imaginative desserts. This endeavor reflects her broader philosophy: that joy, creativity, and discipline are not mutually exclusive, but rather essential ingredients for holistic success. She brings this multidimensionality into every strategic engagement, making her an asset to both established and emerging businesses seeking to differentiate in crowded markets.
Elizabeth’s global mindset and experience navigating international brand portfolios equip her with the agility to lead across geographies and demographics. She has built and executed strategies that respect cultural nuance while aligning with universal brand truths. As companies increasingly seek culturally fluent, values-driven leaders, Elizabeth offers a rare combination of strategic depth, commercial fluency, and ethical leadership.
With membership in the American Marketing Association and the Path to Purchase Institute, Elizabeth remains closely connected to the evolving pulse of modern marketing. She is not only a student of the industry, but a contributor to its future—always curious, always engaged, and always committed to leaving a positive and enduring mark.
Character:
Elizabeth embodies a strong moral compass rooted in kindness and authenticity. Her actions reflect a deep-seated commitment to doing what is right, not just what is profitable, making her a trusted leader and collaborator.
Knowledge:
Her academic foundation and real-world experience have forged a highly intelligent and adaptive thinker. Elizabeth synthesizes data, consumer insight, and market dynamics into strategies that are both visionary and practical.
Strategic:
With a proven track record of driving measurable growth for top-tier brands, Elizabeth approaches every challenge with foresight and purpose. She understands how to align business objectives with consumer needs to create long-term value.
Communication:
Elizabeth’s storytelling skills and empathy enable her to engage stakeholders at every level with clarity and conviction. She fosters environments where ideas are shared freely and solutions are built collaboratively.