In Her Own Words: Jen Harrington Featured in The Business Journals

 

The HATCH founder shares why women-owned agencies are critical to a changing industry.

 

Less than 1% of advertising and branding agencies in the U.S. are owned by women. HATCH CEO and founder Jennifer Harrington wants to change that. Because women-owned agencies aren’t just good for women — they’re good for the industry.

Women bring adaptability to agency ownership. They know how to pivot. They have been moving between family and work life forever. They are used to ambiguity, and can make big decisions with imperfect information.

Women talk openly about the messiness of working and parenting and caregiving because, for them, it has always been real life. Post-pandemic, more men are starting to value this skill too — but for women, it’s second nature.

 

Here’s how we help more women take the leap into agency ownership:

1. Seek them out and show up for them. If you know a woman who’s starting an agency — connect her with clients, vendors, or partners. Shoutout to Christy Hiler and Own It for leading this movement nationally.

2. Help women stay — or return — to the workforce. Skills honed outside an office can translate beautifully to agency life.

3. Share your network and your platform. Nominate women for awards. Recommend them for boards. Ask them to speak on panels. Create communities so they don’t feel isolated.

4. Be a mentor — and teach your people to do the same. This can mean providing informational interviews, introductions, or just a listening ear.

 

Read Jen’s full “In Her Own Words” piece in The Business Journals.