EP 70 - Meet Lizette Williams, Global Head of Vertical Solutions Marketing, Facebook

I Choose the Ladder

In this episode you meet Lizette Williams. Lizette is a leading marketing and advertising executive with expertise at driving the convergence of brand, culture and tech. She has worked across Fortune 50 companies driving consumer-centric growth strategies focused on cultural relevancy. In 2020 she was named one of “Advertising Woman of the Year” by the Chicago Advertising Federation. She is one of the foremost-awarded marketing executives in the field and was also inducted into the American Advertising Federation Advertising Hall of Achievement, the premier industry recognition for leaders under 40 who are making a significant impact in the industry and their communities. She has been listed as Crain’s Chicago Business “40 under 40,” Advertising Age “Women to Watch,” and Black Enterprise “Top Women Executives in Advertising and Marketing.” A respected thought leader and subject matter expert, Lizette is a sought-out speaker, lecturer, and advisor on marketing and culture. She has provided expertise as a keynote speaker and panelist at several premiere industry conferences, including SXSW, Advertising Week, Essence Fest, and multiple Association of National Advertisers conferences. She is frequently invited to keynote events at major companies to discuss cultural growth strategies including the Kraft Heinz Company, LinkedIn, and Ogilvy & Mather. Lizette serves as the Global Head of Vertical Solutions Marketing at Facebook where she leads a global marketing team tasked with developing the business marketing strategy and approach across 7 industries including Consumer Packaged Goods, Retail, Gaming, and eCommerce. This combination of platform and digital work allows her to continue to drive cultural relevance and impact on a broader scale. Lizette has worked in major marketing roles at McDonald’s, Kimberly-Clark Corporation and PepsiCo. She has consistently remained at the cutting-edge of driving innovative approaches that bring brand, culture and tech together. Lizette’s love of all things “culture” comes from being a born-and-raised New Yorker (and proud “Afro-Latina.”) Currently based in Chicago, she serves on the Board of the Chicago Advertising Federation where she chairs the Diversity Thought Leadership Council. She also serves on the Board of Directors of RealSelf, the leading healthcare marketplace for people considering an elective cosmetic treatment. Additionally, Lizette chairs the American Advertising Federation Hall of Achievement Selection Committee. She has a passion for serving young people and women and as a result, has a countless number of mentees across the country. She spends her free time inspiring college students and has keynoted events at Northwestern University and Lincoln University as well as guest lectured classes at several other universities. Lastly, Lizette is a proud mother of two children who keep her filled with laughter and purpose. Lizette received her MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She received her BA in Economics/ Political Science through a joint program with Columbia University in New York City and the London School of Economics. Some of the things that we discussed that stood out to me were:⁠ • Being a regular girl from the Bronx • How having a daughter influenced her relationship with her natural hair • How to survive be being tested professionally • Maintaining your authentic voice regardless of where you work