September Females in Food Spotlight Award: Ashley Ganski, Business Development Director at Approach Marketing
This month, we are proud to shine the spotlight on Ashley Ganski, an influential force in food and beverage marketing who blends strategic brilliance with a deep sense of empathy and authenticity. With a career that started in media – spanning nearly a decade at NBC and FOX – Ashley has always been drawn to stories that stick. From working with brands to craft messaging that actually resonates, to now leading strategy back in agency life, she has remained focused on helping brands cut through the noise, not add to it.
Ashley’s journey has included a shift into healthcare and pediatric therapy, where empathy-driven communication became a cornerstone of her approach. Now, back in the food and beverage space, she thrives by staying close to consumer trends, leading with curiosity, and solving messy brand challenges with creativity and heart. “Give me a ‘we’ve tried everything’ moment,” she says, “and I light up. That’s where I thrive.”
While her work often happens behind the scenes, her impact is deeply felt. She is proudest not of big campaigns, but of the trust she builds with brands – large and small – and the way she helps others step into the spotlight with confidence. Her motivation? Seeing someone’s shoulders drop when the right solution clicks into place.
Ashley also knows what it feels like to be the only woman – or the youngest person – in the room, and she does not take that lightly. From calling out credit-stealing to encouraging women to speak up, she makes space for others with intentionality and strength. “We rise together here,” she says, and she lives it.
As the Chicago Ambassador for Females in Food, Ashley has stepped up to lead our Females in Food monthly meetups, bringing warmth, connection, and a little spark of joy to every gathering. Her presence is magnetic and we are so lucky to have her helping to build community in one of our most active regions.
Her advice for others in the industry? “Ask the question – especially the one you’re afraid to ask.” Ashley learned early on that asking for clarity is not a weakness but a strength, often unlocking better conversations and smarter decisions for everyone in the room.
Outside of work, Ashley brings her quick wit and creative energy to the stage. She spent a decade doing improv and stand-up comedy in Chicago, and those years taught her how to roll with the chaos and find humor in the unexpected – skills that serve her well in both boardrooms and brainstorms.
Ashley, thank you for the way you show up – for your strategic brilliance, your humility, your community spirit, and your laughter. We are so lucky to have you in our corner.
