REEL WOMEN

REEL WOMEN Celebrates: Katy Gajewicz, Chief Strategy Officer

By Katy Gajewicz
March 18, 2025

Editor’s Note: Supporting women should not be limited to a month. So, at Reel Chicago, we have decided to amplify and promote dynamic women’s voices all year long. Today, let us introduce you to Laughlin Constable’s Chief Strategy Officer, Katy Gajewicz.

With over 20 years of agency experience, Katy leads strategic intelligence at LC, focusing on business, brand, communications, and marketing strategy. Her clients have spanned Health & Wellness, CPG food & beverage, CPG household products, QSR, Home DIY, Travel & Hospitality, and Retail.

Her recent brand work includes Yuengling, the ASPCA, Northwestern Medicine, True Value, Nordic Naturals, and the Bronx Zoo. Before that, she led strategic efforts for McDonald’s, Gatorade, SpaghettiOs, Kraft, Suave as well as global brand work for S.C.Johnson’s Home Cleaning, Pest Control, Air Care and Home Storage categories.

Let’s meet Katy!

What’s your Chicago story?

Born and raised in the north suburbs of Chicago, I went to college out of state but came back to live and work in the city. I have an unwavering, enduring love affair with Chicago.

How did you break into your industry?

In my senior year at Washington University, as a Psychology major and Business minor, (because I loved the human insight that underscores building brands and businesses) I attended a job consortium held at McCormick Place in Chicago. Hundreds of industries and companies in the country participated. I got a “first meet” with the head of research at Leo Burnett, the first step that led to a job offer.

How has Chicago influenced your creative journey?

From the first day I moved to the city after college, Chicago’s energy has made me feel inspired, enveloped, and supported. There is no other city that will ever truly be my home.

Chicago is known for its grind and resilience. How has that shaped your career?

You can’t work in Chicago and not appreciate the strength of character of the people. We endure brutal winters, a tireless work ethic, and challenging industry competition. These people, with strength of character, have mentored me, challenged m,e and rewarded me – and given me strength throughout.

What’s a creative risk you took that paid off?

I chose to leave advertising for 3 months early-on in my career, to take stock of what I really wanted. I discovered I wanted to be in advertising ☺

Chicago has given us Michelle Obama, Oprah, Joan Cusack Shonda Rhimes, Linda Kaplan Thaler, Barbara Proctor, Lena Waithe, and so many powerhouse women. What’s it going to take to create even more opportunities for Chicago women?

Eliminate the barriers.

What’s your take on the rise of AI?

As a strategist, I think AI has the potential to be a true game-changer, a force-multiplier to inspire and amplify thinking. Used skillfully and credibly, I believe our jobs will be transformed to minimize the tedious tasks and supercharge our ability to think and create. And I also believe that the human element we bring to every endeavor will be even more precious.