171. Women Leading the Way in Ad Tech with Ann Tarasevich
Release Date: 03/20/2025
Programmatic Digest
Our Let’s Talk Curation series was created in partnership with GDB, our curated data partner, to help demystify curated audiences, what they are, how they work, and when and why you should consider using them. Check out this lesson, From Data to Insight: How Curation Drives Smarter Optimization. #ProgrammaticAdvertising #Curation #AdTechEducation #MediaBuying #ProgrammaticTips About our Partner: GDB is a curated audience data partner focused on combining quality inventory and audience signals to support smarter testing and cleaner measurement in programmatic campaigns.
info_outlineProgrammatic Digest
In this episode of Programmatic Digest, Hélène sits down with Tiffany Wade, Media Director at Hunter Blue, for a grounded conversation on community building, mentorship, and leadership as a woman in programmatic and ad tech. Tiffany shares her path into media, from a psychology background and early career pivots to finding her footing through curiosity, asking better questions, and building relationships that opened doors. They talk about what it feels like to be “the only one” in the room, how to stay brave while navigating discomfort, and why finding your community matters, even if...
info_outlineProgrammatic Digest
Our Let’s Talk Curation series was created in partnership with GDB, our curated data partner, to help demystify curated audiences, what they are, how they work, and when and why you should consider using them. Check out this lesson on CTR vs Conversions real performance examples. #ProgrammaticAdvertising #Curation #AdTechEducation #MediaBuying #ProgrammaticTips About our Partner: GDB is a curated audience data partner focused on combining quality inventory and audience signals to support smarter testing and cleaner measurement in programmatic campaigns.
info_outlineProgrammatic Digest
In this episode of Programmatic Digest, Hélène sits down with Dominique Robinson, an integrated media planner at Luquire, for an insightful conversation on how media planning is evolving in today’s programmatic-first world. Dominique shares his personal journey into advertising, from early inspiration through marketing and design to building integrated media strategies that blend traditional channels like broadcast with digital and programmatic media across streaming, social, and online platforms. Together, they break down what “integrated media planning” really looks like inside an...
info_outlineProgrammatic Digest
🎧 Summary: In this episode of the Programmatic Digest, Hélène sits down with Alexa Fulmer, a seasoned programmatic buyer and advocate for inclusion, to discuss what it’s really like navigating agency life as a gay woman of colour. From microaggressions and being the only person of colour in the room to building confidence and community, Alexa shares her story with vulnerability, insight, and strength. They unpack how authenticity in the workplace often comes at a cost, the emotional labour tied to identity, and why representation matters—especially in leadership. Alexa also reflects...
info_outlineProgrammatic Digest
Our Let’s Talk Curation series was created in partnership with GDB, our curated data partner, to help demystify curated audiences, what they are, how they work, and when and why you should consider using them. Check out this lesson on Curation 101. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: About our Partner: GDB is a curated audience data partner focused on combining quality inventory and audience signals to support smarter testing and cleaner measurement in programmatic campaigns.
info_outlineProgrammatic Digest
Find YouTube link to watch here: Shownotes Welcome to the first Programmatic Digest episode of 2026 with Ellen Parker and Manuela Cortez. This is a quick check-in, plus a trader-friendly breakdown of the biggest 2025 shifts and what to watch in 2026. We cover five trends from 2025 (AI everywhere, privacy and cookieless reality, CTV growth, RMNs going more programmatic, and supply quality/transparency). Then we close with three 2026 predictions: curation becoming “default infrastructure,” AI as a co-pilot (not autopilot), and multi-identity strategies becoming standard. This...
info_outlineProgrammatic Digest
Preview of the Sell-Side Foundations for Traders workshop sponsored by ! Sign up to this FREE workshop: Summary: A fast, practical deep dive into how GDB redefined programmatic curation from their early roots as a DSP to becoming an SSP focused on “Curation as a Service.” John Dittar and Felipe share how refining supply paths, removing low-quality inventory, and layering intelligence into deals leads to cleaner, smarter buying. They explain how curation powers stronger brand safety, reduces pre-fraud exposure, and replaces guesswork with predictable,...
info_outlineProgrammatic Digest
A fast, practical deep dive into The Trade Desk’s move to label all SSPs as “resellers” — what that label actually means, why it has a bad rap, and where it’s fair vs. misleading. Gareth breaks down value-add resellers (e.g., unique widgets/placements) vs. pure pass-through reselling, explains OpenPath in plain English, and demystifies the Transaction ID debate: what it is, why TTD wants it, and how it impacts buy-side efficiency and supply transparency. We wrap with actionable steps for traders — how to pressure-test paths, when to go direct with publishers/PMPs, and how to...
info_outlineProgrammatic Digest
In this episode of the Programmatic Digest, host Helene Parker sits down with Jana Meron, programmatic veteran and sell-side expert, for a deep dive into how the buy side and sell side can finally bridge the gap. This episode serves as a preview of their upcoming joint workshop — The Sell-Side Programmatic Foundation for Buyers — designed to help traders, buyers, and ad ops professionals better understand how publishers, SSPs, and ad tech integrations actually work. Jana shares her fascinating career journey, from early media buying days to leading programmatic and data operations at...
info_outlineAnn Tarasevich, the visionary leader of Access Marketplace, joins us to unravel the complexities of leadership in the ad tech world. With her rich experience at the intersection of academia and digital marketing, Ann takes us on a journey through Ukraine's evolving programmatic advertising landscape. Discover how her company’s innovative technology connects advertisers and publishers and gain insights into the programmatic SSP platform, all while understanding the dynamics between buy-side and sell-side players. Ann’s story is not just about technology; it's about her personal evolution and the allies who supported her rise in a male-dominated industry.
The conversation takes a poignant turn as we spotlight the hurdles women encounter on their path to leadership in tech and ad tech. With only 25% of executive positions held by women, Ann shares personal anecdotes of being underestimated and facing pay disparities. We discuss the critical role of confidence, authenticity, and community support in overcoming stereotypes and advancing careers. Companies have a part to play too, by fostering environments that celebrate women’s achievements and invest in leadership training to bolster growth and self-confidence. It’s a candid dialogue on breaking barriers and seizing opportunities for women leaders.
Empowerment and continuous learning are themes that resonate throughout our discussion. We highlight how fiction and insightful podcasts can shape leadership skills and bolster resilience. Ann emphasizes the importance of networks like the Women in Programmatic Network, inviting listeners to connect and share experiences. With a hint at her future plans of writing a book, Ann illustrates the power of staying connected within the community. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and a roadmap to leadership excellence for women in ad tech.
Join Our Next FREE Workshop (March 27th):
or below:
https://www.heleneparker.com/freeworkshop/
About Us:
We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer:
-
Customized training roadmaps for teams focusing on campaign performance, cross-departmental communication, and revenue growth. Request a sample training roadmap
-
A hybrid model where we activate and train in DSPs. Book a Free Call
Programmatic Training & Coaching:
-
Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up
-
Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here
-
Waitlist for Future Workshops: Join Here
Timestamp:
(00:02) - Women in Leadership in Ad Tech
(10:52) - Challenges and Growth for Women Leaders
(20:53) - Continuous Learning and Personal Growth
(30:59) - Connect With Women in Programmatic
Meet Our Guest:
-
Ann Tarasewicz
Meet The Team:
-
Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach
-
Learn Programmatic
-
Programmatic Digest
-
Manuela Cortes - Co-Host
-
Programmatic Digest In Espanol
Looking for programmatic training/coaching?
SIgn up to our Accelerator Program:
A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on within DSP(s) exercises, and real-time feedback—perfect for those who thrive on accountability and community, and looking to grow their technical skillset
https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program
Self-Paced Course:
Full access to course content anytime, allowing independent learners to study at their own speed with complete flexibility.
https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course
Join our next workshop by signing up to our waitlist below: