Brandi Boatner: Championing Women’s Growth in 2025
Brandi Boatner is taking the reins as NYWICI’s president in 2025, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter for the organization. Boatner’s career is a testament to the power of advocacy and she’s become a pivotal voice on workplace equity and professional growth. During her appearance on NYWICI’s WomenHeard podcast, Boatner shares her vision for NYWICI this upcoming year and shares insights from her long-time role in corporate affairs at IBM. Here’s a sneak peek at the conversation.
Recognizing Overlooked Potential
Originally a pre-med physics major, Boatner eventually realized her passions lay elsewhere. “I was like, ‘I’ve got to talk to people,’” she says. “I cannot be in the lab.” This revelation led her to media and public relations. Right out of college, she got a job at IBM—and she’s been there ever since.
More than 15 years after starting at the company, Boatner has redefined roles within IBM to align with the constantly evolving media landscape. Whether she’s creating much-needed positions, like a Digital Experience Manager job, or figuring out new ways to tell stories through her current Influencer Communications role, she has pioneered initiatives that shape how IBM connects with content creators and their communities.
Success often lies in recognizing potential where others overlook possibilities. It requires thinking creatively, anticipating needs, and finding innovative solutions. “You have to master the art of seeing things unseen,” Boatner says. “Whether you’re looking at trends, whether you’re looking at data—the data, the trends—tell a story.” She suggests always looking out for these things and figuring out what’s there to make a business case.
Advocacy in the Workplace
Boatner recognizes the importance of creating a workplace environment that empowers employees at every level. As part of that, she believes it’s crucial to provide entry-level employees with managerial experiences early on to create a more inclusive pipeline of leadership opportunities.
For women entering the workforce, Boatner’s advice is to stay vocal, ask
questions, and put your foot on the gas to accelerate action. And whether you’re in an office or working from home, she highlights the need for self-advocacy. “Do what needs to be
done so that you are steering the course of your career and your mobility,” she says.
NYWICI in 2025
As the incoming president of NYWICI, Brandi envisions an empowered and innovative membership base that invokes change and excitement. Her goals include enhancing the member experience, strengthening support across all career levels, and progressing the transformative strategy of Laura Brusca, NYWICI’s previous president.
“I want our members for New York Women in Communications to feel empowered,” she says. “I want our members to be excited about the future.”
Thank you to Brandi Boatner for joining us! For the full interview, listen to NYWICI’s WomenHeard podcast.
