Paving the Way for Women in Advertising

Kindness, collaboration and creativity. Those three words are the cornerstone of the culture at Vendi Advertising in La Crosse, Wisconsin and no one embodies those words more than founder and creative principal Kathy Van Kirk. Her leadership perfectly exemplifies the qualities the TITAN Women in Business Awards, particularly the Female Executive of the Year–Art & Creative, looks to recognize. Kathy's story begins with a passion. An artist at heart, she found her professional calling at the intersection of her artistic background and the world of advertising. Vendi wasn't just a business venture, it was the culmination of Kathy's vision to bring high-quality artistic expression into the marketplace. Additionally, she started at a time when advertising was a male-dominated industry, ruthlessly fighting to earn her place and pave the way for other women who came after her. Now, you can see her 40+ years of creative contributions throughout the region, continuously raising the bar for her team and clients. Described as her superpower, Kathy's kindness helps shape Vendi's work environment. She prioritizes employee well-being and encourages a collaborative spirit where everyone feels seen, valued and supported. This people-first approach extends beyond day-to-day operations—her leadership through challenging times like the pandemic solidified this commitment. After having almost all revenue disappear in 2020, Vendi is on track to have a record year. A great deal of credit goes to Kathy’s steadfast leadership. But Kathy's impact extends far beyond the walls of the agency. She created Vendi Share, a program that provides pro bono services to non-profits. Over the years, she’s helped dozens of organizations tell their story to the community, an opportunity they most likely wouldn’t have had without this program. This is just one small example of Kathy's commitment to the well-being of the broader community she serves. It's clear that Kathy's leadership, kindness and commitment to her community and her craft make her a truly outstanding candidate for the TITAN Women in Business Awards – Female Executive of the Year for Art & Creative.