Editor’s Note: Each March, in celebration of Women’s History Month, Reel Chicago shines a spotlight on the remarkable women shaping Chicago’s film, television and advertising community. From directors and producers to editors, strategists and creative leaders, these women bring talent, vision and determination to an industry built on collaboration and storytelling. Through our Reel Women series, we invite them to share their journeys, the lessons they have learned and the experiences that continue to inspire their work.
Today we include Danielle Vitogiannes, Partner at Celtic Chicago in our celebration of Reel Women.
Danielle is a dynamic marketing leader with over two decades of experience at the intersection of digital innovation, experiential events, and association management. As Partner at Celtic Chicago, she leads cross-functional teams that deliver forward-thinking strategies with measurable results.
Let’s hear Danielle’s story.
What’s your origin story? Where did this journey really begin?
My career started in radio. I sold airtime and did on-site promotions. I was young, hungry, and in love with the lifestyle. Music has always been such a big part of my life; it’s probably no coincidence that I eventually married a musician.
After a few years I moved agency-side as a radio buyer, then expanded into print. I loved the relationship building and eventually realized I wanted to lean more into strategy. That curiosity led me into client services, where I found my stride.
At one point, I convinced the president of our agency to let me start a digital division, driven mostly by curiosity and a belief that it was the future. Fast forward 21 years, and that division became a cornerstone of Celtic Chicago and now I lead both digital and associations. I’m one of three partners running this incredible engine.
When you walk into a room today, what do you want people to understand about you before you even speak?
That I’m genuinely interested in their story. I love listening, learning, and understanding what motivates people. Relationships are where the best ideas and the results come from. Listening is such a critical soft skill.
What’s one decision you made that shifted your trajectory?
I learned to look for the open window when a door closes.
But the real turning point was when I started asking for what I wanted. Promotions, opportunities, new ideas — sometimes the biggest shift happens the moment you stop waiting for permission.
Chicago’s production landscape continues to evolve. Where do you see the biggest opportunity for women right now?
Women bring a powerful emotional intelligence to storytelling. There’s a sentiment and nuance in the way women frame narratives that can reposition brands in ways traditional perspectives often miss.
What excites me most is seeing the growing diversity of voices and visuals shaping the stories we see every day. That shift opens the door for more women to lead creative and production conversations.
Imposter syndrome is real for many women. When did you stop questioning whether you belonged in the room?
When I turned 40.
By then I had eight years of motherhood under my belt, a significant amount of professional experience, and a track record I could stand on. I realized my voice carried weight and when I spoke, people were listening. That confidence allowed me to show up in a more poised and grounded way.
What conversation about women in this industry still isn’t being said loudly enough?
Equal pay.
We’ve made progress in many areas, but compensation parity is still a conversation that deserves more transparency and urgency.
Have you ever walked away from a lucrative opportunity because it didn’t align with who you are or where you’re headed?
Absolutely.
At the end of the day, working relationships have to command respect on both sides. If the alignment isn’t there, culturally or ethically, the money isn’t worth it.
What are you building that will outlast you?
I hope the women who have worked with me always remember their worth and carry their own “seat at the table” wherever they go.
If that confidence continues long after I’m gone, I’ll consider that a legacy.
Name three women in the Chicago industry you’d like to shine a spotlight on.
Samantha Daniel
Emily Cullella
and my daughter.
The whiz, the warmth, and the why. The first two are my colleagues who are incredible in their careers. And the last, well…she’s my everything and the reason to be.
If you could change one structural thing about this industry tomorrow,
what would it be?
More empathy.
If we could pause before reacting, take a breath, sleep on decisions, and approach challenges with more understanding, the industry would become healthier and more collaborative.
What’s the title of the chapter you’re currently living in?
After all the grind, what still excites you?
Traveling the world with my family.
All the work supports those moments, the adventures, the memories, and the experiences we share together.
Bonus: What song plays in your head when you land a big win? And do you happy dance?
Firework by Katy Perry.
And yes, the happy dance is mandatory.
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