Check out the Q&A below to learn more about members of our women’s ERG, Women at Cadent. Each of these women bring important and diverse views, experiences, and expertise to the table, enriching our company culture towards equality and empowerment. 

Heena Otia is a Senior Data Scientist on the SSP side for Aperture MX and has been at Cadent for about a year. Her job entails data modeling and forecasting using machine learning models to maximize revenue and optimize ad exchange services for ad traffic efficiency. She also focuses a lot on data analytics, extracting insights from real-time data to split the signal from the noise and translate value to business stakeholders.

How have you built confidence or resiliency throughout your career?

My mom is my biggest inspiration- a fearless woman herself, she always instilled a sense of confidence in me and made me dream to fly higher. I love this book called “Audacity to Be Queen” by Gina DeVee. I have learned to be a resilient person by looking at setbacks as another opportunity to jump higher. It’s how we react to adversity that determines our life story. 

What women inspire you the most and why? 

My biggest inspiration is Malala Yousafzai, she always advocates for women’s education rights. I find her journey so motivational, from being under fire to never stopping herself. 
Nowadays, I seek inspiration from all the amazing moms out there who guide me on work/life balance, parenting (I have a 2-year-old, so please pass on all the toddler parenting advice!) and carving out a position for yourself in the industry. It can feel daunting at times, but the thought that keeps me going is, “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination.” 

What advice would you give to women navigating their careers within the advertising/ adtech industry? 

We as women can uplift each other a lot by sharing our stories and networking. So far, networking and reaching out to people has been my mantra to seek interesting opportunities in my career. I never shy away from setting up quick Zoom chats with people from the industry or coworkers as well, now that most of the people are remote. I remember when I started in AdTech back in 2016, I didn’t know all the adtech lingo, but attending conferences, reading blogs, and networking helped me a lot. 

Katie Adamcik is a Senior Scrum Master and has been at Cadent for about 1 year. Shes integrated with the Data Engineering teams to help run their day-to-day operations including tracking metrics and project progress, implementing process improvements, removing blockers, and ensuring they’re prepared for the upcoming planning cycle. I also lead our internal Agile metrics automation effort and work closely with the Audience and Identity teams to help instill best practices and provide coaching as needed. 

How have you built confidence or resiliency throughout your career? 

The most essential skill I’ve gained is how to effectively and regularly ask for feedback through check-ins with management and peers. While positive feedback is always nice – and a good confidence boost − critical feedback is where I find the most value. Constructive feedback provides concrete action steps to take which can lead to better work outcomes that maximize both your personal development and team value. Getting constructive criticism in a formal way can help you handle unexpected negative feedback and react rationally instead of emotionally. 

What women inspire you the most and why? 

Professionally, I’ve been inspired this past year by our own SVP Product, Management Marcy Pentoney! Not only is she an exceptionally strong and knowledgeable leader in our product organization who helps to drive the company and culture in a positive direction, but also manages to balance the demands of her senior role while still taking time to be very involved with her family. On the personal side, Dr. Jane Goodall has held my fascination since I was young (I even dressed up as her for a presentation in 8th grade!). She inspires me with her commitment to wild places and animals, and her radical change of how fieldwork had been done for decades. 

What advice would you give to women navigating their careers within the advertising/ adtech industry? 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! I knew nothing about the adtech industry before working at Cadent, and while there is plenty of material to read online, nothing gets you up to speed like the color and commentary that comes from a discussion with your peers or leaders. This is also true no matter how long you’ve been in the industry as consumer behaviors, new technology, and regulations are changing how we work at an ever-increasing pace. 

Ayaka Hayashi is the Director of Product Marketing and has been at Cadent for almost 6 months. She is responsible for developing GTM strategies of products and solutions within the Activation pillar, working closely with cross-functional teams across the organization. 

How have you built confidence or resiliency throughout your career? 

I’ve grown more confident and resilient by embracing the feeling of discomfort in challenging environments, including working in Tokyo and New York. Adapting to new companies, teams, and cultures has taught me that discomfort can signal growth and learning and embracing this discomfort has been key to discovering new things about myself, organizations, and diverse cultures, turning challenges into opportunities for personal and professional development. 

What women inspire you the most and why? 

The women who have truly inspired me are those who embody their support for women through actions, not just words (they don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk!). They have made time for me, offering guidance, mentorship, and a safe space to be authentic and feel valued. In leading by example with humility, positivity, and sometimes stepping back by offering me the space to be heard or speak up—these are the women who encouraged me to be confident and take pride in who I am. 

What advice would you give to women navigating their careers within the advertising/ adtech industry? 

1. Always remember, be your authentic self. Don’t worry too much about trying too hard to be too serious or too cookie-cutter perfect. Be silly sometimes! 
2. Find the people who give you the space to fail and give you the guidance to learn from your mistakes. 
3. Surround yourself with people and teams that help you grow. Be a cheerleader for people and find people who will do that for you. 
4. Remember all the big and little things you’ve experienced from others—mirror the things you liked and be mindful of the things you didn’t. 

Learn more about life at Cadent and see available roles on our Careers page. 

Stephanie Hernandez, an Associate Media Buyer, has been with Cadent since January of this year. Growing up in Westchester County, Stephanie later received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Bridgeport. Prior to working at Cadent, Stephanie held positions at ICON International, Inc. And Canadian Media Sales.   

To learn more about Stephanie, check out our Q&A below.   

Hispanic Heritage Month is from September 15th to October 15th and serves as a month to celebrate the history and diversity of Hispanic cultures. It invites us to remember all the contributions Hispanic, Latina/o/e/x, and Afro-Latina/o/e/x people made in the past and will continue to make in the future. This year’s theme, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” encourages us to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation.   

This month at Cadent, we spoke with some of our Hispanic, Latinx, and Afro-Latinx colleagues to learn more about who they are, their experiences in and out of the workplace, and what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them. 

Tell us about your role at Cadent. 

I’m currently an Associate Media Buyer for the Broadcast Department. My role is to construct TV media buys and send schedules to stations. 

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? 

It’s a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the Latino and Hispanic American communities.  

Where can we find you when you’re not at work?   

I’m either at the movie theater watching the latest film that came out or spending time at home with my husband and dog! 

Are there any mentors or experiences that have shaped you – either professionally or personally? 

Dr. A was the chair president of the Mass Communications department in my college. He always pushed me to be the best version of myself. 

What do you feel helps to foster a culture of inclusion? How have you seen those behaviors and practices successfully put into action?    

I feel that food is the perfect example because we use food to celebrate and for comfort. Different foods evoke memories and emotions. Food can bring people together, in a community and also in the workplace. 

Do you have any favorite movies, books, music, or other cultural inspirations from Hispanic creators? 

One Disney movie that I relate to is Coco. It speaks to my Mexican heritage and the traditions that we follow. 

What advice would you give to a younger colleague or a younger version of yourself? 

There’s a solution to every problem, try your best not to stress, and enjoy the moment! 

Learn more about life at Cadent and see available roles on our Careers page. 

Samuel Castillo, a Media Assistant on the Media Buying team, has been with Cadent since August 2022. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City, Samuel attended NYU, receiving his BA in History. Prior to working at Cadent, Samuel spent several years working in art galleries, where he gained firsthand in marketing and business operations. To learn more about Samuel, check out our Q&A below.   

Hispanic Heritage Month is from September 15th to October 15th and serves as a month to celebrate the history and diversity of Hispanic cultures. It invites us to remember all the contributions Hispanic, Latina/o/e/x, and Afro-Latina/o/e/x people made in the past and will continue to make in the future. This year’s theme, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” encourages us to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation.   

This month at Cadent, we spoke with some of our Hispanic, Latinx, and Afro-Latinx colleagues to learn more about who they are, their experiences in and out of the workplace, and what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them. 

Tell us about your role at Cadent. 

As a Media Assistant, I assist Media Buyers in the scheduling and management of client orders and accounts. Eventually, I’ll grow into the role of a Buyer and handle my own accounts! 

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? 

I appreciate how Hispanic Heritage Month enables people from different Hispanic and Latin cultures to celebrate their unique traits and values while connecting over unifiers such as language and food. 

Where can we find you when you’re not at work?   

Chowing down on a bowl of ramen downtown or shopping around St. Marks Place.  

What do you feel helps to foster a culture of inclusion? How have you seen those behaviors and practices successfully put into action?    

In my opinion, transparency and acknowledgment. It is important to communicate changes and what they mean for everyone, whether the situation is good or bad. 

Do you have any favorite movies, books, music, or other cultural inspirations from Hispanic creators? 

Junot Diaz was an important author during my formative years. Books like “Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao,” and “This is How You Lose Her,” helped me understand how to find balance between two cultures as an immigrant in the U.S. – by just being myself. 

What advice would you give to a younger colleague or a younger version of yourself? 

Ask questions and embrace the joy of learning and growing! 

Learn more about life at Cadent and see available roles on our Careers page. 

Allison Coston, a Senior Manager for Product Innovations, joined Cadent in March of this year. Growing up in Massachusetts, Allison attended Fitchburg State University and later earned her MBA in Information Systems at Fordham University. Prior to working at Cadent, Allison worked at AdTheorent as a product manager. Allison also served in the US Navy, specializing in ships’ radar, navigation, and communications equipment. To learn more about Allison, check out our Q&A below.   

Hispanic Heritage Month is from September 15th to October 15th and serves as a month to celebrate the history and diversity of Hispanic cultures. It invites us to remember all the contributions Hispanic, Latina/o/e/x, and Afro-Latina/o/e/x people made in the past and will continue to make in the future. This year’s theme, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” encourages us to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation.   

This month at Cadent, we spoke with some of our Hispanic, Latinx, and Afro-Latinx colleagues to learn more about who they are, their experiences in and out of the workplace, and what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them. 

Tell us about your role at Cadent. 

In my current role, I get to work across many teams such as with Sales, Marketing, and Product. Getting to collaborate with colleagues during the Product development Lifecycle keeps me excited and engaged at work. Working on go-to-market plans, client onboarding, and analysis of product usage are some of the highlights that keep my days interesting. 

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? 

I appreciate Hispanic Heritage Month because it dedicates time to celebrating, sharing, and learning more about different Hispanic cultures and traditions. There are more than 20 Latin American countries that have rich and diverse histories to explore. 

Where can we find you when you’re not at work?   

I love getting outside and being active! In the summer you can find me kayaking, biking, or hanging at the beach. In the winter, I’ll be in the mountains as often as time allows. I’m also a foodie who loves trying new restaurants and sharing a good meal with friends and family. 

Are there any mentors or experiences that have shaped you – either professionally or personally? 

Over the years, I have greatly benefited from formal and informal mentorship. I am always inspired by people who are authentic and true to their words. Honest leaders with a strong vision and willingness to support their teams are qualities I value in my mentors. A good sense of humor also goes a long way. 

What do you feel helps to foster a culture of inclusion? How have you seen those behaviors and practices successfully put into action?    

Being in a workplace that values and celebrates the contributions of its employees is important. Additionally, I think it’s crucial for organizations to create space for their members to have opportunities to be open, curious, and learn from peers who have different backgrounds and perspectives than their own. Cadent’s ERGs are a great place to see these values implemented. 

Do you have any favorite movies, books, music, or other cultural inspirations from Hispanic creators? 

There are so many talented Hispanic creators, that it’s hard to choose! Some of my favorite artists are Victoria Villasana (@villanaart) and José Parlá (@joseparla). I also love listening to Bachata and dancing to Salsa music — it’s nearly impossible to not have a great time! 

What advice would you give to a younger colleague or a younger version of yourself? 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you need help or support, be open to receiving constructive feedback, and seek mentorship from people who inspire you. 

Learn more about life at Cadent and see available roles on our Careers page. 

Meet Eleanor Andresen — originally from Ridgefield, Connecticut. She currently attends the University of Miami with a major in communications studies and a minor in political science. Eleanor joined the Cadent team in the 2023 Summer Intern class as a Marketing Intern where she supported our marketing team by writing blog posts, conducting market research, and more! After she graduates, she mentioned she wants to use her communications degree to work in the entertainment industry. Recently, we sat down with Eleanor to learn more about her and her experience as an intern at Cadent. 

Tell us a fun fact about yourself. 

I am a singer! I perform in an A Cappella group at the University of Miami and have spent most of my life taking voice lessons and performing. 

Where can we find you if you’re not at work or school? 

In my free time, I love traveling, trying new restaurants, catching up with my favorite TV shows, and spending time with friends. 

What was your favorite project you worked on during your internship and why? 

My favorite project this summer was our final project because it allowed me to see so many sides of the company and learn new things. We worked with the media planners to create media plans that suited our audiences, worked with the sales team to understand how to successfully pitch our ideas, and the marketing team assisted with presentation skills. It was extremely rewarding to receive valuable feedback from executives, and it felt like the best accomplishment to show at the end of my summer! 

What is one thing you wish you would have known prior to joining Cadent? 

I didn’t know how much goes into the world of television advertising and AdTech overall. Everyone helped catch us up to speed, but in the beginning, there was definitely a learning curve. 

What advice would you give to an incoming intern at Cadent? 

Don’t be afraid to meet people from other teams and find ways to collaborate! Even though your internship is specialized, connecting with new colleagues is always possible. 

Learn more about life at Cadent and see available roles on our Careers page. 

Meet Patrick Lucas — born and raised in Manhattan Beach, California. He moved to New York City to attend NYU for his undergraduate degree and fell in love with the city. He joined Cadent as a Sales Intern in the summer of 2023 to support the sales organization. After he completed his internship, he mentioned how the experience was extremely helpful in preparing him for a full-time role. He plans to continue his career in advertising or media sales. Recently, we sat down with Patrick to learn more about him and his experience as an intern at Cadent. 

Tell us a fun fact about yourself. 

Following my graduation, I decided to take a gap year traveling across the U.S. in my car. I visited 38 states and I’m hoping to get to all 50! 

Where can we find you if you’re not at work or school? 

In my free time, you can find me running on the West Side Highway, cooking with friends, or playing pickleball. I did the NYC half marathon in March 2023, and I’m now training for the full 26-mile marathon. 

What was your favorite project you worked on during your internship and why? 

My favorite project I worked on during my internship was the final intern project. We were separated into two teams and created a full sales pitch presentation to a prospective client. The project pushed us to learn and put into action all aspects of the Cadent value proposition. It also was a fantastic way to learn as a team and a fun challenge to have a friendly competition with the other team. 

What is one thing you wish you would have known prior to joining Cadent? 

The summer interns were very fortunate to join the team at a pivotal part of the year for the industry. I wish I had done more research and had a better understanding of the TV advertising upfront prior to joining. 

What advice would you give to an incoming intern at Cadent? 

Cadent has a great team environment. Everyone here is committed to your growth and learning. Speak up and don’t be afraid to ask questions! 

Learn more about life at Cadent and see available roles on our Careers page. 

Meet Esha Nakodkar — born in Philadelphia and raised in the Pennsylvania suburbs. As a senior student at Penn State University, she studies Information Sciences and Technology and Digital Media Trends and Analytics. Esha joined the team as a Product Management Intern and spent the summer learning the ins and outs of a Product Manager’s responsibilities at a company like Cadent. After she graduates, she mentioned wanting to explore the AdTech industry and find a CPG marketing or product management role. Recently, we sat down with Esha to learn more about her and her experience as an intern at Cadent. 

Tell us a fun fact about yourself. 

I went vegan (and pescatarian) 3 years ago! In 2020, I started reading more about sustainability and the impact that the meat and dairy industry has on the environment. Based on my research, I decided to try going vegan for a few months. While being fully vegan was difficult to maintain as a college student, I could clearly notice the positive impact it had on my physical and mental well-being, and have been pescatarian and (mostly) dairy-free ever since! While it began as an effort to help the environment in my own small way, it allowed me to take a closer look at my lifestyle and made health and wellness a huge passion of mine.

Where can we find you if you’re not at work or school? 

As an active member of my dance team, you can find me at dance practice most nights of the week dancing. I also like staying active by lifting at the gym and taking fitness classes. If all else fails, I can almost always be found cooking, shopping, or spending time with my friends. 

What was your favorite project you worked on during your internship and why? 

I spent most of my internship working with my manager to learn about the numerous responsibilities and projects of a Product Manager at Cadent. The tasks and meetings related to user experience (UX) and working with the design team were my favorites! It was a lot of fun looking at different interfaces for Aperture platform and finding simple but impactful ways to improve them. I also gained hands-on experience with Jira and Confluence exploring both platforms. Overall, my internship gave me valuable insight into what it means to be a successful Product Manager. 

What is one thing you wish you would have known prior to joining Cadent? 

I wish I had known more about AdTech to appreciate the Cadent company structure and purpose sooner. Luckily, my manager did a wonderful job of filling in any knowledge gaps and now I can confidently see myself returning to the AdTech industry. 

What advice would you give to an incoming intern at Cadent? 

Be sure to ask questions! The inner workings of AdTech are complicated and not easily understood from the outside looking in. Never feel bad about being confused or asking about something you don’t quite understand. And there is always something new to learn in every project and meeting no matter how small. 

Learn more about life at Cadent and see available roles on our Careers page. 

Meet Annissa Mu — a rising senior majoring in Computer Science and Environmental Studies at Wellesley College, MA. She joined Cadent as a Frontend Engineer Intern in the 2023 Summer Intern class and assisted in creating user interface (UI) components. In the future, she mentioned she’d love to get more experience in backend engineering and pursue a career path in full-stack development. Outside of work she enjoys dancing, playing video games, and crocheting. Recently, we sat down with Annissa to learn more about her and her experience as an intern at Cadent.  

Tell us a fun fact about yourself. 

I’ve been a competitive tennis player since I was 12 years old and I’m now captain of the Wellesley College Women’s Varsity Tennis Team. 

Where can we find you if you’re not at work or school? 

You can find me training on the tennis court or practicing in the dance studio. 

What was your favorite project you worked on during your internship and why? 

During my internship, I created a proof of concept for a timeline UI component in Aperture Platform. The purpose of the timeline is to give users a better visualization of their traffic instructions within their ad campaign. I enjoyed working on this project because the feature could be implemented and positively impact many users. It was also the perfect project scale where I felt both accomplished and challenged! 

What is one thing you wish you would have known prior to joining Cadent? 

I wish I knew more about source control since I’ve actually never had to do a collaborative project that required me to create branches, do merges, and pull requests. It would have saved me a lot of hassle. 

What advice would you give to an incoming intern at Cadent? 

When you start your internship, you’re going to feel overwhelmed and feel like you don’t know what you’re doing. Don’t panic, trust your own ability to learn, and ask questions! Managers don’t expect you to be an expert at your job right away, so don’t be worried if there’s something you don’t know. 

Learn more about life at Cadent and see available roles on our Careers page. 

Meet Emily – a lifelong New Yorker, Emily attended Binghamton University where she received her degree in Financial Economics. After holding several sales roles at CBS, Emily found her way to Cadent. Joining the team as a Sales Planner in April 2019, she later pivoted to the data side of the house as a Sr. Media Analyst. Emily has been an Advanced Reporting Manager for over two years, and her colleagues can attest to her teamwork and invaluable contributions to Cadent’s platform business. When Emily is not supporting the Product Innovations team, you are most likely to find her spending time outdoors with friends or enjoying a meal at a new restaurant in NYC. Recently, we spoke with Emily to learn more about her role and experiences since joining Cadent. 

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.   

Henrik Lundqvist, the former goalie for the New York Rangers, tapped me on the shoulder in the Delta lounge at MSG and told me he liked my jersey – which was his 2012 Winter Classic Jersey. I cried since he is my all-time favorite player. 

Where can we find you when you are not at work?   

When I’m not working you can find me on the Upper East Side, usually walking the East River or in Central Park, or trying new restaurants around the city. 

What is an organization or cause that’s important to you?  

One of my best friends was diagnosed with cancer while we were in college, but she has now been cancer free for 6 years! She formed a Cycle for Survival team, Fight Like a Girl, and each year we raise money for rare cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering. To date, our team has raised over $87,000. This year we are doing two rides – one earlier this month and our second at the end of April, at Wollman Rink in Central Park. In 2021, to celebrate her five-year anniversary of being cancer free, she wanted to go sky diving, which is where the picture is from. 

What is the most interesting part of your job?  

The most interesting part of my job is that it’s always a puzzle. A big function of the Product Innovations team is nimble problem-solving. I can be working on a data processing issue with the engineering team at the beginning of the week, develop reporting solutions for a new client request in the middle of the week, and finish the week outlining a new product offering. 

What is one thing you wish you would have known prior to joining Cadent?  

Looking back, it would have been interesting to gain insight into how much my career path was going to evolve by joining Cadent. I started as a sales planner coming from a background of traditional TV buying on the Client Services team. I was then able to take what I was learning with Addressable TV reporting and pivot onto what was our Analytics team, which is where I discovered how much I enjoyed curating a story via data. 

Since starting to work at Cadent, how has your view on TV changed?   

Since starting at Cadent my view of the power of TV has changed. Coming from a traditional media background, I wasn’t exposed to the idea of the path of viewership leading to consumer actions. At Cadent, by overlaying data on TV buys, we are able to provide clients with deterministic findings that demonstrate the impact of their media. Seeing how data can be leveraged to highlight how consumer behavior is affected after ad exposure has been both eye-opening and fascinating. 

Learn more about life at Cadent and see available roles on our Careers page. 

February is Black History Month. Over the course of the month, Cadent has dedicated time to celebrating the accomplishments, stories, and legacies of those in the Black community. It is important to remember the efforts, events, and people that combated inequality and promoted success among Black Americans. This February also marks the first full year of Cadent’s Black employee resource group, the Black Employee Network (BEN)! 

Recently, members of the BEN team visited the African American Museum in Philadelphia to understand how it connects black history with the community. Below, Khadijah Freeman, Senior Support Analyst, and DiShawn Vance, Talent Acquisition Specialist share their reflection on the group’s experience at the museum. 

Khadijah: I had a great day at the AAMP. The first thing that stood out to me was simply how much I didn’t know. Philadelphia has a rich history – one that goes far beyond William Penn, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell. While America was being formed in the 18th century, Philadelphia was the center of the abolitionist movement and had the largest free Black population.  

It was powerful to see the virtual storytelling, as it evoked the deep emotion and excitement that you can’t always get from reading a page in a book. 

We finished our visit by viewing the contemporary art display. I could look at this particular drawing (below) all day.  

Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I encourage all ‘Colors and Classes’ to visit. 

DiShawn: My time in the museum ended up being more than just learning about some of the hardships Black people have endured – it was about resilience and inspiration.   

I got to know about people like James Forten, an African American abolitionist and wealthy businessman in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was born free in the city and became a sailmaker after the American Revolutionary War. It was said that the people of Philadelphia didn’t like him because he hired individuals of all races to work in his shop. He cared nothing about skin color, but instead focused on a person’s integrity and work ethic.    

Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield was an American singer considered the best-known Black concert artist of her time. She was freed but went back to work for her mistress (slave owner’s wife) because it was the only life she’d known, but Elizabeth continued to entertain others through song. She went on to perform in front of large crowds. However, in some spaces, she’d tell her loved ones not to attend because they would be called slurs.    

The Black History theme for 2023 is Resilience, and during the tour, I saw that throughout history, many people looked at Black people for what they could do for them rather than who they were. People in our community suffered from unfortunate situations yet despite these obstacles, they still chose to sing, paint, and educate themselves. They stayed resilient and built a culture around being themselves, continuing to look for something better for themselves and their families.    

The museum shows a time-lapse of how we’ve evolved from belonging to someone to living for ourselves. The people of the Black community invented machines, technology, and hygiene products, as well as beautiful works of art, music, and more. It’s an inspiration to see how we stay humble and live in our truth. I learned that sometimes, you must go through painful situations to pave a way for those that come after you. 

Learn more about life at Cadent.