Now two years into its existence in the US, The Women in Programmatic Network (TWIPN) has rapidly grown its membership. Our fundamental mission of helping women increase their pay, power, and parity in the ad tech industry has been the primary catalyst for this exceptional momentum. This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain, reminds us all that to grow, we need to lend a hand to support those around us. When they rise, we collectively rise. What better way to reflect on this international movement than to share an update on how TWIPN is doing exactly that through educational programming, events, and strategic industry alliances.
With over 1,000 members and geographic expansion on the horizon, TWIPN’s advocacy is crucial during a time when women still face a stubborn pay gap. According to DNA & Stone, women earn 5% less than men in advertising, and that figure climbs to 8% for mothers. (https://www.adweek.com/agencies/women-in-advertising-pay-gap-persists/) Women also frequently receive less recognition for their expertise. While these are not new problems, having open dialogues and taking concrete steps to increase equity brings incremental change. TWIPN is organizing to do just that through coordinated global efforts and local, stateside initiatives.
The Power of the Platform: Strategic Partnerships
In 2025, our global network launched the TWIPN Speaker Hub to highlight exceptional talent through events, speaking engagements, and industry initiatives. Its value was immediately proven when DanAds approached us to help program its annual event with diverse industry experts. DanAds was able to curate a more customized, diverse lineup for each session, resulting in stronger conversations and positive attendee feedback.
We have also expanded our strategic alliance with AdExchanger in 2026. TWIPN will host education programming and networking meetups at both Programmatic AI and I/O, bringing together women across the programmatic ecosystem for mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and community-building. TWIPN will also have the opportunity to recommend additional speakers for the main-stage agenda, helping ensure a wider range of perspectives across event programming.
These platforms do more than just build community. They create tangible visibility and equitable opportunities for women to step into the spotlight. In fact, the US chapter has a documented commitment to ensuring that at least 50% of our panelists are first-time speakers. By leveraging these partnerships and breaking down barriers to the stage, we are actively dismantling the industry echo chamber and placing the next generation of female leaders on programmatic’s most influential stages.
TWIPN March Events & International Women’s Day Celebrations
In honor of IWD, TWIPN hosted several events to celebrate and support women’s equity, visibility, and leadership in the programmatic industry. Here are a few ways we are supporting this year’s theme of #Givetogain:
- AI in Media Webinar: Our March 12th webinar explored the timely and important topic of AI in Media. Our outstanding panelists, Lauren Farber, Olivia Brewer, and Grace Ebach, led an engaging discussion facilitated by our own Mary Wood. They explored what AI is doing better than humans, what responsibilities still belong firmly in human hands, the role of creative content, and how careers and talent are evolving in this new landscape. We were thrilled to have more than 50 women and allies join the conversation.
- Confidence & Cocktails (March 19th, Denver, CO): This event brought women across ad tech and programmatic together for an evening of meaningful connection, honest conversation, and professional development. In the spirit of Give to Gain, the event created space for attendees to share experiences, offer support, and invest in one another’s growth. Through networking and an interactive discussion on leadership presence and self-advocacy led by executive coach Kelly Owens, women walked away with renewed confidence, actionable insights, and a stronger sense of community.
- From a Seat at the Table to Setting the Agenda (March 19th, NY, NY): We were thrilled to host our third annual International Women’s Day celebration in partnership with The Trade Desk. This evening focused on a critical shift in career growth: moving from representation to real influence. Through a candid, tactical panel discussion, senior leaders shared how influence is actually built, what changes when your voice starts to carry weight, how to navigate senior conversations, and how to take ownership before having the title. Attendees walked away with practical strategies and meaningful connections within a community designed to support that growth.
TWIPN Expansion & What’s Next
Austin has quickly become a hub for advertising, tech, and media. With remote work bringing professionals from many different companies into the city, it is the perfect place to build a strong, localized community of women in ad tech.
The goal of launching an Austin chapter is simple: create a space where women across the programmatic ecosystem can connect, share ideas, and support each other’s growth. We will kick things off with an inaugural event in May, bringing together local leaders for a panel discussion followed by a networking happy hour. From there, we plan to host regular gatherings focused on industry trends, career growth, and building meaningful connections within the Austin community.
When multiple women rise to support each other, we all win. To learn more about becoming a member, finding speaking opportunities, or how you can support TWIPN, visit our website. In a short time, we have seen firsthand that there is immense strength in unity, and with our continued growth, our foundation becomes even more resilient far beyond Women’s History Month.
