2014 Honoree

Amy Kule

Group VP, National Events & Partnership Marketing, Macy's

“If women can truly translate the success of a few…I think women will be able to develop a richer, more dynamic power base.”

Who inspires you the most?

Anyone who dedicates themselves to selflessly give back to others.

What do you now know about yourself that you wish you knew ten/fifteen/twenty years ago?

It was drummed into me at an early age that there was great value in being financially independent. Knowing that I was going to land on my feet and find safety in being self sufficient would have been a calming message to hear although I’m not sure I would have listened.

Fill in the blank: You can never have enough _______.

Time with my dog (or red licorice).

What City best describes your personality?

Any city that is frenetic at times, and calming at others.

What gets you through even the toughest days and what are you most grateful for?

I work with some of the most amazingly talented, dedicated and creative people in the world, who all hold what we do in the highest regard. For the Macy’s Parade and Fireworks, the end result are events that touch millions of people and those results come after more than a years worth of hard work and planning. From the thousands of events we produce daily in-store to our larger nationally televised events, each member of the team understands that we are the current care takers of a long and rich legacy of entertainment. Macy’s events are both cultural milestones and steeped in tradition that is passed on from generation to generation. One day, we’ll pass the reigns to the next generation and I’m grateful that when we do, we will do so proudly after having carefully looked after these cherished traditions.

What socio-political women’s issue do you care about the most? Do you feel that women are typically presented fairly in the media? Why or why not?

Equal pay, equal access to capital and equal representation in Congress. There is still too much representation of women as objects versus truly powerful contributors to culture, business, politics.

Despite separation between Church & State, religion still seems to govern decisions regarding women – abortions, birth control, etc. How do we shift power over women’s bodies to women?

Changing the tone in our conversations is a good start. From the family to the classroom and finally to the media. We have to more effectively reflect the view that power over ones body is part of free choice and also bears a heavy responsibility. Second – Elect the right officials.

What is your best read? Favorite character you would most like to be?

Bob Fulton’s Amazing Soda Pop Factory. I read the book early in elementary school and I have no idea if it’s still in print. It was quite a little mystery and solidified my joy of reading. I will also dive into absolutely any historic tome by Doris Kearns Goodwin or novel by Michael Chabon.

What will it take for women to be viewed as equal to men?

In the US as in most parts of the world, it is still control of capital that determines power and equality. In certain industries women are doing quite well and because we are moving from purely technical achievement (where mainly men in the sciences and computer technology are rewarded) deeply into the era of social and BIG Data economy, women have a more dynamic role to play and now find themselves in positions of both power and high compensation, Melissa Mayer and Sheryl Sandberg are excellent examples of this. An exciting offshoot of this is more women are using their platform to invest in other women’s businesses and help others achieve their professional goals. If women can truly translate the success of a few into the broader success of many, as time goes by, I think women will be able to develop a richer, more dynamic power base. And, giving back will be key. One thing women must do is to recognize and take responsibility, own their success and broaden it to include both philanthropy and political activity.

What was your best decision to date? Worst decision?

Best: Pulling an all nighter leading up to the Parade a few years back which resulted in my buying a collectible car on eBay.
Worst: See previous answer.

Social media has exploded. How can women use it to market themselves without seeming narcissistic?

By spreading the wealth of their unique experiences and wisdom.

Write a fortune you’d like for all women to receive in a fortune cookie.

May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?

It would be a toss up between time travel and invisibility. Oh, and supreme metabolism giving me and all I deem worthy the ability to eat whatever they want without the repercussions.